Top 10 Reasons to Drive Your Motorcycle Instead of Your Car

Spring is on the way, so it’s time to pull out the vehicle of choice. Here are some reminders why to choose your motorcycle:

1. Motorcycles consume 55% less fuel per mile than cars.
2. Since a lot of businesses have designated parking spots for motorcycles closer to the building and it’s a lot easier to squeak in smaller spaces, you’re in the door quicker.
3. It’s a way to enjoy the ride; not just do the commute.
4. Since motorcycles are better for the environment than cars, you can give a little back to Mother Nature.
5. You get to be a part of Mother Nature. Nothing like feeling that spring and summer weather up close and personal.
6. In many states, motorcycles are allowed in carpooling lanes and in some states, they are allowed to ride between lanes. Who doesn’t want to get there faster?
7. Motorcycles can be a less expensive option and a much cooler one.
8. It’s a way to get noticed. Meet some new friends or hey, maybe catch a girl’s eye.
9. With the twisting and turning, you’re actually working out some muscles while you drive.
10. It makes you pay attention more. Your bike keeps you from zoning out, using your phone and all of those other distractions that people have in their car.

I’m sure there are other great reasons. Help us add to the list. Why do you ride your motorcycle?

Top 10 Things to Do Before You Get Your Bike out of Storage

Ready to get your bike out and running again? For us in the winter weather, the time is almost near – at least that’s what the groundhog said. Before you get your bike on the road, here are some things to do when you pull it out of winter storage.

1. Check the fuel. Open up the gas cap and see if your fuel is clean. If not, it’s time to drain it and start over. If you used fuel stabilizer before you stored it, it should be in good order, but it’s worth making sure.

2. Check the fluids. If you didn’t change the oil before you stored her, now’s the time to do it. Also glance at your clutch, brake, and coolant levels . Coolant breaks up over time too and needs to be replaced just like the brake fluid.

3. Look at the hoses. Those pesky critters like to chew on these prime gems. You want to make sure there are no unwanted leaks.

4. Tighten the nuts and bolts. It doesn’t hurt to get in there with a wrench and make sure everything is tight.

5. Charge the battery. Did you have your battery hooked up over the winter? Make sure it is still holding a charge and not showing any signs of corrosion. Also check connections to see if they are secure.

6. Examine the tires. If you weren’t able to keep the weight off the tires, you definitely want to confirm nothing is uneven. Of course, it’s always good to check the tire pressure too.

7. Inspect the brake pads. Is there break lining left on them?  Have you serviced them lately? Both good things to get taken care of at this point.

8. Change the air filter. If you haven’t done this in a while, this is a good time to add it to the list.

9. Test the controls. Move the handlebars, hit the brakes, and make sure everything is moving smoothly. This is also when you want to see if all lights are shining.

10. Warm up the engine. It’s been sitting for a while, so it should idle for a while too.

Now you need to get the winter dust and dirt off the baby and then it should be all ready to ride. Thank goodness riding season is near.

Anything else we should remember? We appreciate your tips.