The frigid and snowy days of winter are over for now, and those who own motorcycles have one thing on their minds: it’s finally time to break out the bike again! As the weather gets more seasonable and overall driving conditions improve, many motorcyclists are chomping at the bit to take a ride. But in between pulling your bike out of storage and hitting the roads, there are a few things you should do to prepare for motorcycle season. From brushing up on your riding skills to checking the bike for any necessary repairs, review the following checklist.
Prepare for Motorcycle Season: A To-Do List
When it comes to road safety—especially for motorcyclists—you can never be too prepared. Plan on doing these three things before you even dream of going full throttle this spring.
1. Inspect Your Bike
Likely, the most obvious step in preparing for the season is inspecting your bike. Hopefully everything is just as you left it, but you never know what a few months in hibernation can do. So, what exactly should you be checking? If you’re not already familiar with the abbreviation T-CLOCS, it stands for:
- Tires
- Controls
- Lights and electronics
- Oil and other fluids
- Chassis
- Stands
If anything seems off or isn’t working, bring it into the shop to get serviced.
2. Double-Check Your Gear
Of course, your bike itself isn’t the only thing you should be taking a close look at to prepare for motorcycle season. Carefully examine all your riding gear to ensure it still does the job. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Does it still fit?
- Are the stitching and material of the jacket, chaps, or riding suit still in good shape?
- Are all the zippers, snaps, belts, and other hardware in working order?
- Is the helmet damaged? Is it too old (5+ years)?
Don’t skimp on this safety check. Repair or replace any worn-out gear to keep yourself safe all season long. Plus, if you haven’t already, consider investing in personal property insurance for your motorcycle—this will cover the costs of replacing riding gear that is lost or stolen.
3. Refresh Your Skills
Even the most experienced motorcyclists may get a little rusty in the off-season. Regardless of whether you’re a riding veteran or a relative newbie, your brain will likely be a little foggy after months away from your bike. Get yourself up to speed by practicing these basic skills:
- Braking
- Swerving
- Cornering and counter-steering
- Avoiding obstacles
- Scanning for hazards
And since you can never be too safe, it’s also a good idea to review materials from your motorcycle safety course or brush up on general motorcycle safety tips. You’ll find that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has a lot of great resources designed to keep bikers safe.
First-Timers: What to Know About Insuring Your Motorcycle
If you’re new to motorcycling and just bought a bike, you have even more to do in preparation for that first ride; this includes getting adequate insurance coverage. Motorcycle insurance is required in 49 of the 50 states (Florida being the exception), and yes, it is different from car insurance.
No matter the weather, season, or circumstance, you should be able to rest assured that you and your motorcycle are protected at all times. With warmer and sunnier days on the horizon, you won’t want to miss a single opportunity to get on that bike and hit the open roads. Be sure you prepare for motorcycle season now—including reviewing your motorcycle insurance policy—so it doesn’t interfere with your limited riding time!
This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.