Spring Moto Checklist
In Canada usually, our last ride of the year isn’t planned, we just get hit with a foot of snow and it shuts down our riding for the season. So, we’ve all been guilty for putting our bikes away for the winter either dirty, or not prepping them for the cold long storage. With Spring just around the corner and the nice weather on its way we created a 10 Step Spring Moto Checklist to get your bike ready for the first ride of the season!
Step 1: WASH + CLEAN YOUR BIKE
We recommend to start with a clean canvas before you do any type of service or maintenance. This makes it easy for you to take apart the area your working on without getting dirt or debris into places it shouldn’t be. It also helps to make it easier to identify if there’s other issues that need tending too, like bolts missing, broken parts, areas leaking oil etc.
Step 2: AIR FILTER
If your bike was put away with a dirty air filter, do a full service on the filter and start the season with a clean one.
Also, if you did put your bike away with a clean air filter, if it has sat for over a month, you’ll need to rework the oil through the filter. Oil will settle to the bottom of the foam and this can cause debris to easily pass through it. Your air filter is a key part in both the performance and the lifespan of your bike.
Any questions on how to do a filter clean/install check out the video here: https://youtu.be/AwzcMhQcous
Step 3: GAS
Did you put fuel stabilizer in your bike before parking it in the fall? If not it’s a good idea to drain your tank and pour in some fresh fuel. Over time gasoline will break down and turn into a sludgy varnish that will clog up your injectors and jets. This will make your bike run poorly or not run at all!
Step 4: OIL
If you can’t remember the last time you changed your oil you should probably just change it. Your oil is the blood inside your engine keeping all the moving parts alive, the cost of a precautionary oil change is far less than the type of damage that can occur from old oil or having the oil level being too low.
We have an Oil Change video too, so if you need any help with what is involved, check it out here: https://youtu.be/1ZwK4oz2S8M
Step 5: BRAKES
Give your front brake lever a pull and push down on the rear pedal to make sure they are working properly. If your bike is stored in a non-heated area over the winter the cold temperatures can cause seals and O-rings to shrink and allow air to sneak into the system. If your brakes feel spongey or soft go ahead and give them a bleed. This will restore your lever pressure and make sure you have new clean fluid in your brake systems. While we are on brakes, take a look down at your brake pads. If they are looking thin it’s time to put some new ones on.
Step 6: TIRES
When your bike sits for extended periods of time the pressure in the tires will go down. Make sure to check the pressure and pump some air into them if needed. We recommend 12-14 PSI for the track and 8-12 PSI for off-road. If your tires are worn out, this is a great time to pick up a new set for the start of the season.
Step 7: SPOKES
Make sure to take some time and check you don’t have any loose spokes. You can check them by hand to feel if any are loose, or you can take your spoke wrench and tap it on each one (if it tings that’s good – if it sounds dead/flat its probably loose). If you find some that are loose, just be careful not to over tighten them when adjusting. Having your spokes too tight can cause then to break when riding. We recommend the Faastway spoke torque wrench to take the guess work out of it.
Step 8: CHAIN + SPROCKETS
Take a look at your driveline, this consists of your chain, front and rear sprockets, chain guide and sliders. If your sprockets are thin, starting to curl, or even missing teeth it’s time to replace them. We recommend changing your chain as well when you install new sprockets. A used chain will cause damage to your nice, new sprockets because it has been stretched and doesn’t fit the new sprocket teeth properly. Check out the guide and sliders to see if they are excessively worn as well. If all your parts are in good shape just make sure your chain tension is correct and spray some chainlube on before you ride.
Step 9: COOLANT
Pop your rad cap off and make sure your coolant level is topped up. Low coolant can make your bike run hotter than it should. If your coolant is a couple seasons old it’s not a bad idea to drain it and refill with new, fresh coolant. Make sure to secure your rad cap on when you’re done checking.
Step 10: ONCE OVER
General once over. Take some time to look over your bike on both sides, front to back.
Make sure you can twist your throttle and it snaps back the way it should. If you feel dirt and grim in there, it could cause whiskey throttle!
Turn your handlebars side to side, does it feel notchy or rough? Might be time to check those steering bearings.
Take note that you are not missing any bolts throughout the bike.
Put some pressure side to side on your wheels to see if your wheel bearings and linkage bearings are ready to be replaced.
Are your levers bent, Fork seals leaking? Just take a good look around your bike and take note of anything that looks unusual.
If you have any questions if something is wrong or needs attention send us some pictures and info! We can take a look and help you out. We super excited with this season fast approaching and can’t wait to see you out there. As always if you have any questions regarding anything at all, send us a message or leave a comment.