Your Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in the Fall

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.