Starting your motorcycle – Here's how to wake your bike after winter

Spring start of the motorcycle – How to wake your bike after winter

If your motorcycle was properly prepared for winter storage, the spring startup is a simple process. But for those who have been careless with the preparations, we have some extra tips to get the bike going again.

Checklist for spring startup:

• Air, fuel, and power
• Start calmly and methodically
• For those who did not prepare the bike in time
• Battery problems
• Fresh gasoline is a must
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Yellow card for dirty motorcycles

Basic checks

1. Remove the cover – If you used a breathable cover to prevent condensation, your motorcycle is likely in better condition.
2. Inspect the bike – Check for any oil leaks or coolant leaks. Minor drips may be normal after sitting in lower temperatures.
3. Fork seals – After long periods of inactivity, these can dry out and should be inspected for possible leaks.

Air, fuel, and power

• Check tire pressure – The pressure naturally drops during winter.
• Charge and install the battery – Has it been connected to a maintenance charger? If not, it may need to be replaced.
• Fill the tank – If you used E5 98 gasoline, the risk of degraded fuel quality is minimized.
• Add fresh gasoline – If old fuel remains, it may be time to drain it and replace it with new.

Start the bike correctly

1. Check the throttle, brakes, and clutch.
2. Adjust the clock if your bike has a digital display.
3. Start and let the engine idle until the thermostat opens and the engine reaches operating temperature.
4. Test the ABS and suspension during a short test ride.

For those who did not prepare the bike for winter

If you forgot to winterize your motorcycle, the following problems may arise:

• Contaminated gasoline – Add new fuel to avoid starting problems.
• Battery drained – Deeply discharged batteries are often beyond recovery and should be replaced.
• Oil change – Old motor oils can accumulate moisture and degrade during winter.

Power and starting problems

• If the battery is drained, you can use a stronger battery (e.g., car battery) to start.
• Connect the jump leads correctly: Positive to positive, and negative from the donor to the motorcycle's frame.
• If the bike does not start despite power, the spark plugs may have gotten wet from old fuel.

Fresh gasoline is important

• If you have a carbureted engine and forgot to drain the float chambers before winter, you must do that now.
• Flush the system with new gasoline and try to start again.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Starting while rolling – Can damage the cam chain and cause starting problems.
• Washing and waxing – Clean and protect the paint to avoid rust formation.
• Ignoring the chain – Dirt and rust can wear out the chain prematurely.

Yellow card for dirty motorcycles

• Storing a dirty motorcycle during the winter can cause serious damage to the linkage and plastic parts.
• Have you forgotten to clean the chain? Wash it now and lubricate it properly.

With these tips, you can ensure that your motorcycle is ready for the season without unnecessary problems. Take care of your bike, so you can enjoy a trouble-free riding season!