Chances are good with the incredibly cold weather this winter your motorcycle has found itself traveling no further than the garage. Following are some quick tips & suggestions for bringing your bike back out on the road after its long winter’s nap.

Check Your Machinery

Even though your bike may have been stored following winter storage guidelines and was in good working order when you retired it, a thorough check is an important part of that first spring ride. Pay particular attention to the following areas:

• Brake & fluid
• Tire conditions & pressure (check when cold)
• Oil & other lubricants
• Drive belt, chain, or shaft
• Lights
• Check your batter terminals (clean if necessary)
• Check, charge, or install the battery
• Check cables & lube

When in doubt, give us a call here at the dealership and our Harley-Davidson and Buell technicians will give your bike a thorough check. If you do under the mileage for a yearly service consider having a service done this time of year.

Be Aware of Road Conditions

Spring riding brings a whole new variety of road hazards to be aware of. Especially on that first spring ride, be sure to watch out for:

• Ice and snow
  It may be 50 degrees in the valley but as you ride in higher elevations, there is a good chance there will still be ice and snow, especially in shaded areas
• Sand & Gravel
  Be aware of sand especially. All winter long, snow trucks have been depositing sand on the road. Sand and gravel tends to gather in corners.
• Rocks on the Road
  Again, winter conditions cause the roads to be littler with debris, especially in less traveled areas. Be alert, or avoid the back roads the first few times out.
• Mud
  As things begin to thaw, be aware of mud near construction sites and fields. The trucks at these site drop mud, rocks, & debris on the road when exiting. At nighttime, when spring temperatures drop, the mud on the road can freeze, turning mud chunks into fairly substantial ice blocks.
• Temperature Extremes
  Spring weather is still very unpredictable. Be sure you pack or wear your cold weather and rain gear.
• Other Drivers
  Car and truck drivers are a short-memoried bunch. They have spent the last four months on road that have been virtually motorcycle free. They are out of the practice of watching out for two-wheeled vehicles. Be sure to exercise extra caution and alertness.
• Your Riding
  Be aware of your own lack of practice. If you haven’t ridden all winter, chances are you’re a bit rusty. Like roller skating or riding a bicycle, this too will pass. Your first time out re-familiarize yourself with your vehicle functions & hand controls and consider taking a shorter route.

Attitudes & Behavior

There is always risk when you get out and ride. Poor preparation amplifies that risk. Springtime is a notoriously challenging time for motorcyclists. It is wise to remember that it may take a few weeks back in the saddle to resume a high skill level and even longer to recover the skill attained at the end of last year’s riding season. Riding, while incredibly free and rewarding, comes with a level of responsibility.

A Quick Note about the Spring Service Rush

Each spring in the Service Department, the first sign of sun causes our phones to ring off the hook with people who want to get out and ride. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate everyone all at once, a problem when the sunshine is so fickle. We strongly encourage you to get your bike into the Service Department now. On that first nice spring day, you can be out riding, not waiting days to get your bike in.