Ready your motorcycle for spring

But make sure to get your motorcycle properly prepared before taking it out

Apr 04, 2009

Special to the Star

The crocuses and tulips are peeking out of our flower beds, the three-metre snowbank at the end of our driveway is finally gone and raccoons are molesting our bird feeders.

That means the Leafs are out of the playoffs and it's almost riding season.

On a scale of one to 10, the recent weather has been a soft "three" with rain, wind and below seasonal temperatures. Even so, 6C in early April is more palatable than the same temperature in October as we look eagerly towards summer riding.

If you properly stored your motorcycle last fall, all you have to do is reinstall the battery, add some fresh fuel and go. Right?

Wrong.

First, thoroughly wash the motorcycle. Start at one end and work your way to the other. Perform a visual inspection to ensure everything is in order. Double check all lights, look for fluid leaks, worn parts and eyeball the thickness of the brake pads in the caliper to make sure you've got enough brakes.

After a good scrubbing, it's time to wax. Early in the season, a good coat of wax will protect painted and chromed surfaces from the sand and salt residue that's still on the roads.

If you didn't change the oil and filter last fall (shame on you), do it now. Lube the cables and pivot points. You should have done this also in the fall but now is better than never and a commercially-made cable lubing device makes the job a snap. Cables work better, last longer and have a lighter, more progressive feel when properly lubed. Plus, it's safer – they're not going to bind.

Lube and adjust the chain and, finally, visually inspect the tires and set tire pressures. This should be part of your weekly ritual anyway.

For the first few rides, be aware of winter's residue of sand, salt and accumulated road grunge. We need several good rains to clear debris from the streets – riding around town shouldn't resemble the Syracuse Mile horse track, with one foot down and the bike sideways in the dirt.

Remember that cage drivers aren't aware of us at the best of times and we haven't been visible for a few months.

Out of sight, out of mind but hopefully not in the grille or side door. Be on red alert in high-risk areas – which is any place but your driveway.

Your riding skills will be rusty after the winter's layoff so leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front, use the brakes gently and early, and strive for smoothness on all controls. Ease back into midsummer form gradually and all will be well with the world again.

I'm not your mother so I'm not going to tell you exactly how to dress. Just remember that wind chill plays a role once you're mobile so wear layers and plug in the electric clothes if you've got 'em.

Ski shops are a great source of clothing that's warm and not bulky – from long underwear to balaclavas that fit easily under your helmet to keep that vulnerable neck area warm and toasty. After dark, the temperature may dip below freezing so watch for any leftover snow melt or water on the road.

Toronto Star