Now that fall is upon us, many motorcycle owners face the
task of preparing their bike for the brisk weather. In some parts of the
country, this means storms and snowfall. For seasonal riders, keeping your bike
in top condition should include a maintenance program before storing it for the
winter. Likewise, your insurance policy may need some adjustments for best
results.
Here are some maintenance issues to consider if you don’t
ride your motorcycle year round.
Remove the battery. If you plan on storing your
bike, you should remove the battery. If you ride less frequently due to
inclement weather, charge the battery at least once every two weeks. Be sure you
charge the battery away from open flames or sparks as these could cause an
explosion.
Check your fluids. Fluids tend to change consistency
when left in your motorcycle for long stretches of time. Therefore, you should
change your oil at the end of the riding season. Fill the tank with fresh fuel,
and add winterizing fuel conditioner.
Mufflers and exhaust. Bear in mind that your mufflers and exhaust are subject to rust
when they’re not in use, which can be costly. To avoid money woes down the
line, spray a light oil into the ends of the muffler and drain holes. Cover the
ends of the exhaust pipes so that moisture can’t get in.
Check your tires. Don’t overlook your tire
pressure. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper gauge for winter
storage. The air in the tires will contract with the cold weather, and if your
tires are underinflated to begin with, this can cause problems.
In many parts of the U.S., roads slick with ice or
clogged with snow can make it impractical to ride your bike. Usually, insurance
companies take these seasonal concerns into consideration and may bill your
premium accordingly. This is commonly known as a “pay-as-you-ride” policy.
Although your policy remains in effect 12 months of the year, you are only
charged during the typical riding months.
If you only plan to park your motorbike for a month or
two, there’s no great advantage to cancelling your policy when cold weather
rolls around. If you maintain a good driving record, it’s best to leave your
policy in effect year round. There’s no additional cost and you get uninterrupted
policy coverage that guards against theft.
