For those of us who own any type of Motorcycle, the countdown to riding weather began a long time ago. Of course, there was this thing called ‘winter’ that we had to survive, but with each passing day, our passion for the open road gets closer to reality. Many of these preparations are vital to keeping your Bike in optimal shape, and can be done in a relatively short amount of time.

Fuel System Maintenance. Old gasoline can easily be forgotten about, yet create a variety of problems down the road. The chemical stability of gasoline can deteriorate quickly, especially when sitting in a gas tank over the winter. Within a few months, certain elements in the Fuel will have already begun to evaporate, which can cause rough engine operation. As temperatures fluctuate condensation occurs and introduces water to your Fuel System, and oxygen itself can create varnish deposits which then clog fuel lines and injectors. In bikes with high compression engines, the problems mentioned above can be even more severe.

Battery Maintenance. A common issue with bikes that have been stored during the winter is dead batteries. When a Battery is fully drained, its life expectancy is reduced. One solution is to keep your battery on a trickle charger during the winter, with the ‘smart charger’ option being the most desirable. This type of charger will automatically turn off to prevent overcharging and damage to your battery. Also, lithium batteries require lithium-specific chargers. A healthy battery will keep your summer excursions stress-free.

Fluid Maintenance. Change your oil and filter, and verify Brake Fluid and coolant levels. Depending on the last time they were replaced, it’s a good idea to flush and fill brake fluid and coolant before the riding season is upon you, or at least top them off if the fluids themselves appear to be optimal condition.

Tire Maintenance. Tires are all that keep you and your bike in contact with the road, so Tire integrity is among the most essential safety considerations you could have. Check for tire wear, flat-spotting and air pressure. Anything that does no meet specifications should be replaced, as having a tire blow out at highway speeds will have catastrophic consequences.

Communications Center is excited to have winter behind us, and can also help you with your motorcycle audio, security and radar detection needs. Stop by with your bike and talk to fellow motorcycle enthusiasts about all the things you can do!