Are You Ready for Motorcycle Season?
David K. Wilson & Associates
March 30, 2021
Texas is not known for its particularly harsh winters. However, it can still get pretty cold, and the weather can get dicey for a motorcycle rider. This can leave your motorcycle in the garage for months during the cold winter. Luckily, winter is at an end, and warm weather has started motorcycle season once again.
Before you head out on the open road there are a few things you need to do. The motorcycle accident attorney at David K. Wilson & Associates, Attorneys at Law has gathered some tips to help you prepare for the motorcycle season.
How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Riding Season
Unless you have been riding in the cold months, your bike has probably been sitting in the garage. It is important to remember that no motorcycle will be in the same condition it was when you first put it into storage. Here are the things you need to watch out for when putting your stored motorcycle back on the road.
- Tires: Depending on how you stored your bike, there could be several problems with your tires. If your bike was sitting without stands, the tires could have cupping, flat spots or deflation. Check the tire carcass before riding, so you can be aware of your tire’s condition. Sometimes simply adding air and riding on the tires a little will smooth things out. But severe cupping can compromise the structure of your tire, so you may have to buy new ones. Remember, tires connect you to the road, and bad tires will result in a bad ride.
- Leaks: Check underneath you motorcycle for gas or oil leaks. Cold weather can cause fluids to expand and contract. This can have an effect on hoses and pipes that may be brittle due to age or the cold weather. If you have any leaks, get them addressed before going out riding.
- Lights: Texas law requires functioning headlights, brake lights and signals. In addition to this, lights make it easier for other motorists to see and avoid hitting you. It just makes good sense to be sure these features are working right at the beginning of motorcycle season.
- Fluids: Check your oil and brake fluid. If your oil is brackish, it may be time to change it. Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and prevents excessive wear. Brake fluid can break down in cold weather. It is also hygroscopic, which means it tends to absorb water particles. This can make your brake fluid less effective and make your brakes spongy. It is good practice to change this fluid after a long period of rest.
- Brakes: Speaking of brake fluid, check your brakes too. Make sure the rotors of your bike are not warped and check your brake pads. Thin brake pads can damage your rotors and reduce your bike’s stopping power. A bike that cannot stop, is a death machine.
- Mirrors: Clean and adjust your mirrors. They are key to seeing the traffic behind you and to your sides. Do not neglect your visibility.
When You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney, We Are Ready to Help!
Winter is gone and it is time to ride. Remembering the tips we just reviewed will help make that riding enjoyable and safe. However, preparation cannot keep you safe from every danger to motorcyclists. Drunk drivers, distracted drivers and reckless drivers are all the top threat to motorcycle riders. If one of these negligent parties injures you while riding, our motorcycle accident attorney can help.
Our Sherman personal injury lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses and file the paperwork you need to get compensation. Undertaking such tasks while you are also trying to recover from an injury is not a good idea.


