Get ready to ride pre-season checklist

March 4, 9:12 PMChicago Motorcycle ExaminerT.A. Stone

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Even this babe magnet of a bike needs a pre-season oil change

Waiting on the spring thaw to get on the road?  Here's the next in our series about what to do while you wait for skies to clear and temperatures to moderate.

Mechanics, seasoned riders, and even manufacturers all agree—the number one pre-season “must do” is to change your bike’s engine oil and oil filter. Your bike’s motor and transmission will last longer, perform better, and run and shift smoother. Especially if you didn’t change the oil at the end of last season, ensure you do so before you get on the roads this year.

If your bike is in storage with a dealer, see if a pre-season oil change, safety inspection and service can be included in your storage fee. However, call to schedule your service early so your season won’t be delayed. If you’ve kept the bike elsewhere, consult your owner’s manual, favorite mechanic, or trusted experienced riders to find the right oil for your machine.

Whether you do the work in your own garage or have it done in a dealer’s—ensure you have fresh oil and a new filter on your change the oil and filter before your season begins. It goes without saying to dispose of used oil and filters properly—your dealer should be able to take care of those for you.