Taking Care of Your Motorcycle During Winter Storage
Winter storage can cause problems for your motorcycle, so take care of it during the cold season to prevent long-term damage. Listed below are some of the key things you should check before storing your bike. These are simple tips that you can follow to keep your bike in good condition all year round. By following these tips, you’ll be avoiding any major issues and ensuring a long and happy riding season. Keep reading to learn more!
Checking if your motorcycle battery is fully charged
To check whether your motorcycle battery is fully charged, simply connect the positive and negative terminals of the multimeter. When you have both wires connected, the meter should read 12V or 11V, or between two and four amps. If you see a voltage reading of zero, the battery is flat and needs a recharge. Similarly, if the horn is no longer as loud, the battery may need to be recharged.
Checking tire pressure
There are many reasons for checking the tire pressure on a motorcycle, but it’s important to keep in mind that the tire pressure can differ drastically depending on the temperature. As a rule, the temperature of the air rises and falls slightly with the air temperature. Every 10-degree change in air temperature decreases the inflation pressure by two percent. When this happens repeatedly, you can end up with dangerously underinflated tires. Motorcycle tire manufacturers’ recommended inflation specifications are based on cold readings. This is why they recommend checking the air pressure on the tires before riding. On the road, the inflated pressure goes up significantly.
Checking for leaks
You should check the motorcycle’s engine and check for leaks and damaged areas. Look for big scratches and missing bolts. Moreover, check the transmission and primary drive oil. If these parts have suffered any damage, it may be a sign that the motorcycle was handled roughly. Check the engine oil filter as well. You should replace any rusted or damaged parts. Look for missing fairing screws as well.
Checking for coolant
Modern motorcycle cooling systems may come into contact with a variety of materials and metals. The coolant that you use should be compatible with all of these materials and approved by the motorcycle manufacturer. You can check the coolant level by using a hydrometer or test strips from an auto parts store. Moreover, you can also use a coolant flush chemical to remove rust from the cooling system. Lastly, if your coolant has gone bad, you should add a new coolant and make sure to top it up regularly.
Checking for wear on brake pads
When it comes to checking for brake pad wear when riding your motorcycle, visual inspection is the best way to go. Look into the calipers and check the brake pads for signs of wear. You should replace the pads when the friction lining starts to wear down. You may also hear a squealing noise from the brakes. You should always make sure that your motorcycle is safe to ride in the area where you are inspecting the brakes. If you need help from an attorney because of a problem associated with the manufacturer, click here.
Checking for brake fluid
There are a few tips to remember when checking for brake fluid on your motorcycle. First, make sure that the fluid is fresh, as old fluid can be corrosive and rusty. Always add fresh fluid to the calipers, not from an open bottle. You should inspect your braking system thoroughly for uneven pad wear, cracked discs, or frayed lines. You should also check the transmission fluid level.
Taking Care of Your Motorcycle During Winter Storage