Consider these important steps before taking your motorcycle out this Spring.

Spring has sprung, so of course you want to get your motorcycle back on the road and out of that dusty shed or garage as soon as humanly possible. However, it’s extremely important to give your bike a good once-over before hitting the mean streets. Here at Billet Proof we’re all about having properly functioning, well-oiled machines. So please take a few minutes to go over this great list of things to consider before going out for a ride.

Fuel

Check fuel and hoses. Most bikes require premium gas. Even though your ride may be able to run on regular fuel, you might notice poor performance and pinning sounds under acceleration or heavy loads. Before riding, check for loose fuel supply hoses from the tank to the carburetors or injector fuel trains. If there are signs of even a small leak, get it repaired immediately.

Carburetor

It's always a good idea to drain any fuel from the carbs and fuel lines before attempting to start up your bike in an effort to remove any condensation that may have collected while the bike was sitting. Inspect all throttle cables for excessive play and fraying. If the cables get bound up during normal use, it's best to service and adjust or replace them.

Tires

Examine your tires with a microscope. Not really, but you know what we mean. A tire blowout can happen without any warning sign, so always be sure your tires are in good condition for safe riding. Always check your tire pressure by using a pressure gauge. All tires have the pressure capacity on the sidewall of the tire. Front and rear tires may be different, and riders with passengers may require a different pressure.

Look at the tread. Tires have metal wear bars embedded throughout the tread area. If the wear bars are near flush with the tire tread, or if there are any strange patterns such as cuts, flat spots, or cracks from dry-rot, it’s time for some new tires.

Battery

Examine your bike for any loose connections, corrosion on the battery terminals, and to make sure the battery is securely mounted. A loose battery can have a short lifespan due to it bouncing around and absorbing additional vibrations and bumps. Is it time to upgrade to a lightweight, low maintenance lithium ion battery? We have a full selection from Antigravity Batteries, Shorai, and EarthX for you to choose from!

Brakes

Inspect your pads to see how much wear is left on both front and rear brake pad sets. If they are low, it is essential to replace them for safety reasons. You will also save yourself from having a brake rotor or caliper ruined by staying up on the quality of your brake pads.

Frame

Obviously it’s the most essential piece that holds everything together. It’s key to look at the frame for cracks in the welded joints, gussets, and mounts. You should also look for paint lifting off of the frame. This may show that there is a stress point in that area.

Controls

Look at the pedals and levers closely for breaks or cracks. Ensure that all mounting locations are tight. Look for any kinks and/or fraying on all of your cables.

Wiring

Identify any missing clips, loose or fraying insulation, as well as poor wire looms and ties. If you locate any of these issues, it’s best to repair or replace them.

Mirrors

Look closely for any fading, cracks, and loose joints/mounts. When you adjust your mirrors, they should stay where you set them, but still be loose enough to re-adjust without much effort.

Lights

Make sure your lights work! It is crucial that you can see and be seen, so check the brake lights, running/passing lights, signal lights, emergency lights, high beams, and the headlamp. Checking the headlamp includes the aiming and height of it when turning your handlebars right and left.

Look for cracks or loose lenses and reflectors. If the light lenses appear to have excessive condensation, check to make sure they’re mounted tightly. Otherwise, it may be time to replace or seal them.

Wheels

Take a look at your wheels for any signs of weakness. Spokes and weights for cast wheels are always problem areas. You can see if your wheels aren’t full secure by grabbing the top and jiggling it side to side. If the wheels feel loose at all, or are making any clicking sounds, your bike is not ready to ride and should be looked at by an experienced mechanic.

Chain or Belt

Look for damage to the drive belt or chain, such as fraying of the belt or abnormal wear on the chain links. If your bike uses a chain, check for buildup of debris and to see if it’s due for lubrication.

Stands

Look at your stand closely to see if there are any cracks or bends. Check the retention spring and make sure it’s in good shape and holds the stand tightly in position.

Coolant

Check coolant. Some motorcycles are liquid-cooled and need special attention to coolant levels and cooling fans. Look for debris on the radiator and leaks in all hose connections. But, remember — these systems are under pressure and shouldn’t be opened when hot, so pay attention to the warning labels!

Fluids and Oil Levels

• Engine Oil – Check levels as per the owner’s manual. Look at the condition of the oil and change if required. From my experience, synthetic oils can handle higher temperatures and seem to last longer between oil changes.
• Gear/Transmission Oil – Since there are many bike designs out there, follow your manufacturer’s procedures to verify the levels and types of oils needed for your bike.
• Brake Fluid – Most front and rear brakes use a master cylinder with a glass site to see the levels. Remember – no brake fluid means no brakes, so check this regularly!

Wear Your Gear!

Inspect riding gear before you head out to make sure it’s in good condition. Worn or damaged helmets, protective wear and boots could be a safety concern and could impact riding abilities.

There are a lot of things to check before heading out, but it should only take a few minutes before every ride. Safety should be your number one priority and if you check your bike regularly, you’ll also help reduce the chance of a breakdown and costly repairs, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of riding on two wheels for longer. If you are not familiar with your bike’s components, you should seek the service and advice of a professional mechanic. You should also ensure that your bike has regular maintenance for optimal performance.

This post originally appeared here.