After a winter in the garage, a motorbike needs a careful check before its first ride. The battery may have run down, the fuel may have gone stale, and a few months of moisture and condensation are enough to leave rust on the chain, cables and fasteners.
Work through the key components one by one: you will avoid unpleasant surprises on the road and keep the bike in good shape for the whole season.
What you will need
Important: Keep all lubricants and silicone away from brake discs, pads, tyres, the seat, footpegs and handlebar grips. Switch off the ignition before working on the electrics.
Step 1
Check the battery
Measure the voltage and fully charge the battery if needed. On serviceable batteries, check the electrolyte level. Clean the terminals with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, then once reconnected protect them from moisture with a thin coat of WD-40 Multi-Use.
Step 2
Sort out fuel and oil
If you did not add a fuel stabiliser in autumn, drain the old fuel and refill with fresh to avoid clogging the injectors or carburettor. Check the fuel filter. If the oil and filter were not changed before storage, do it now.
Step 3
Inspect the tyres
Check tread depth against the wear indicators, look for cracks in the sidewalls and set the pressure to the figure in the manual. Tyres lose noticeable pressure over winter, even in a warm garage.
Step 4
Check the brakes
Inspect the discs and pads and check the level and colour of the brake fluid. Remove surface rust from the discs with a dedicated brake cleaner and a clean cloth, then make a few test stops at low speed.
Step 5
Clean and lubricate the chain
Clean old lubricant and dirt off the chain and check the tension. Apply WD-40 Motorcycle Chain Lube to the inner side of the chain while slowly turning the wheel, and give it a few minutes to penetrate. Treat cables and lever pivots with WD-40 Multi-Use.
Step 6
Wash the bike
Wet the bike, apply car shampoo, work it in with a sponge and rinse thoroughly. Dry with a cloth, paying attention to connectors and fasteners so no moisture is left behind.
Step 7
Refresh plastic and rubber
Apply WD-40 Specialist Silicone to clean fairing plastics and rubber seals and buff with a cloth. It restores shine and protects against moisture and drying out. Near the seat, grips and brakes, spray onto the cloth only.
Tip: Make the first ride short and close to home, so you can spot leaks, play or faults while the garage is still nearby.
What next
Service the chain every few hundred kilometres and after every ride in the rain. For quick treatment on the road, a WD-40 Smart Straw with its two-position straw is handy to carry.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».