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Safe on the Road: Preparing Your Motorcycle for Spring

February 27th, 2020

Spring has arrived, which means bikers are preparing to get back on the road after the winter break! Before you clean up the bike and head out on the road, the motorcycle accident injury lawyers at Dale E. Anstine Law Firm remind our motorcycle community to keep safety in mind and follow these steps to get prepared for the riding season.

Refresh Your Memory

The manufacturer’s owner’s manual most likely contains important information on routine and spring maintenance. Although we know that reading through the manual may seem like a daunting task – it is one that is very important for safety! Not sure where your owner’s manual is located? Most bike manufacturers have copies of manuals on their websites.

Another great resource to read is the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Motorcycle Operator Manual. Although the manual is intended for new riders, the information presented is relevant and important for all riders. You can read a copy of the manual online.

Lastly, it may be a smart idea to take a riding course to refresh your skills and learn new riding techniques. These courses also help sharpen your street-riding strategies, maximizing your safety while out on the road.

Got Gas?

While you may be tempted to jump on your bike and hit the road for the first time when the temperatures start to rise, it is critical to thoroughly inspect the gas tank, and consider the fuel levels and overall fuel system condition prior to a ride. If you did not properly drain the fuel from the tank prior to the winter months, the gasoline left in the tank can become stale and create problems with the bike’s operation. Old gas can make your bike ride rough and has the potential to cause serious mechanical problems.

Are you unsure if your gas tank is ready for the spring riding season? It’s best to make an appointment with a professional motorcycle service center so they can check the bike for safety.

Before the Rubber Hits the Road

Before the rubber hits the road, be sure to your motorcycle is working well. Check the clutch and throttle to make sure they are working smoothly. Adjust all mirrors to ensure you have a clear view of what is behind you. It is also important to test your brakes. Your front and rear brakes should feel firm and hold the motorcycle still when applied.

Lastly, it is important to remember that there are just a few inches of rubber between you and the road – make sure it is in great shape for the season! Tires should be checked before EVERY ride; however, it is especially important to do a complete check of your tires before spring arrives. How is the air pressure? Are there any treads missing? Are the tires in good shape? There are several different types of tires for motorcycles – which one is right for you, your bike and how you plan to ride?

These are just a few of the many things you should consider before hitting the road to make sure you are on the path to safe riding. We love our motorcycle community and look forward to seeing you on the roads! We hope you never need us, but if you do find yourself in need of a personal injury lawyer in York, PA as the result of a motorcycle accident, we hope you will reach out for a free consultation to get a fighter on your side. We’re proud to have served our motorcycle community for more than 40 years here in York, Gettysburg, Hanover and all of Central Pennsylvania.

Happy Riding!