Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating and freeing. After a long winter and a wet spring, it can be tough to wait for those first long rides on the open road.
While you may have managed to sneak in a few quick rides as the weather warmed up, as summer approaches, you can look forward to more rides and longer adventures. As you prepare for your next summer adventure, it is a good idea to make sure your bike is as ready as you are.
Here’s what you should know about getting ready for summer rides on your motorcycle.
Make time for maintenance
Sitting for the winter can be tough on your motorcycle. Before you take it out, it is a good idea to inspect your bike, paying attention to components, such as:
- Tires
- Battery
- Lights
- Fluids and filters
Depending on how you prepared your motorcycle for the winter, you may have more or less maintenance to do to get it ready for another summer season.
Inspect your safety gear
Hopefully, last season was a safe one, and none of your gear saw the wear and tear that can come with an accident. Regardless, it is important to look everything over, including:
- Checking your helmet for cracks and warping
- Inspecting leatherwear and conditioning it to avoid weak spots and drying
- Checking boots for wearing and scuffs
Your helmet is one of the most critical pieces of your safety gear. In addition to looking for signs of wear, you should also replace your helmet after any crash (even if you did not hit your head) and every five years.
It is not always possible to avoid a motorcycle crash, but you can take steps to make sure you have a safe ride. If you are in a collision, it is essential to talk to an experienced attorney who understands how to help you.