Tips For Springtime Motorcycle Rides

While some bikers ride year-round, many instead choose to put their bikes in storage during the colder months. If you fall into the latter category, you probably cannot wait to take your first ride in months now that things are warming up. However, jumping right back on the bike and hitting the gas might not be the best idea. To help motorcycle enthusiasts get back into the swing of things and take their first spring ride, Road Track & Trail has created this helpful set of tips.

Gear Check

Even if you have gone through the entire de-winterizing process for your motorcycle (and you should have if you are planning to ride), you may not quite be ready to ride. Start off by checking your gear. This includes your helmet, gloves, and anything else you wear on a typical ride. If you find that any of it has become a bit worn, now is the perfect time to look for a replacement.

Take a Class

If you feel like not riding for several months has left you a little rusty, consider taking a class. This is a great chance to learn new riding techniques or brush up on old ones. If you feel that a beginner class would not benefit you, feel free to enroll in an intermediate or advanced course.

Warm Up

Whether you choose to take a refresher course or not, we highly recommend you take a very short, 5-to-10-minute ride before embarking on a major outing. Even if you were diligent about winterizing and de-winterizing your bike, too much idle time can cause a motorcycle to develop a snag. If you notice anything wrong, contact a service professional for a quick tune-up.

This short ride is also a great warm-up for you. Though we understand that you might be eager to get back out there, even just a few months is enough time to get rusty. Built up to your first major ride of the season with a series of smaller ones.

Be Visible and Stay Alert

Since bikers are a rarer sight during the winter, car and truck drivers can sometimes forget how to safely share the road with a motorcycle over the winter months. Make things easier on them by wearing bright clothing and using reflective strips. You should also be aware of how spring conditions can make safe riding harder. For example, many areas see a lot of rain in the spring, resulting in wet roads and forcing you to increase your following distance. Animals also become more active, which makes collisions more likely.

To view our selection of pre-owned motorcycles, visit Road Track & Trail in Big Bend, Wisconsin. We also offer financing, parts ordering, and servicing, so come to us for all your powersports needs. We are honored to serve communities like Waukesha and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as Chicago, Illinois. We hope to see you soon!