Saturday
Sunday
One day its nice.. another its a blizzard. With the weather changing, there is an opportunity for you to invest in your well-being . Winter weather, in the Midwest anyway, means cold winds, ice storms, occasional blizzards, and anything but “ideal” riding conditions. With the bike in your shop or garage, you should take some time to check all the systems and components. No need for a mechanic on this stuff. These simple to check things may keep you living a little longer once spring starts to creep back up on us. Your motorcycle doesn’t want to kill you , but if left unchecked, it just might.
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The chain. Chains have been used on motorcycles for over a hundred years. They continue to be used because they are effective at transferring the power from all 1, 2, 3, 4, or even 6 of those cylinders to the rear wheel. They are constantly under a load. Just like anything that is used and under pressure, it wears out. When it comes to your chain, that could be in the form of stretched or damaged links, bent links, or build up of rust and dirt. Chains are not, by anyone’s definition, low maintenance. They must be cleaned, lubricated , and adjusted to ensure that your motorcycle continues to function safely. A chain that breaks and binds up your wheel or event hits you while riding is one sure way to end up in a ditch (or in a lane hoping to avoid oncoming traffic)
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The Tires. Its been said before, but your tires are one simple layer between you and the road. They are engineering masterpieces. Designed to last, to maintain traction, and to channel water. That’s when they are in good shape. After a season of riding, your tires may be a bit tired, worn thin, damaged, or just old. In my case, tires I put on 2 years ago were doing great until this year. Some day trips and one cross Kansas ride later, my rear tire is now a semi-slick.
Time to replace.. -
Brake Fluid. I say fluid, because that is the easiest place to start. You brakes are closed systems , relying on circulation of fluid and pressure to drive pistons at each caliper. If your fluid is running low, stained dark brown, or DRY, you need to freshen things up a bit. Brakes that don’t work WILL kill you. If you are lucky, they will just stop being as effective. If you are unlucky, they will overheat, freeze up your caliper, and cause your wheel to lock up. Simply be checking and changing your fluid, you will ensure your system keeps working ride after ride.
Hoping your winter list is short and repairs are easy.