It's time to get your motorcycle ready for the road

[totalmotorcycle]

It's time to get your motorcycle ready for the road
Bike will last longer, you'll be much safer
Corrie Miller - The Vancouver Province - Friday, April 15, 2005







Time to bring those bikes out of their winter hibernation, blow off the dust and get them ready for a summer on the road. Here are a few things to look for:

BRAKES

Check wear on the pads. If they're down to one-millimetre thickness, it's time to replace them. Keep in mind brake pads get harder with age. The harder they are, the more they squeal, and the less effective they will be.

Check your brake fluid for level and consistency. Brake lines should be flushed every two to four years depending on mileage and severity of brake use.

TIRES

Replace tires if they are worn to the tire-wear indicators. Correct tire pressure is essential and you'll find it posted somewhere on your bike's chassis. Disregard the pressure stated on the tire itself, as it is the maximum load indicator, not the best pressure for your specific motorcycle.

Running your tires low can result in poor handling, instability in rain, and quicker wear. One more thing -- don't use Armor All or other petroleum-based cleaners on tires. It attacks the rubber, and will shorten their lifespan. Mild soap and water is best.

OIL CHANGES

This varies, but it's safe to say your oil should be changed roughly every 2,500 to 4,000 kilometres for optimum performance.

BATTERY

There are two types of battery -- wet cell and dry cell (maintenance free). If your bike uses a wet-cell battery, top up the level with distilled water. Use a trickle charger for storing your battery in the off-season. It helps the battery keep a consistent charge, and will prolong the life.

CHAIN AND SPROCKETS

For chain-drive bikes, have this looked at by your local bike shop, and then lube your chain about once every two tanks of gas (after your ride, when the chain is warm).

A well-maintained chain and sprockets will provide for better shifting and a smoother ride

FUSES

Know where your fuse box is and keep a couple of spares with you.

LIGHTS

Never touch the glass on a headlight as it will burn out almost immediately. If it happens, wipe with alcohol and a clean rag. When replacing signal lights, use a glove to prevent cutting your hand on the glass.

CABLES

Your clutch cable will likely need a good lubing after a winter of sitting around. Clutch and throttle cables should have some "play" in them. Tighter doesn't necessarily mean more effective.

ENGINE VALVES

Newer bikes need a valve adjustment roughly every 22,000 to 25,000 km. Older bikes, every 10,000 km. Check your owner's manual.

The best words of advice I've heard so far: "If you're unsure, find someone who knows."

Good luck, and keep the shiny side up.

You can contact Corrie at corriemiller@gmail.com and listen to her on weekday mornings on the Bro Jake Morning Show, Classic Rock 101.

- - -

HOT WHEELS CALENDAR

April 23 - Seventh annual Spring Fling ride-in at Kirkland, Wash. Call Barry Weinbaum of BCCOM at 604-734-0071 for details.

April 24 - 20th annual Classic and Vintage Swap Meet and Show 'n' Shine at the South Delta recreation centre.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 604-299-0020 for details.

May 1 - Spring Thaw 2005 motorcycle show 'n' shine for Children's Wish Foundation. Registration -- 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fox and Fiddle, 19530 Langley Bypass. Four dealers, BBQ, bike wash and Dyno shootout!

May 1 - Main Jet Hare Scrambles in Merritt . Call Team Pagan at 778-549-2514.