Posted by Bob C - Chapter Educator NYM on February 19, 2000 at 16:19:28:

Getting Ready for Spring!

Well, you wouldn't believe it if you look outside. Roughly 8" of snow yesterday, followed by freezing rain, sleet and some more snow, and I just came in from plowing. However, very soon it will be riding weather and believe it or not, NOW is the time to begin getting your motorcycle AND yourself ready for Spring! Don't wait until the last minute and wind up skipping critical items because you are in a rush, or waiting 3 or 4 weeks to get into your favorite Motorcycle shop.

First, usually the most neglected item... The battery. Make sure the electrolite level is between the two lines. If not fill it with Distilled Water and put it on slow charge (about 2 Amps.) overnight.

Once the battery is charged, perform the T-CLOCK Inspection. It is detailed here:

T ires; Tread condition, wear, pressure (they WILL be low after the cold winter) cuts, blisters, objects or cracks in tread. Wheels; cracks, bent, etc.
C ontrols; Condition and operation. Choke and throttle free.
L ights; Check all lights including high and low beams, driving lights, BOTH brake light switches.
O il; Check or Change oil, filter and fluids (clutch, brake, final drive, coolant) if not done recently. Look for leaks. Check fuel level.
C hassis; Frame, steering head bearings (smooth, no detents or tight spots, no excessive play). Suspension operation and air pressure. Fork seals. Check tow hitch bolts including the large nut on the tow ball.
K ickstand and Centerstand; Cracks bent, return spring tension, safety cut out switch (if equipped).

In addition to the T-Clock inspection, Check the air intake and exhaust for critters. Mice think these make an excellent winter condo. Replace paper air filter or clean and oil K&N air filter. Timing belts should be changed if the bike is getting older or has a lot of miles. Check your alternator brushes if over 50,000 miles on a 1500. Install all those goodies you got for Christmas...

Check the condition of the windshield for scratches, cracks, haze. Replace if necessary.
Check and organize your tool kit, first aid kit, maps and even your tapes, CDs and other "carry along necessities". Put new batteries in your flashlight (or buy a small flashlight).
Clean your cassette tape head and rollers with alcohol on a Q tip and try your radio... reset your favorite stations.

Fix those annoying little things that you just didn't have time to do during last season.

Get out the Pro Honda Cleaner/Polish and have at it!

Other important things to check on your motorcycle:

Registration; All NY motorcycle registrations expire April 30. Don't forget your trailer(s) which all expire December 31. Nothing like hooking up Friday night for that Spring Getaway and finding your trailer plate expired.
Safety Inspection; Expires the last day of the month punched.
Insurance; Is it current? Paid? If it renews soon, shop for better coverage or a better deal. Planning a trip to Canada? Ask your agent for a Canadian Interprovincial Insurance Card... It's free. If you have an accident in Canada without one, they can make your life miserable.

Your trailer is part of the deal too. Check your trailer tires, lights, suspension and hitch. While you are at it, lubricate the locks and hitch mechanisim. Trailer wheelbearings should be cleaned, inspected and repacked every two years.

OK, the bike is ready to go... What about YOU and your CO-RIDER?

Check out your riding clothing... Jacket, liner, boots, gloves. Check for torn seams, loose snaps, balky zippers, etc. Any "Closet Shrink" this winter? How about your rain suit, electrics, etc. Check it all out and organize it. If you are buying clothing, remember that bright colors and retro-reflective material make you easier to see. If you frequent heavy traffic areas, consider a reflective vest... they work!

Check your helmet carefully... DOT rating is mandatory, SNELL is better. Reflective material (4 square inches, any color, on each side) is required by NY law and makes you more visible. Replace your helmet if it is banged up (dropping a helmet from waist height can cause unseen damage to the protective properties of a helmet), doesn't fit well or if over 5 years old (deteriorated). Make sure the retainer straps are not frayed. Minor fraying can be stopped with a gas cigarette lighter but if the strap has major fraying, the helmet should be replaced.

Check to make sure visor snaps are secure and check your visor for cracks or scratches and replace it if it shows signs of age. Clear visors are best due to better visibility at night. Check your sun glasses and if they are perscription, make sure they are up to date. Check your regular glasses too. Now is the time to get them updated if necessary. Remember that a windshield or regular glasses do not meet the requirements for eye protection in NY. Legally you must wear a visor, shield, goggles or "approved" safety glasses.

Wait until the roads are fairly clean of salt, sand and winter's wrath. Dress warm... remember when the sun goes down or behind a cloud it gets cool quickly. After several months of four wheeler, your motorcycle skills are probably a little rusty. Take it easy the first trip out. Watch out for frost heaves, pot holes and leftover salt and sand on curves and in intersections. Remember that other drivers have not been dealing with motorcycles for several months. Then, RIDE, RIDE, RIDE!

Sign up to take an Experienced Rider Course as soon as you can. No matter how much experience you have, you will polish up skills that can and will save your life.

Bob C
Chapter Educator NYM
MSF Instructor