Warm days and clear roads are finally here! Before you hop on your motorcycle this spring, think about how you will refresh your skills to stay safe.
Refresh Yourself
Like many skills, riding a motorcycle is all about muscle memory. When winter arrives and you take a hiatus for several months, you may need to refresh your skills with a quick ride around the neighborhood.
If you feel like you need a more thorough refresher, motorcycle safety classes cover basic skills, maneuvers and strategies.
Stay in Shape
It’s a good idea to keep your muscles in shape. Particularly during the holiday season, you may relax and put on a few pounds. Once spring arrives, your body suddenly has to get back into the groove of riding.
Maintaining your physical fitness has many benefits, including:
- Improved stamina, so you’ll be able to ride farther.
- Better physical flexibility.
- Greater concentration, so you can stay focused on longer routes and road trips.
Work on Bike Maintenance
It’s never a good idea to throw your bike into storage and leave it unchecked until spring. Pests, rust and corrosion, mold and viscous fluids may negatively affect its condition. Even after sufficient pre-storage prep, check your bike and make repairs before the new season.
The end of winter into early spring is the prime time to start making these updates. To begin, put together a checklist that covers the following:
- Suspension adjustments
- Engine tune-up
- Valve adjustments
- Fluid changes
- Battery check
Plan Your First Few Routes
Where do you plan to go? Whether it’s the backroads of Connecticut or a longer trip down the coast, start thinking about where you’ll be heading during the first few months back on your bike. While you can look at maps, motorcycle riding guides and projected forecasts, start local. Specifically, begin riding around the neighborhood to note the road conditions and any potential changes from winter weather. You don’t want to be surprised by a pothole or rough pavement on two wheels, when you were expecting a smooth ride.
How do you brush up on motorcycle skills for spring? Join the conversation on Facebook to share your tips and tricks.