FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2024
 Your motorcycle costs money. If you don’t take care of it, you’ll likely watch its value decrease at significant rates. Furthermore, the more you neglect your bike, the more eventual repair bills might cost. Therefore, you run the risk of putting your financial security on the line in case of sudden, unexpected bike damage. That could deal a blow to your savings, your credit and your debt burden. So, what’s your recourse here?
Bike ownership means maintenance costs. But, the sooner you take care of these, the better your chances of minimizing their financial impact. As we approach winter, take some time to consider special maintenance tasks for this season. By getting problems fixed now, you might save yourself a lot of money down the road.
The Cost Benefit of Bike Maintenance
Well-functioning bikes function as well-oiled machines, literally. Therefore, they perform in a way that makes you safer behind the handlebars. They also run in a consistent manner that lowers the risk of sudden machine breakdowns and damage. Therefore, by taking care of your bike, you do yourself a couple of important favors.
- Bikes with comprehensive maintenance schedules will have lower risks of sudden internal or external malfunctions. Therefore, by having the bike serviced regularly, you might be able to avoid sudden, unexpected costs that could leave you in the red.
- The better your bike functions, the better your chances of being able to drive safely. Therefore, the lower your risks of hazards like bike accidents. If you can avoid an accident, you might also be able to avoid having to file a bike insurance claim. Therefore, you won’t face financial challenges like increased premiums, deductible costs and cancelled coverage. Your overall ability to maintain affordable coverage might remain stable.
If you can avoid sudden costs, whether related to maintenance issues or accidents, you can keep your own bank account stable. Such actions help you often remain solvent and maintain a strong financial cushion. You can therefore protect your credit rating, insurance rates and other critical financial measurements in your life. You won’t run the risk of accumulating bad credit or other stressors.
Winter Maintenance Tips
Now that winter is rolling around these parts, it is time to think about how you will use your motorcycle. If you plan to ride it this winter, consider how to prepare it for winter. If you plan to store it, make preparations to keep the vehicle safe during this period. The more care you take, the lesser your chances of vehicle problems during this often-hazardous time of year. Therefore, the lower your risks of having to file a motorcycle insurance claim.
Protection for Winter Riders
Winter driving here in north Georgia might vary greatly. In the mountains, significant winter weather, like ice or snow, might beckon. In southern Georgia, more mild temperatures might beckon.
Regardless of where you plan to ride your bike, you will encounter traffic hazards. Therefore, your bike needs to be in good shape for you to ride in a secure way. How can you prepare for the road ahead?
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Ensure that the engine system has proper fluid levels, including both antifreeze and coolants. These will help keep the engine operating at optimal temperatures.
- Change the oil based on a recommended maintenance schedule. Appropriate oiling will help keep the engine lubricated and reduce freeze risks.
- Test the engine battery. Batteries have to work harder in cold weather to start the engine. Therefore, an older or damaged battery might fail during particularly cold periods. A straining battery might also damage other internal systems. If you need a new battery, replace it in a timely manner.
- Ensure your wheel system and tires work properly. Also test your brakes. Make sure that tires have an appropriate tread depth of more than 1/32 of an inch. If tread wears below this depth, you might begin to face trouble controlling or stopping the bike.
Storage Steps During Winter
Certain motorcyclists do not want to ride year-round. Motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles that don’t provide a lot of insulation. They therefore might prove harder to operate during hazardous winter weather. As a result, bikers might decide to store the bike for a few months. Storage, nonetheless, takes consideration and preparation.
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Again, ensure that the vehicle’s tires, fluids, engine and battery all receive appropriate service. You do not want pests, the elements or other environmental hazards to wreak wear and tear on an immobile bike.
- Leave a small amount of gas in the bike. However, consider adding a storage supplement, like Sta-Bil®, to the tank. It will help preserve the gas.
- Place the bike in a locked garage or shed, and arm the security system. Also consider elevating the bike off the ground if the space tends to accumulate water, debris or pests.
- If you do not have a covered space for the bike, cover it with a tarp at minimum. Also consider wrapping the tires and pipelines to prevent freezing.
At the same time, talk to your bike insurance agent. Some insurers allow you to reduce certain elements of coverage for the period that you will not operate the bike. However, they can keep critical pieces of coverage active so you will have protection during the storage period. Ensure your policy accounts for any special hazards you might encounter during this time.
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