Preparing a motorcycle for spring: what do I need to bear in mind?

1. Battery: enough power to start the engine?

First check whether the engine starts. If the battery is left in the motorcycle over winter, it can often go flat. If that is the case, connect it to a charger overnight. Check the charge the next day.

If that doesn’t work, remove the battery and take it to the motorbike workshop. An expert can tell you whether it can be saved, or if you need a new one. Whatever you do, always begin the season with a fully charged battery.

2. Lights: can I be seen on the motorcycle?

Check that all the lights are working. These include:

• Headlights

• Indicators

• Brake light

• Warning lights in the dashboard

• Licence plate lights

If necessary, repair the lights. If you are unsure or if the lights require a lot of work to replace, it’s best to go to a garage. This is because improper installation can lead to malfunctions and traffic hazards.

You should also check the angle of your headlight. This ensures that you can see enough in the dark and that other road users are not dazzled. You can usually find information on this in the user manual for your motorbike.

3. Are the brakes in flawless condition?

Whether lever or pedal: the hydraulic properties of the brake fluid must still be in good working order to transfer the pressure to the wheel. Brake fluid degrades over time, no matter how many kilometres you ride.

Check the manual to see how often you should change the brake fluid. As a rule, you should do so every two years. Not sure when you last changed the brake fluid? Then check your service handbook or contact a specialist.

Clean the brake discs and brake pads. When a motorcycle is unused for an extended period, dust can accumulate, which may reduce the braking force. Also test if the pressure point of all brakes feels normal. Lastly, take a look at the brake lines: if they are porous or leaking, visit a workshop.

4. Do I have enough oil and coolant?

You should check whether your motorbike needs an oil change. Depending on the vehicle, you should change the oil every one to two years. If in doubt, contact an expert. Make sure that the coolants is topped up, too.

5. Is my motorcycle clean?

If you didn’t clean your motorcycle before the winter break, make sure you do so before riding the motorcycle again. Doing so makes it easier to see problems.

6. Chain and chain tension

Check the condition of the chain. If it is OK, test the chain tension. You can find information on the right chain tension in the user manual.

Lubricate the chain depending on its condition. At the latest, you should do this the day before your first ride out. This allows the chain grease to take effect.

7. How’s the tyre tread and tyre pressure on my motorcycle?

The tyre tread must be at least 1.6 millimetres deep by law (Art. 58 para. 4 of the Ordinance on the Technical Requirements) – but more is safer. So you should measure your tyre tread.

Then check the tyres for foreign objects. Small, sharp stones in particular tend to burrow themselves into the rubber. Also look for other signs of wear and defects.

Then measure the tyre pressure. You can do this at a fuel station, for example. Tyres can lose pressure significantly over the winter.

For the best grip, stick with the pressures specified by the manufacturer. You can find this information in the user manual. Some motorcycles also have a sticker with the pressure values on the vehicle.

8. Motorcycle dashboard: are there any warning lights?

Check your motorcycle dashboard for any warning lights. The handbook will tell you what the individual symbols mean. The TCS motoring organization also offers a useful overview. If necessary, take your motorbike to a specialist.

9. Motorcycle insurance: can I start riding straight away?

Do you have valid insurance? Motorcycle liability insurance is mandatory. It covers loss or damage that you cause to others with your motorbike.

You can additionally take out partial or full casco insurance. This means that you can insure your motorbike against theft and collisions with wildlife, among other things. Which motorcycle insurance is right for you depends on a range of factors, including the age of your vehicle.

Motorcycle enthusiasts used to deposit their licence plates with the road traffic office over the winter. Nowadays, many insurers offer what is known as a waiver of suspension. This means that if you keep hold of your licence plates, you will often receive a generous discount. In this case, your motorbike will remain insured for the whole year instead of just part of the year.

10. Am I ready for riding my motorcycle again in the spring?

When checking your motorcycle for the spring, have you also given some thought to your fitness? Riding a motorcycle increases your blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. That’s why physical endurance is particularly important.

Make sure your motorcycle gear still fits. Perhaps you’d like to start the season with a training session provided by professionals? There are road safety courses for riders at all levels, from beginners to experienced riders.

Some motorcycle insurers offer you a premium discount for participating in such courses. Other insurance companies allow you to benefit from discounted training. You’ll also discover new ways of being safer on your bike – and have more fun in the process.