Get Ready for Motorcycle Season

The following tips ensure bikes are in top condition for the upcoming motorcycle season. AMSOIL Dealers can offer these tips as an additional service to customers.

Taking the motorcycle out of winter storage is an exciting time for every motorcycle enthusiast. Cruising Rider presents a few quick pre-ride checks to ensure bikes are ready for the first ride of the spring season.

Moisture that collected in the engine over the winter will evaporate when the engine is brought to normal operating temperature.

First, remove the cover from the motorcycle and take it off the blocks. If it wasn’t done in the fall, give the bike a thorough washing and waxing. Apply treatments, including vinyl and plastic treatment to the seat and windshield and leather treatment to the saddlebags. Check nuts and bolts for tightness, and lubricate the shift linkage, drum brake linkage and cables.

Inflate tires to riding pressure and place the bike on its centerstand (if applicable). Slowly spin each wheel and carefully inspect the tires for cuts, imbedded pebbles, glass and nail heads. Inspect the wear bars on the tires. If the tread is worn at or near the level of the wear bars, replace the tires.

Remove the battery from the smart charger, check the electrolyte level and replenish if necessary. Adding electrolyte dilutes the charge, so place the battery back on the charger.

Check the oil level through the sight glass or dipstick. If the oil was changed in the fall, another change is not necessary. Moisture that collected in the engine over the winter will evaporate when the engine is brought to normal operating temperature. If an oil change is necessary, run the bike to operating temperature and change the oil and filter. If applicable, remember to check and change the transmission oil, fork oil, coolant and brake fluid. Because brake fluid absorbs moisture, neglecting to flush and change it can trap moisture in the fluid and lead to spongy braking.

If the motorcycle has a chain or belt final drive, check it for play and adjust as necessary by loosening the rear axle bolt and sliding the rear wheel backward to pick up the slack in the drive system. Tighten everything, and remember to lube the chain.

Remove the spark plugs and check the gaps and color. The plugs should be a uniform gray color near the tips. Gap the plugs if necessary.

Finally, turn on the ignition and be sure all lights, turn signals and brake lights are in working order.

AMSOIL offers premium synthetic motorcycle oils and filters that provide second-to-none protection and performance for motorcycle applications.

Synthetic Motorcycle Oils

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are formulated with premium synthetic base stocks and high performance additive technology that provide superior multifunctional benefits for the special requirements of motorcycle applications. These independent and exclusive AMSOIL formulations provide second-to-none viscosity protection for hot-running American and foreign motorcycle engines, transmissions and primary chaincases.

AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV) is recommended for Harley- Davidson, Buell, KTM, Ducati, BMW, Aprilia and Triumph motorcycles calling for a 15W-50 or 20W-50 viscosity.

AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCF) is recommended for Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, BMW, Husqvarna and KTM motorcycles calling for a 10W-40 or 20W-40 viscosity.

Ea Motorcycle Oil Filters (EaOM)

AMSOIL Ea Motorcycle Oil Filters feature full synthetic nanofiber technology, providing superior protection for motorcycles, ATVs, four-stroke personal watercraft, snowmobiles and outboard motors. Ea Motorcycle Oil Filters last longer, stop smaller dirt particles and offer less restriction, extending equipment and filter life and improving performance. Ea Motorcycle Oil Filters are fluted for easy removal. Available in black or chrome.

Ea Motorcycle Air Filters (EaAM)

AMSOIL Ea Motorcycle Air Filters replace OEM filters from Harley-Davidson and Honda and fit S&S and Baron filter housings, incorporating nanofiber technology that offers superior efficiency, air flow and capacity for extended equipment and filter life and enhanced performance. Ea Motorcycle Air Filters are cleanable and remain serviceable for up to four years, saving money on filter costs.