Riding and Safety Tips

Training

If you have not attended a riders safety course you should try to. The lessons are invaluable, they teach some things that you never knew. The course also can teach you the correct way to do things that you may have been doing wrong for years and my reduce your insurance costs.

Maintenance

If your bike has been sitting around for a month or longer, drain the gas and replace it with a good high-test grade. If gas sits long enough its properties can break down and cause a varnish type film to develop in the engine and cause you problems. You can use a gas stabilizer such as “STA-BIL” which will keep your fuel fresh and prevent formation of gum, varnish, and rust in engines during storage.

Keep your battery fully charged. Try using a trickle charger or a “Battery Tender” which will keep your battery fully charged as long as you have it plugged into a electric outlet and turned on. Always remember, if you have to jump start your battery, first clamp one end of the cables to a metal part of your bike and then clamp your battery next. This will prevent problems with sparking and possible explosions because of the fumes that a non sealed battery can cause. Always charge your battery in a very well ventilated area.

Don’t forget if your bike has been sitting that the cables should be check and lubricated. If they are old consider having them replaced.

Always check your tire pressure every time you get ready to take off at the beginning of the season and on any rides. Check your manuals for the correct tire pressure.

Mind and body

Get yourself ready for the riding season. Do some exercises to stretch your body ; you need to be as ready as your bike is after it hasn’t been use for a while.

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