If you are chomping at the bit to take your bike out for the first ride of 2015, I suggest you walk through this list first. Here is the top five things you need to check before taking your bike out for your first ride of the year. Always remember that you can bring it down to the shop and have our staff preform a safety check.

1. The first and most important step would be to check tire pressure and tire wear - Check condition of tires for dry rot (fill with air to manufacture specifications). Now is also a good time to check the wear and for potential dry rot. Stop in to check out our inventory of new tires.

2. Fuel deterioration is also a problem when rolling your bike out after a long storage period.  Over time fuel will become 'stale' and create a gum and varnish buildup. This is not just in the gas in the tank, but also in the whole fuel system . If you used Sta-Bil or a comparable fuel stabilizer, your fuel should be in good shape as long as storage has been for a year or less.

3.Check your battery. If you did not have your battery on a trickle charger over the winter, you should check the battery with a DC voltmeter or battery tester and throw it on a charger if needed. It the battery seem weak or will not hold a charge, stop in and check out our complete line of new batteries.

4. Check and re-fresh the fluids. Lubricate chain, brake and throttle cables, check the trans fluid, engine fluid, primary fluid,

5. Check all light bulbs to see if they are in working order. Headlight, directional lights and your brake light.

Let the bike warm up for about 30 seconds while walking around it, making a final inspection. Take the bike out for a short ride and make sure everything is working properly and the bike feels good. Once you are confident, it’s time for a road trip! put on your gear and go for a ride