As the weather warms up in the midwest and northwest of our nation we begin to hear the sounds of spring; birds chirping, lawn mowers cutting, kids playing outside, and one of the best and long awaited – the echoing of pipes from your motorcycle. During the winter so many of us walk back in the garage and look at her sitting there, just waiting to go outside and play. Well, the time is here. March is the sign of spring, warmer weather, and riding time. But in most midwest and northwest sections of our country, Old Man Winter has taken its toll on our roadways. So before you even consider that first ride of the season, take a little time and conduct your own survey – a road condition survey, that is – and do a "Pre-ride Checklist".
Spring Ride Road Hazards
During the winter months the roads we ride on experience a sort of transformation. The warm to cold, the dry to wet, the freezing and then thawing really takes its toll. Below are some common road conditions you should watch out for during that first spring ride:
- Potholes: One day it’s clear; the next day they appear. Potholes often seem to appear overnight. They are more abundant after a long, cold, wet winter due to the water seeping into the road surface, freezing and pushing up the surface itself.
- Loose sewer lids: Another victim of the winter season are sewer lids, which come loose.
- Road gravel: This can be applied to any type of road surface debris left behind during the winter months. It usually gathers at intersections where stopping or turning can be a little tricky.
- Vehicle debris: All those potholes and damaged roads can cause anything to fall off trucks and cars. Loose mufflers, license plates, fluid leaks, you name it; it can be lying on the roadway just ready for you to hit.
Take a pre-trip ride in your car and identify the worst condition areas and try to decide on a different "first ride" when you take your motorcycle out.
The Other Guy
Most drivers have not seen a motorcycle on the road for the last three to five months. They are just not looking for the motorcycle and therefore make the rider more susceptible to a collision. Take your time on that first ride. Give the other guy the benefit of the doubt. Make eye contact, sound your horn, make sure they know you are there. You take the responsibility.
The Motorcycle Itself
Even though you are meticulous in caring for your motorcycle, remember it’s been sitting for months. Here are some basic checks you want to do before taking it out on the roadway:
- Tires. Check the pressure; make sure it is in compliance with both tire and motorcycle manufacturer’s specifications. Check for weathering, cracking, bulging, etc. If you find any fault with the tire, don’t ride – get it repaired.
- Wheels. Whether you have spoke or mag type wheels, give them a good going over. Check for loose or broken spokes. Check for cracks or damage on solid wheels. Especially check where the wheel and tire seats.
- Controls. Check all your controls, both electronic and mechanical, e.g. turn signals, horn, brake light, head light, high beam-low beam. Check your gauges.
- Drive Train. Some motorcycles have drive shafts, some drive belts, and others drive chains. All need a good going over. Check for wear, tension, fluid leaks, and component tightness.
- Fluids. Check all your fluids, break, clutch, coolant and if you didn’t put a good gas stabilizer in over the winter, you may want to drain your tank and put in some good fresh gasoline.
- Frame. Don’t forget to go over the frame, all the components. Look for any rust or damage which may occurred over the winter.
- Steering / Shocks. Check the steering; make sure it is smooth and not grabbing. Check the shocks to see that they are not frozen or leaking, and that they are working smoothly.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Helmet. Before you take that first ride, make sure you have all your protective gear and it is in good shape. If you left that head gear (helmet) sitting in the back garage, check it out. Check the lining and the straps. So many times our friendly little critters that spent their winter in the garage find the helmet a great place to store winter food or even find the liner and straps a good snack. If your helmet is equipped with a shield, check the shield for cracks and any scratches or imperfections. Replacement or repair any found concerns.
Boots. Boots have a tendency to get stiff and crack if left in the cold. Take a look at them, check the soles and sides. You may want to put a good dressing on them, smooth them up.
Gloves. Gloves like boots need reconditioning over a long, not used season. Try using a good mink oil paste to smooth them out and bring them back to life.
Eye / Goggles. Eye protection is a must. I usually buy a new pair every season.
Ready To Ride
Time to ride, but you may be a little wobbly on your first trip. I recommend you stay in the neighborhood, and on familiar, lightly traveled streets. Get use to the bike, work all the controls, do a controlled emergency stop.
As a retired Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) instructor, the one training segment of the course I remember and emphasize to use to any riders, new or old school is the SIPDE process:
Scan ahead.
Identify a problem.
Predict what will happen when you get there.
Decide what you are going to do.
Execute that decision.
All this is conducted in seconds and it is a continuous process. Once you begin to implement it, it becomes second nature and part of your everyday riding technique.
Have a great ride, a great riding season, and maybe I will see you at one of the local Bike Nights.
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