Getting Ready for the Motorcycle Season: Jason's Top 5 Tips

As Seen in Thunder Road Magazine

 

 

In spite of the cold and snow, I know a lot of motorcyclists are getting ready for this year’s riding season. I know I’m dying to get back out on the open road, and hoping we won’t have much longer to wait. There’s so much you can do to get ready for the season, I thought I would share my “Top 5” tips to help get you started.

 

#1: Insurance. I know insurance isn’t sexy, but it is so important to make sure your bike is properly insured before you even think of going out for a ride. I know some people cancel their insurance policies, or just keep their comprehensive coverage during the winter. As I’ve said before, this is not recommended. If you cancel your insurance outright and something happens to your bike while it’s on your property (think flood, fire, or theft), your homeowner’s insurance does not cover your motorcycle. If you get in a wreck with just comprehensive coverage on the bike, you might be in big trouble: Comprehensive coverage won’t pay for repairs to your bike if you get in a wreck, and you’re not legal to ride on the street without bodily injury coverage. Don’t risk it! Even a quick trip to the party store could ruin your whole season if your insurance isn’t fully up to date. I provide more insurance information on my website at www.motorcyclelawyermichigan.com/Insurance.html.

 

#2: Tires. Michigan has had some of the coldest temperatures ever this winter, so it’s a good idea to inspect your tires thoroughly before going out to ride. Look for cracks, flat spots, or any other damage. Get yourself an accurate tire gauge, and check tire pressure when your tires are cold, before you’ve ridden more than a few miles. If you need a tire gauge, visit my website at www.motorcyclelawyermichigan.com/20.html and request one, along with our new Biker Card* and other freebies we have available. Remember, tire pressure is linked to the temperature outside; if it’s really cold or really warm compared to your last ride, check your tires again. NHTSA recommends checking tire pressure at least once per week. Most tires have an ideal PSI range stamped right on them, and your owner’s manual can tell you more about adjusting your tire pressure according to the load and the temperature.

 

#3: Engine, brakes, and battery. What you have to do to get your bike ready now depends a lot on what you did to get it ready for winter storage. If you did some prep before putting it to bed for the winter, you should still do a full circle check to make sure everything is working properly. Check your lights and turn signals. If you didn’t change the oil and filter before winter, you should do so now. Check your brakes, too, to make sure they’re working properly and not worn. Before and after you start the engine, look for fluid leaks. Make sure your battery is topped up (where applicable), fully charged, and undamaged.

 

#4: Gear. This time of year is full of motorcycle events and swap meets, a great way to get out and see what’s new for this season, or pick up the gear you’ve been missing. A biker’s gear is as personal as their ride, and there are a lot of products available to help make your riding season more fun and more comfortable. I always carry my phone, a waterproof shell, and our Biker Card* which has instructions for what to do in the event of a crash and also gets me discounts at a bunch of different stores and restaurants. If you want a Biker Card, visit www.motorcyclelawyermichigan.com/20.html to request one.

#5: Routes. Have you seen the roads out there? After a winter like this, it’s no surprise they’re pretty torn up, and potholes can be a real problem for motorcycles. Before the riding season really gets underway, start paying attention to the condition of the road when you go out in your car. Keep an eye out for smoother routes and areas that haven’t been so badly damaged by the snow and ice, and stick to those for your first few rides. Once the season gets into full swing, more and more roads will be repaired, giving us more and more pothole-free routes to take. If you’re looking for new rides to try, I’ve posted a list of Michigan’s best rides on my website, www.motorcyclelawyermichigan.com/MIBestRides.html.

 

Take it easy out there! Ease into full riding by practicing your braking and maneuvers in a safe location like a parking lot before taking it to the streets. These tips should help you get off to a great start and may even extend your season and the life of your bike, too.

 

 

 

 

*The Motorcycle Lawyer’s Biker Card is not affiliated with the Michigan Thunder Run Ride Card Program.