Why must the nut always fall in that unreachable place!
Spring is here and there are a few things you should be thinking about when getting back on the road.
Below is a pretty through checklist to run through be for hitting the road this spring!
Have a great and safe season!
Keep it between the ditches and the shinny side up!
Spring Check List:
Electrical
· Check head light high/low beam, tail/brake light, turn signals, instrument and driving lights.
· Test Kill button/switch and inspect overall wiring for chafe. Use wire ties to secure loose wires. A shot of WD-40 will keep switches & locks healthy.
· Check battery levels and clean terminals. Baking soda & water will clean corrosion from the post (Don’t get it inside the battery!), a little petrolatum or grease helps prevent future corrosion.
· Inspect starter connections & mounting bolts. Check shaft for excessive wear if noisy.
· If your bike has a fuse box, check ‘em and get spares or Test Breakers. Fire is bad.
Engine
Fluids
· Check levels. If engine/trans. oil is very dark or black, smells burnt, change oil & filter.
· Inspect fuel filter & screens for crud and check lines for chafe and dry rot.
· Water cooled Engines:
Check coolant/anti-freeze level, and check flow/pump/hoses.
Brakes
· Check and adjust lever & pedal travel. Refer to your owners/shop manual for specs.
· Check master cylinders for clean brake fluid & proper fluid levels.
· Irregular or “jerky” stopping may mean a warped rotor or drum.
· Inspect pads/liners and replace if needed. Don’t let a front brake grab on wet pavement.
· Brakes are possibly the most important component on a bike. Don’t bet your life on worn brakes!
Tires & Wheels
· Inspect tires for even wear, tread depth and dry rot (cracking) or cuts in side walls.
· Inspect valve stems for dry rot (and rim cuts on tube stems).
· Check air pressure. Do not over inflate especially in Hot conditions/climate.
· Inspect rims for dents, cracks (alloy) and Carefully tighten loose spokes.
· Check axles, axle nuts & hardware for tightness & wear and lube the bearings.
· Inspect drive chain(& lube) or belt for excessive wear and adjust/replace as needed.
Engine & Transmission
· Check spark plugs. Brown to grayish-tan is good. Black is probably from burning oil or a rich fuel/air mix., light gray or whitish can mean a lean fuel/air mix or an intake leak.
· Check carb(s), adjust float level(s) & idle/fuel/air. Clean carbs are happy carbs… Aerosol Carb/Injector cleaner can work wonders on carburetor or fuel injected motors.
· Inspect/adjust ignition components & replace old spark plugs & wires.
· About every 500 miles, check nuts, bolts & screws for tightness.
· Inspect oil lines for leaks, cracks or chafe & look for oil leaks from the engine/trans. case(s).
· Inspect air filter(s) and if dirty, replace or clean depending on type.
· Inspect exhaust for leaks (especially at the manifold) and check mounting brackets. · Adjust clutch, replace plates if slipping or dragging. Check primary drive chain/belt.
Frame & Suspension
· Check/tighten/torque all nuts & bolts, & engine/trans. mounting hardware.
· Look for hair line cracks around engine/transmission mounting brackets.
· Check steering head/fork assembly for looseness/tightness and adjust if needed.
· Lube steering(tree) bearings.
· Check fork fluid level (refer to owners manual, use only approved hydraulic fluid).
· Inspect rear shock(s), (replace if worn or soft) and check fender mounting brackets/hardware.
· Inspect handle bars for cracks, check mounts and oil all cables.
Highway Tool Kit & Spares
- Wrench set.
- Sockets with ratchet, extensions, U-swivel.
- Screw drivers.
- Pliers (needle nose, vice grip & slip joint).
- Crescent wrench.
- Hex wrenches.
- Small utility knife.
- Small hammer & punch.
- Hack saw blades.
- File.
- Thickness gauge.
- 12v test lamp.
- Fuses.
- Assorted nuts, bolts, cotter pins, etc.
- Chain mast. link & spare links.
- Spark plugs.
- Ign. points or module.
- Hose clamp.
- Bulbs.
- Spoke wrench.
- Elect. Tape.
- Elect. wire.
- 1 Can Flat Fix.
- Flat tire plug kit.
- Sm. tube silicon/gasket maker.
- Picture (braided)wire.
- 1 Qt. Oil.
- Shop rag.
- Small flash light.
- 8′x10′ poly plastic rain sheet.
- CELL PHONE…
Remember we’re here at the Old Bike Barn www.oldbikebarn.com if you need some tech help or advice on parts.
