Spring Motorcycle Maintenance Guide

Winter is a hard season for motorcycles, and many riders prefer to put their models into storage rather than risk it out in the ice and snow. Regardless of whether you rode your model all winter season or placed it away in storage until warmer weather arrived, come springtime, your motorcycle will need some serious TLC to help it recover from the cold weather.

Clean Your Motorcycle 

If dust and debris were left to sit on your motorcycle all winter long or you regularly drove through salted streets and driveways, your motorcycle will need a serious scrub before it’s ready to ride this season. If allowed to sit for too long, salt, gunk, and grime will eventually lead to rust and corrosion on your model’s sensitive metal parts—leading to an expensive repair in the near future. 

Engine Care

Once your motorcycle is looking shiny and clean, we recommend following up with an oil change, as well as flushing the stale gas out of your tank. You’ll also want to examine other fluids for signs of leaking, debris, condensation, or discoloration to see if they need to be replaced as well. Don’t forget to also give your battery poles a quick scrub with a slurry of water and baking soda to remove any acid and avoid future corrosion. 

Need help getting your motorcycle ready for spring? Feel free to contact us here at Taboo Harley-Davidson® and set up an appointment with our amazing service center! Conveniently located in Alexandria, LA, we’re happy to serve those nearby in Lafayette and Natchitoches, LA, as well as Natchez, MS.