Spring Motorcycle Riding Tips

If it's been some time since your last motorcycle ride, you may be a little bit rusty. Those long winter months where your bike sat in storage can take their toll! We've gathered up the following tips to refresh your memory and set you up for a successful first ride of the spring. If you have any questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, head over to Langston Motorsports. Our dealership is based in Perris, California, and we also proudly serve those in Temecula and Orange County.

Get Your Motorcycle Ready

The first step is a pre-ride inspection, which will ensure your motorcycle is ready for the road. Measure the tire air pressure, test all of the lights, and so on. You don't want to be on the freeway and suddenly uncover an issue you could've easily caught and addressed in advance.

Get Your Gear Ready

Now is a great time to do an inventory of your motorcycle gear. Make sure that your motorcycle helmet is five years old or less. The binding starts coming apart around that time, which reduces its ability to protect you in a crash. You'll also want to make sure all of your essentials are in good condition including riding gloves, full-length outerwear, waterproof outerwear, eye protection (if your helmet doesn't come with a visor), and sturdy riding boots.

Get Yourself Ready

Your body needs to be in good condition the same as your motorcycle does. Get a good night's sleep, eat enough food, and be sure you are hydrated the day of your ride. Fatigue, hunger, and dehydration are more than annoyances - they can interfere with your ability to spot hazards and make adjustments in time.

It's also important to wear all of the right gear. A good rule of thumb is to "dress for the crash". If you do get into an accident, you'll have the right amount of protection.

Check The Weather

Springtime brings with it milder weather than winter, but it can still be unpredictable. Always look up the forecast before hitting the road. You don't want to get caught in a thunderstorm twenty minutes into your ride. Checking the weather also helps you dress accordingly, such as wearing enough layers on a windy day or bringing waterproof outerwear if there's a chance of rain.

Be On Guard For Wildlife

With the weather warming up, many animals are becoming more active than they were in the winter. It's important to stay alert for possible wildlife as you ride. You can even look up whether there are animals in the area that you'll be riding and see what times of day they are most active.

Know Your Current Limits

Sure, you could tackle endurance motorcycle routes last fall. But that was when you were consistently riding each day. You may be a little out of practice and a little out of shape since you likely didn't ride much the last few months. Take it easy your first few spring motorcycle rides. Don't make your first trip a massive multi-day adventure! Go on shorter motorcycle rides to get a sense of your current endurance level and muscle memory. 

We hope you found this spring motorcycle riding tips guide useful! If you need to get your motorcycle fixed before your next ride, bring it to the experts at Langston Motorsports. Our parts replacement and service department can get your motorcycle ready to ride. We also offer motorcycles for sale if you are looking to buy. Whatever you need, you can find with us. We are located in Perris, CA, and also proudly serve those in Temecula and Orange County.