Things to Remember When You Take Your Motorbike Out of Storage
Thursday 24 March 2011
Lots of people take their motorbikes off the road in the winter months. But once the sun breaks through the clouds and the weather turns a bit warmer, many a motorbiker's fancies turn to getting back on two wheels.
However, when a motorbike is taken out of storage there are basic, and potentially life-saving checks to be made before setting out. Bikesure, the specialist biking arm of Adrian Flux Insurance Services, has put together this eight stage checklist for taking a bike out of moth balls.
Fuel: Take off the filler cap and look inside. Is the fuel clear or does it need changing?
Oil: Check the level and if you didn't change it when you put the bike into storage then now is the time to do so. Sites such as White Dog Bikes have a good range of oils, filters and other motorcycle accessories.
Battery: Top up and don't ride till you can be sure it holds a charge: you don't want to be stranded on your first trip. Alpha Batteries stock a comprehensive selection of batteries if you need a replacement, from budget brands to top of the range names.
Leaks: Check clutch, brake and also coolant levels if your bike is liquid-cooled
Tyres: Inspect both tyres carefully for any distortion caused by storage, especially if the bike has been left for a long time. Inflate the tyres to the correct pressure and check for leaks. Some specialist online sites like Moto-Tyres have tie ups with local fitting stations.
Helmet: This is your most precious piece of safety equipment, check it's not been damaged over the winter lay off.
Toolkit: Go through your on-board tool kit, you may have been tempted to raid it over the winter months.
Yourself: Are you physically and mentally ready for a long run? Take plenty of shorter rides to get your stamina back before tackling a bigger trip.
If in any doubt about the road-worthiness of your bike take it to a motorcycle repair shop and let them give it a thorough service.
However, when a motorbike is taken out of storage there are basic, and potentially life-saving checks to be made before setting out. Bikesure, the specialist biking arm of Adrian Flux Insurance Services, has put together this eight stage checklist for taking a bike out of moth balls.
Fuel: Take off the filler cap and look inside. Is the fuel clear or does it need changing?
Oil: Check the level and if you didn't change it when you put the bike into storage then now is the time to do so. Sites such as White Dog Bikes have a good range of oils, filters and other motorcycle accessories.
Battery: Top up and don't ride till you can be sure it holds a charge: you don't want to be stranded on your first trip. Alpha Batteries stock a comprehensive selection of batteries if you need a replacement, from budget brands to top of the range names.
Leaks: Check clutch, brake and also coolant levels if your bike is liquid-cooled
Tyres: Inspect both tyres carefully for any distortion caused by storage, especially if the bike has been left for a long time. Inflate the tyres to the correct pressure and check for leaks. Some specialist online sites like Moto-Tyres have tie ups with local fitting stations.
Helmet: This is your most precious piece of safety equipment, check it's not been damaged over the winter lay off.
Toolkit: Go through your on-board tool kit, you may have been tempted to raid it over the winter months.
Yourself: Are you physically and mentally ready for a long run? Take plenty of shorter rides to get your stamina back before tackling a bigger trip.
If in any doubt about the road-worthiness of your bike take it to a motorcycle repair shop and let them give it a thorough service.
source : http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/things-to-remember-when-you-take-your-motorbike-out-of-storage.html
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