Let’s Get Back on the Bike!
Picture this, lockdowns are a distant memory, the weather is clearing up and it’s time to dust off your leathers and get your motorcycle back on the open road. If you’re like us and simply can’t wait any longer to get back riding, here’s five key tips that will ensure your motorcycle performs well and stays healthy after a long wait in the garage.
Get your bike protected from eric, with our Motorbike Insurance today.
Had a service recently?
Like any vehicle, if a motorcycle has sat idle in a garage for many months, it is most likely overdue for some TLC. It’s probably best to double-check when it was last serviced and consider either taking it in for a service before you store it away for winter, or booking it in for a service before you take it out in spring.
Are you pumped to hit the roads?
Tyre pressure has a major impact on the handling and performance of your bike. Whilst in hibernation in your garage over Winter, it is not uncommon for tyre pressures to lower, resulting in poor handling and also exposing your rims to damage from poor road conditions. Have you checked yours?
Check your fuel!
Running a motorcycle with idle, untreated and old fuel can cause serious damage to any bike, so we’ll tackle that first. If you correctly store your bike for the winter by draining the fuel tank or using a fuel stabilizer, kudos to you! You’re a step ahead than most.
If you’ve never prepared your tank for winter storage, we suggest draining your tank (safely) as soon as possible, have a check inside for any rust or built-up gunk that could cause issues down the road, and re-fill your tank with a high-octane fuel before starting up again. Running fresh, clean petrol throughout the system will make sure your motorcycle performs to the best of its ability.
Time for some Spring Cleaning!
Just like a newborn child, motorcycles appreciate care and compassion. Giving your bike a thorough scrub and wax before hitting the road again can help prolong the life of the bike and protect your investment from many hazards on the road, including rocks, debris and even the weather!
Let it warm up!
Don’t forget that by the time spring hits, your bike has been sitting there for months, unmoved and gathering dust. Warming up the bike before your first big ride will drastically improve the performance of the bike than if you were to kick it into gear and jump straight on. Running a bike at a less-than-ideal temperature can sometimes lead to condensation, which could bring the life expectancy of your bike down. We know it’s a hard thing to do, however, waiting for 5 minutes after starting it up will be doing both you and your motorcycle a huge favour.
At eric, we love motorcycles, if you’re itching to get back out on the open highways and would like some reassurance knowing that you and your bike are protected, visit us at https://ericinsurance.com.au/ to find out how we can help you out.
This article may contain general financial product advice that does not take into account your personal financial circumstance. Make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decisions about your insurance.