Have you been thinking about spring riding since you put your bike away for the winter? You don’t have to hide it: as the snow melts and temperatures rise, we’re all itching to get outside. What better way to enjoy the better weather than to get out on the open road? Whether your motorcycle is your main mode of transportation or the vehicle you take when you want to have a bit of fun on the road, making sure your bike is ready for the road is a must.
When getting your bike ready for some spring riding, here are a few key thoughts that you will want to keep in mind before you get ready for your next ride!
Tuning Your Bike Matters
Let’s start with some conventional wisdom: taking your bike out of winter storage means giving it a tune up. Start by checking all of your bike’s fluid levels, take the battery out for inspection, and have a look at your spark plugs. Clean your motorcycle chain, check your clutch, and inspect your tires for any punctures or deformities.
You will also want to use the right cleaners for the job. What you wax your chrome, condition your leather, and wash your engine with will greatly depend on the type of motorcycle you have and the age of the bike. You’ll especially want to be careful of what types of cleaners you use if you have a vintage bike, as high pressure washes can damage your bike and impact how smooth your rides are.
After you’ve inspected your bike, you may notice that some of your parts need to be replaced, or maybe you’ve owned your bike for a while and are looking for some easy ways to upgrade your ride. Fortunately, with the growing market for aftermarket parts, it’s easy to get a new handlebar, change out your exhaust, or get a custom paint job to take your ride to the next level without having to get a whole new bike.
DID YOU KNOW? When purchasing insurance for your bike, you can also add insurance for your aftermarket modifications? We cover everything from bars to paint and custom decals, so you can ride on without the worry.
The Right Gear Makes All The Difference
Getting out on the road means a lot of things: freedom from the restrictions of a car, an amazing time with your friends, and a lot of choice in where you can go. It also means sharing the road with cars, large trucks, and other motorcyclists, so you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got the right gear to protect you while you’re out on the road. Helmets are a must, and ones with a plastic face shield are especially great on highways right after the spring thaw. A good set of leathers—pants, jacket, boots, and gloves—will go a long way in supporting an awesome ride, so be sure to inspect the ones that you have in order to make sure that they are still in good shape.
If you enjoy longer rides to farther destinations, you will want to check your saddlebags too (or look at purchasing one!). Saddlebags can be fun and infinitely functional, holding everything from a spare change of clothes to a first aid kit and repair tools for the road. When getting ready for your next ride, make sure your bags are clean and a good fit for your bike: not every bike can take every kind of saddlebag, so shop around and do your research on what works for your setup.
Your gear is an essential part of your ride, but did you know that it can also be covered by your insurance in case of loss or theft? Contact us to find out how you can add coverage for your helmet and saddlebags!
Brush Up On Your Skills
Winters in Canada can be long, and the six to eight months between rides can make it feel like it’s been a decade since you’ve been on your bike. While you’re looking at tuning up your bike, you will want to think about your own skills and how long you’ve been away from the bike.
Whether it’s just been a winter or several seasons since your last ride, it may be worth taking a refresher course to brush up on your skills and learn something you can try out on your next ride. There are many schools in Canada that offer advanced rider training for riders returning to the bike after a long hiatus. If you’ve never taken a riding course before, or this spring will be your first time ever on a bike, you will definitely want to sign up. Not only are these courses great for learning how to handle your bike and a great way to meet other riders in your area, completing your rider training can also have long term benefits.
DID YOU KNOW? Completing your rider training can help reduce your motorcycle insurance by up to 15%. Contact us today to see if you can be saving more on your insurance.
