Riding your motorcycle during the fall season comes with its unique set of challenges and dangers. To stay safe, follow the tips mentioned in this post by Ken Reaser Enterprises in Apopka, FL.
How to Be a Responsible Motorcycle Rider This Fall Season
Call Ken Reaser Enterprises at (321) 230-6958 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to acquire the top performing products for your motorcycle's maintenance, such as the best synthetic oil in Apopka, FL.
Take a Good Look at the Tires
First things first, you need to take care of the components that help keep your motorcycle balanced, moving, holding all of the weight, and much, much more: your tires. This is because, the change in weather can actually cause them to deflate, which may make them dangerous to ride on.
To make sure they won't fail you while you're rolling on them down the road, you should take a good look at them, and provide the necessary maintenance or replacement.
Get the Battery Inspected
Even if the weather doesn't change as dramatically as it does in other parts of the country, the lower temperatures of the fall season can still dissuade you from riding as often as you would during the hotter months.
That is why, if you won't be hopping on your motorcycle as much during the autumn months, you should keep an eye out on the battery, lest you want it to leave you stranded on the side of the road. This, because it can deplete after long idle periods.
Keep the Chain Properly Maintained
In case you didn't already know, the chain in your motorcycle helps you roll wherever you want to go, since it's what makes the rear wheel move. However, for the chain to do its job properly, it needs to be lubricated and in mint condition.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to lubricate the chain around two times each month. However, it is even more crucial that you keep up with this task during the colder months, since the lower temperatures can cause the chain to lose lubrication more easily.
Take the Motorcycle to a Professional Mechanic
If you truly want to keep your motorcycle riding smoothly and in perfect working condition, then you should make the visits to the mechanic a regular occurrence.
Especially now that the weather is changing and the conditions on the road are different, you should have a professional take a good look at it so they can assess the shape it is in, and fix any issues that may get in the way of you enjoying your fall motorcycle rides.
Needless to say, if you want to stay safe during your rides, you absolutely must wear protective riding gear, no matter the time of year. However, as the weather changes, you will need to adapt some of it to fit the new season.
For example, even though you should always have a helmet on, during autumn, you may want to add a scarf to keep your neck warm (just make sure it won't affect your mobility). Or, as the days get colder, it's suggested that you wear thicker impact-resistant materials that will protect you in an accident, and that will shield you from the chilly winds.
Pay More Attention
Even though you should always be on the lookout when you're riding your motorcycle, you should increase your focus during this time of the year. This is because the conditions may be harsher.
For instance, there may be dead leaves and dirt on the road, which could make you slip. Plus, as the major holidays of the year approach (for example, Thanksgiving), you can bet that you'll see a lot more traffic on the roads, meaning that you'll have to be that much more careful to remain safe.
Get Ready to Winterize It
Last but not least, if you're someone who puts away their motorcycle for the winter months, this is your time to prepare it for its hibernation period. For example, as Bike Bandit suggests, you should acquire a sturdy motorcycle cover, so that your vehicle can remain in great condition for when the next riding season rolls around. Get all of the materials now, so you don't have to rush once winter gets here.