--- title: "How to Get Your Motorcycle in Shape for Spring" description: "When it comes to getting your motorcycle into shape before Spring begins, The Drive has the maintenance checklist for you to follow." date: "2022-03-29" modified: "2022-03-29" authors: - name: "Kara Snow" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/kara-snow" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/44615/how-to-get-your-motorcycle-in-shape-for-spring" categories: - "Motorcycles" - "The Garage" tags: - "commerce" - "NoAds" --- # How to Get Your Motorcycle in Shape for Spring ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* I could hear it, but I couldn't believe it. A thunderous wave of hundreds of rumbling hoofbeats coming my way, shaking the air and making the asphalt vibrate. Buffalo? But this was Germany! And although there was still enough snow on the ground to [*skilanglauf*]() to the market, the herd of happy Harley-Davidson riders signaled to me and the entire town of Katzwang that spring was here. Time to get riding! I witnessed that unforgettable sight a few years ago. Seeing all those happy bikers enjoying the first rides of spring reminded me that the best way to get back on the road after months of hibernation is by giving my own bike a thorough checkup. A maintenance checklist is just the ticket. It's a guideline to help you go through the various systems in your bike and make sure they're ready for the long riding days ahead. It helps if you settled in your motorcycle properly for the winter. Not all of us are that conscientious, of course. But we can learn better habits, starting with this springtime maintenance guide. ## Maintenance Basics **Estimated Time Needed:** If you're really thorough, expect these services to take you at least half a day. **Skill Level****:** Beginner **Vehicle System****:** Overall overhaul ## Motorcycle Maintenance Safety Just as you need the proper gear for riding, sprucing up your motorcycle for the beginning of the warmer-weather riding season also requires the correct equipment. - [Eye protection](). Get carburetor cleaner in your eye once, and you'll remember safety glasses forever after. - [Gloves](). There’s no need to ruin your manicure. Disposable nitrile gloves will keep your paws clean, and they have a good grip for shop work. These are also latex and powder-free. - [Coveralls](). Keep your riding clothes nice. Throw on a pair of roomy coveralls before you get elbows deep in your motorcycle. - [Microfiber towels](). These are for cleaning up your ride at the end. Don't use them for oil, gas, or other liquids from your bike. - [Disposable shop towels](). These are much better for cleaning up spills and solvents. - [First-aid kit](). Get one that mounts on the wall of your garage and forget about it. The idea is that you'll never need a first-aid kit unless you don't have one. Before you get down on the ground next to your bike or begin any repairs, make sure it is secure on the [center stand](), [paddock stand](), or [lift]() and not just on the side stand. Make sure you’re safely away from moving cars and motorcycles, as you’ll probably need to sit or lie on the ground to perform some of these tasks. ## Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist Each one of these tasks requires a separate set of tools and parts. The included links go over every task specifically, including the equipment necessary. If you're unsure what your particular motorcycle requires, consult your owner's manual. ![message-editor%2F1647463423619-gaschecklist.jpg]() *That old gas isn't going to siphon itself. , *Kara Snow** ### Drain and Replace Fuel Old gas really sucks. It gums up your bike's works, and ethanol in the fuel can damage your fuel intake components. You can drain the old gas either with a siphon or by undoing the fuel line from the carburetor or before the injection system. I usually just add that small amount of gas to my car. My Camaro will hardly notice a little old gas in an almost full tank. Once you've filled your bike's tank with fresh petrol, go ahead and replace your spark plugs. New plugs are a small price to pay for a fresh start. ![message-editor%2F1647463537653-batterychecklist.jpg]() *A brand-new sealed battery is a great thing., *Kara Snow** ### [Charge or Replace the Battery]() Batteries are meant to last about five years, but there are a bunch of reasons they may not make it through the winter. Check the voltage on the battery and either recharge it or replace it. If your current battery is in good shape, clean the terminals and apply some dielectric grease. Take this time to also check your fuses. ![message-editor%2F1647462909685-enginechecklist.jpg]() *The engine is clean, but what about that gear oil?, *Kara Snow** ### [Change the Oil and Oil Filter]() The perfect time to pump fresh blood into your bike's veins is at the beginning of the long riding season. Check other fluids, such as brake fluid and liquid cooling system. While you're at it, go ahead and change out the air and fuel filters if you haven't already done so. ![message-editor%2F1647462680759-chainchecklist.jpg]() *The chain on my 1964 Norton Atlas is looking a little gritty., *Kara Snow** ### Adjust Your Chain Your chain (or whatever final drive your bike uses to get down the road) needs some attention right about now. Cleaning and lubing your chain come right after checking it for slack. ![message-editor%2F1647462654495-tirechecklist.jpg]() *Cracks like these can become more severe over time., *Kara Snow** ### Inspect the Tires Tires are so much more important to your safety on a motorcycle than a car, [which is really saying something](). When you pull out your bike from storage, check the sidewalls for dry rot or cracks. Measure your tread depth in case it's time for a new set. If all else looks good on the pair you have, use a tire gauge to see if you lost any air over the long cold months. ![message-editor%2F1647462607692-controlschecklist.jpg]() *Check your throttle, clutch, and brake cables., *Kara Snow** ### Inspect Controls Cables can become slack and useless if they're under stress for a long period. Check your clutch, brake, throttle, choke, and any other cables for responsiveness and any frayed bits. Now is a good time to also check your brake discs or drums as well as the lights and the horn. ![message-editor%2F1647462563543-washchecklist.jpg]() *A clean bike is a happy bike. , *Kara Snow** ### Wash That Bike You're not done yet. It's time to break out the fresh jar of elbow grease. Show off your motorcycle's best side by taking pride in its appearance. Be careful with soap and water near the engine and electronics. My favorite [motorcycle cleaner]() is Motul's Wash & Wax. Just spray it on and buff it off with a clean microfiber. You can use it on your seat, paint, brightwork, headlight glass, any part of the bike you want to shine up. Oh, and it has a very pleasant smell. ## Extra Tips for Spring Motorcycle Maintenance - While you're getting your bike together, it's also time to inspect your riding gear. Make sure you're outfitted properly for the changing weather of the new season. - This goes double for melon protection. When was the last time you gave your helmet a close inspection? You might be riding with out-of-spec headgear. Make sure to check the dates and condition of your helmet and come to the roadways prepared. - If you have long gaps in your riding time — say, during the frigid winter months — it's worth going over riding basics to get your groove back. Take it easy on your first few trips out, until you and and your motorcycle are properly reacquainted. - Are your tags up to date? Don't let law enforcement pour cold water on your good time. Make sure your license, registration, and insurance are good to go before you ride away. - While we're at it, now's a great time to review the fastest and safest way to transport your motorcycle. Managing editor Jonathon Klein has [got you covered]() there. ## Video When it's time to get down to business, check out this video by our friends at [RevZilla](). They've got excellent tips on springtime motorcycle maintenance, and the video is less than seven minutes long. https://youtube.com/embed/Piuj7hCH1fA ## FAQs About Motorcycle Maintenance You’ve got questions. *The Drive* has answers. ## Let’s Talk: Comment Below and Reach Out to the Guides & Gear Editors We’re here to be expert guides in everything how-to and product-related. Use us, compliment us, yell at us. Comment below, and let’s talk. ## Author Kara Snow is a former commerce editor for *The Drive*. She has worked for newspapers and automotive publications for more than 25 years—from beat reporter to editor-in-chief. She's also a motorcycle mechanic and former motorcycle shop owner. She has been restoring cars and bikes for decades. Snow is known in the U.S. and abroad for her expertise with Italian two-wheeled, two-stroke machines such as Vespas and Lambrettas, she runs and helps organize vintage scooter rallies, and for several years Snow was a judge at motorcycle concours competitions in Carmel and Del Mar, California. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()