Politis & Matovina, P.A. has avid motorcyclists on our legal team. If you know us or have lived in Daytona Beach for long, then you probably know just how passionate we are about riding, which is why we are also so focused on delivering excellent legal services to locals who have been in motorcycle accidents. Although we are renowned attorneys for our ability to secure major wins for our clients, it would be even better if the motorcyclists in our communities were never in accidents in the first place. If you are getting excited about going on road trips this spring or summer, then we ask you to complete a seasonal maintenance checklist first, so that your ride can be in its best condition.
Regular maintenance that should be done on a motorcycle includes:
- Oil, gas, and other motor fluids: If your motorcycle has been in disuse for the winter season because riding when it’s cold out isn’t so much fun, then you should start your seasonal maintenance with a look at all the fluids in your ride. As with any vehicle, you should change the oil on your motorcycle every six months or 2,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on the type of oil you use. The gasoline can also go “stale” in the tank and become less effective, which can cause sputtering. You might want to siphon out old gas to add to your lawnmower and refill your ride’s tank with fresh gasoline.
- Battery: Did your motorcycle go unused for a month or two? The battery could be drained from disuse. Check it out and see if it is still holding a good charge. You might want to use this time to install a brand-new battery, though.
- Tires: The tires on your motorcycle are what literally keep you grounded while riding. They need to be in tip-top shape if you want to ride as safely as possible. Adjust the tire pressure, which has probably dropped if you didn’t use your motorcycle for a bit. Look at the treads closely for wear, tear, thinning, and balding that could make the tire struggle to keep traction while your ride is in motion. The nice thing about replacing motorcycle tires is that you need 50% fewer tires when compared to a passenger car.
- Spokes and chains: Give a good clean to your motorcycle to make it look better. However, cleaning the spokes, chains, and moving parts can also improve its performance and handling by removing rust and dirt that otherwise might have caused some resistance. There are many products on the market specifically designed to clean metal parts of motorcycles, which we recommend you use before grabbing just any bottle of household cleaner.
- Brakes: Check out your brakes and ensure they are working as intended before you ride. The brake pads themselves should have plenty of padding to grip the wheel and bring it to a stop. If the brake pads are looking thin or the brakes do not respond quickly when you pull the brake lever, then it might be time to make some replacements.
- Quick ride: Once your checklist is complete, you should take a slow ride around your driveway or neighborhood to conduct a real-world test of all systems and parts. Gear up with a helmet and protective clothing, just as you would for any other ride. If anything seems off, or if you just want to be certain that your motorcycle is well-maintained, then call a trusted local mechanic and schedule some maintenance with their shop.
From all of us at Politis & Matovina, P.A. in Daytona Beach, Florida, we wish you the safest rides this spring, summer, and beyond. If you’re ever in a crash or wipeout that was caused by another motorist or a defective motorcycle part, then give us a ring at (386) 333-6613 or fill out an online contact form. We would be honored to get the chance to represent a fellow motorcyclist while pursuing compensation in their name.