Get your motorcycle back after years without driving

For various reasons (buying a car, winter, traveling or restricting freedom), you had to leave your motorcycle for several days or even years. Now you want to pick up your jewelry to relive the old biker emotions.

It would still be unwise to get on a motorcycle and ride it without any prior arrangements. A motorcycle is not a bicycle, it would be wrong to think that it is enough to sit on it to ride it again.

What steps should a new ex-rider take before he can start riding his bike again without any problems? What accessories for a motorcycle?

Measures to be taken with the motorcycle

After a few days, months, or even years without riding, your motorcycle must be as old as you are. Therefore, you need to get it back in working order before thinking about how you can start it without a hitch.

If this is your old motorcycle, it should be checked before putting it back into service after a long period of inactivity.

Battery

A battery that is left unused for a long time is likely to be damaged. Take it out and check if it can be used. If so (voltage is greater than 10,3V), charge it with a charger. If not, buy a new one.  

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Their condition will depend on the time they spent on vacation. They should not have cracks, cuts on the tread and sidewalls. Also check the wear indicator, which should be at least 1 mm. If they are in good condition, it will simply be necessary to adjust the level of the air contained in them.

Тормоза

Brakes are a safety feature on a motorcycle. Make sure the brake pads are not worn out. Probably the fluid level has dropped. Make sure there are no leaks. Remember that brake fluid drains every 2 years.

Levels

Various fluids are used here: engine oil, coolant and axle oil. This control must be carried out on a flat surface in order to better assess their level. If not available, a refill funnel must be used. It is advisable to fill with coolant in cold weather.

Transmission chain 

First check the condition of the chain, if it is too old, it is better to replace it. On the other hand, if it is still in good condition, peel it and stretch it correctly, but not too much. (You can leave 2 fingers for this.) Then lubricate it.

Engine

An engine that has not been used for a long time must be completely drained before being put back into service. Please choose a good oil for this. Don't forget about the oil filter. 

Draining must be done regularly. Unlike filling with coolant, which is done in a cold state, the engine oil must be changed while the engine is hot.

Fires

Checking headlights, turn signals, brake lights and horns should not be forgotten or neglected. Feel free to ask an electrician to check your entire electrical system. 

Also, don't forget about the spacers. They need to be lubricated or replaced if they fail. When you've finished checking and installing everything on the motorcycle, it needs to be cleaned and lubricated. 

Once all these operations are completed, you will have your motorcycle ready to ride. Then fill up with fresh gasoline and go for a drive. First of all, don't go on a trip right away, you'll have to wander around to get used to it again.  

      

Choosing a new motorcycle

When you let the motorcycle ride for months or even years, you lose your reflexes and become like a beginner. Therefore, the choice of motorcycle must be adapted to your current situation, which means that choosing a large engine size is not recommended. 

To start over, choose a bike that is easy for you to drive, such as a medium displacement. Once you regain control of the bike, you can return to your big bike.

Measures to be taken by the rider

Of course, returning to riding a motorcycle after it has been around for many years is not easy, but there is nothing special about that either. You just have to do what is necessary to become one with your car again.  

Biker equipment

The rider's equipment is an important point that should not be overlooked. It plays a protective role in case of a fall. The current equipment is much more resistant, there are many equipment on the market that have European certificates. 

Therefore, you need to get CE certified gloves. You will find matching motorcycle pants with high shoes. Protective jackets should be part of your gear, not to mention an approved helmet. All this equipment is necessary for the biker to ensure his safety.      

Resume driving lessons

Once you have selected a motorcycle and designed your equipment, you are ready to ride your motorcycle again. Before you start completely, you will have to rethink some of the driving concepts you may have forgotten. 

Feel free to repeat some of the exercises learned during the board lessons, such as the figure eight or low speed squares, to better tame your two-wheeled bike. It is important to train alone or with experienced biker friends who are familiar with new developments.

Take a refresher course

An instructor-led training course will only be beneficial. Your instructor will better show you what you need to know and learn. You should be aware that traffic changes over the years, motorcycles are also evolving with new features.

An important point that should not be forgotten is the rules of the road. Therefore, you must reconnect with him. Indeed, from March 1, 2020, a new ETM code is in effect. If necessary, do not forego an additional 7 hours of training in order to be equipped and able to control a motorcycle again.