If your bike, ATV, or UTV sat in the garage all winter, don't just roll it out and twist the throttle. A few minutes of checks now can save you a tow call - or a repair bill - later.
Work through these six areas before the first ride of the season. If anything feels off, or you'd rather have a tech run through it for you, book a spring service and we'll handle the whole list.
Before You Ride
Go in order - fuel and battery first, since those determine whether it'll even start.
Fuel System
Old gas breaks down and can gum up carburetors and injectors after a few months of sitting. If the tank still has last season's fuel, drain it or run it out before starting - especially on carbureted bikes and older ATVs/UTVs. Fresh fuel, a look at the fuel lines for cracking, and (on carbureted units) a check that the float bowl isn't gummed up will save you a stuck-carb repair.
Battery
A battery that wasn't on a maintainer over the winter is the most common reason a unit won't start in spring. Check the charge with a voltmeter (a healthy 12V battery should read around 12.6V+ at rest), charge it if it's low, and look for corrosion on the terminals. If it won't hold a charge, replace it before you need it on the trail.
Tires
Tires lose air over months of storage and can develop flat spots from sitting in one position. Check pressure against the spec on the sidewall or in your owner's manual, inspect the tread for cracking or dry rot, and check the sidewalls for bulges before you put weight back on them.
Brakes
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, and pads can stick to rotors after months of sitting. Squeeze the levers and pedal to make sure they feel firm, not spongy, and check fluid level and color - it should be clear to light amber, not dark or cloudy. Spin each wheel by hand to confirm the brakes aren't dragging.
Fluids & Filters
Check engine oil level and condition - if it's been more than a season since the last change, go ahead and change it along with the filter. Top off coolant if your unit is liquid-cooled, and check the air filter - a winter in storage is a good excuse to get ahead of routine maintenance.
Chain, Cables & Lights
Clean and lubricate the chain if your unit has one - it can dry out and rust over the winter. Work the throttle, clutch, and brake cables through their full range to make sure nothing's sticking, and test every light and signal before you're out after dark.
None of this takes long, but skipping it is how a quick spring ride turns into a call for a tow. If you'd rather skip the checklist yourself, bring it in and we'll run the full inspection before you take it out.