The size and manageability of motorcycles make them ideal for spur-of-the-moment weekend trips and long cross-country touring alike. But, whether you're just heading up the coast or tackling long, deserted stretches of highway, proper maintenance and the right equipment are musts. Because getting stuck anywhere sucks!
The first and most important tip is an obvious one, so obvious it's often overlooked: change that oil! And change it on a regular basis. But, "regular" is open to interpretation. As with anything, there are several schools of thought. Some recommend you change your oil every 3,000 miles while others will tell you every 6,000 miles is fine. Either way, make an effort to change it every three months. Those who travel less may also benefit by using thinner oils and, every so often, dropping a teaspoon of oil into the cylinders because the last thing you want to do is crank up a bike with dry cylinders.
Keeping your bike clean is essential in preventing rust and corrosion from taking hold. It's also a great time to perform a pre-ride inspection, also known as a T-Clock inspection, because going through a checklist is the last thing you want to worry about when you're ready to ride. When you're scrubbing off the dirt and debris, give all the parts a thorough check. Be on the lookout for leaks and loose hardware, and make sure everything is tight and secure.
When transporting your bike from one location to another or onto a raised or lowered platform, resist the urge to use those old 2x6s you've had sitting out back. Instead, invest in an affordable heavy-duty aluminum ramp. Motorcycle ramps feature a high weight capacity, wheel-guider sides and sure-grip ramp surfaces, providing traction, stability and safety.
There are times when your bike sits unused. When those periods tend to stretch out, make sure to store your bike in a garage, storage-shed, basement or even a U-Haul facility. Wherever you store it, try to keep it out of the weather. If you must store it outside, protect it with a high-quality, waterproof motorcycle cover, not a plastic tarp. Plastic doesn't breathe and traps moisture, which allows mold and corrosion to take hold. Motorcycle covers protect against UV rays, rain, dirt and pollutants while the built-in air vents let moisture evaporate.
Finally, bring the tire pressure for both front and rear up to the recommended PSI. Find an out-of-the-way spot to store it and put the bike up on its center-stand. Then block it just enough to raise the front wheel off the ground and either remove the battery, storing it away from extreme temperatures, or hook it up to a trickle charger, maintaining the charge and health of the battery while not in active use. Toss over a motorbike cover, and you're good to stow.
Whether you're in the market for generic motorcycle covers, specific Harley Davidson covers, motorcycle ramps or other gear to protect and facilitate storage, the included tips serve as a foundation for keeping your bike in proper working order.
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