Get Ready for Spring Riding: Start of Season Checklist
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The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and the sound of engines revving back to life is in the air—you know what that means. Riding season is finally here! Like you, we can’t wait to hit the road (or trail!) and make the most of spring and summer on two wheels.
But before you twist the throttle, it’s essential to make sure your bike is ready to roll after months in storage. In this blog, we’ll walk you through our Start of Season Checklist to help you prepare for a safe and smooth ride.
General Inspection
The first step to getting your bike prepared for your first ride is to do a general, all-over visual inspection to ensure that all of your motorcycle’s parts are in good health. Look for obvious signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks.
Fluid leaks
Before hitting the road, inspect the ground beneath your motorcycle for any signs of leaking oil, coolant, or brake fluid. If you notice puddles or drips, trace them back to their source.
Frame and body
Take a walk around your bike and carefully examine the frame and body for any signs of wear or damage. Look for rust, cracks, or loose bolts that could compromise safety or performance.
Kickstand and center stand
Operate both the kickstand and center stand multiple times to ensure they move smoothly and lock securely into place.
Fluids & Lubrication
Never underestimate the importance of your motorcycle’s fluids—neglecting them can lead to performance issues, mechanical damage, and even safety risks. After months in storage, inspect all fluid levels and replace any that are low, old, or contaminated to keep your bike running smoothly and safely.
Oil and filter
Over time, old oil breaks down and can lead to engine wear or even serious damage. A fresh oil change not only protects your engine but also saves you time and money on costly repairs.
Coolant levels
Make sure your coolant system is topped off and inspect hoses for cracks, leaks, or wear. Low or contaminated coolant can lead to overheating, putting your engine at risk.
Brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can reduce braking performance. If your brake fluid appears dark or murky, it's time for replacement.
For optimal safety and performance, we recommend using high-quality brake fluid, such as EBC’s premium DOT 4.
Fuel system
If you used a fuel stabilizer before storage, your fuel should be good to go. If not, consider draining the old fuel and replacing it to avoid gumming in the injectors or carburetor.
Lubrication
If your motorcycle was stored improperly or ridden in winter conditions, the lubricants on your chain, throttle, and clutch cables may have dried out. To keep everything running smoothly and prevent premature wear, apply fresh lubricant to these critical components.
Tires & Wheels
Your tires and wheels are the only connection between your bike and the road, making their condition critical to your safety. Damage can lead to loss of traction, reduced stability, compromised braking performance, and even blowouts—all of which increase the risk of accidents. Examine them for signs of damage and replace them if necessary to help ensure a safe and controlled ride.
Tire pressure
Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, so if it’s low, inflate your tires to the recommended PSI levels.
Expert tip: Motion Pro’s easy-to-use Digital Tire Pressure Gauge makes checking your tire pressure quick, easy, and precise.
Tread depth and condition
If your tires are showing signs of age, like uneven wear, cracks, or bald spots, they will need to be replaced.
Wheels and spokes
Spin the wheels and look for any wobbles or irregular movement. Ensure the spokes are properly tensioned and tight, and examine the rims for cracks, dents, or other signs of damage.
Battery & Electrical System
Your motorcycle’s battery can gradually lose charge, especially in cold weather. After a long winter in storage, it’s important to assess your battery and electrical components to ensure they’re functioning properly. A weak or dead battery can lead to starting issues, loss of lights and signals, or even a breakdown—so inspect and charge it before hitting the road.
Battery
If you didn’t keep your battery on a trickle charger during the winter, make sure to fully charge it, or replace it if it doesn't hold a charge.
We always keep a Noco Genius Battery Charger on hand—it automatically detects a weakened battery and restores lost performance.
Lights and signals
Malfunctioning lights and signals can be dangerous, not to mention illegal. Test your headlight, brake light, turn signals, and horn to ensure that they are working properly.
Brakes & Suspension
Your brakes and suspension are vital for a safe and controlled ride. Worn or damaged brake components can drastically reduce stopping power, putting you at risk in critical moments. Equally important, a well-maintained suspension keeps your tires firmly planted on the ground, improving stability and handling.
Brake pads and rotors
Inspect your brake pads and rotors for any signs of wear or damage. If the pads are excessively thin, or if the rotors show warping, scoring, or cracks, replace them before you ride.
Front and rear brakes
Squeeze your brake lever and tap your brake pedal a few times. If your brakes feel spongy or unresponsive, you may need to bleed the brake lines to restore firm, reliable braking.
Our friends at BrakeCrafters offer this Reverse Bleeding Kit, which makes bleeding your brakes easy, quick, and hassle-free.
Inspect suspension components
Suspension is often overlooked when it comes to bike maintenance, but it shouldn’t be. Look for leaking fork seals and test the suspension travel to ensure smooth operation.
Gear Check & Final Prep
Last but not least, don’t forget to inspect your riding gear, update your registration and insurance, and take your bike for a quick test ride. These final steps are often overlooked but can make a big difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to the riding season.
Riding gear
Check your helmet, jacket, pants, boots and gloves for signs of wear and tear. Note that even if your helmet looks fine, it should be replaced every five years to ensure optimal protection.
Is it time for an upgrade? Explore our selection of DOT-approved helmets for a safe and reliable replacement.
Registration and insurance
Make sure that your registration and insurance are up-to-date. For off-road bikes, verify the expiration date on your OHV tags if your state requires them.
Test ride
Before heading out on your first long ride of the season, take a short trip around the block. Listen for unusual noises, feel for any handling issues, and make sure everything operates smoothly.
Before you swing your kickstand up and hit the road, take some time to make sure your motorcycle is in good health. Repairing or replacing old or damaged parts can go a long way in helping to make your first ride of the season safe, stress-free, and fun.
Need some more help getting the job done? Check out our maintenance collection for all the tools and supplies you need to make your at-home repairs a breeze.