When the rush of the wind against your face fades and your trusted steed, the Yamaha Tenere, starts to rest more often in the garage, you know the off-season has arrived. It’s a time when many riders might succumb to a bit of gloom. Yet, this period shouldn’t be about waiting it out with a heavy heart; instead, it’s an opportunity for growth and preparation. This is when you maintain, upgrade and ready your motorcycle for the future excitements that lie with the next riding season. One might think that, when the engine is cool and the helmet sits idle, the adventure stops. However, I firmly believe that the off-season can be a propeller for your next adventurous leap.
Now, I’ve picked up quite a few tricks over my extensive journey across the globe, and let me tell you something, maintenance is not just about keeping the bike running. It’s about ensuring when you’re backcountry riding through the Andes, or negotiating the twisties in the Alps, your motorcycle responds like a well-oiled machine, a partner in your quest, not an unpredictable stranger. During the off-season, we’ve got the perfect chance to dive into those maintenance tasks that are often overlooked during the busy riding months.
Firstly, let’s talk about the cornerstone of any good maintenance routine — the thorough cleaning of your motorcycle. Whether you’ve ridden through rain-soaked streets or dusty tracks, grime and mud are no friends to your machine. During the off-season, it’s crucial to wash away all the crud that’s built up. But cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics; it prevents corrosion, keep parts moving smoothly and gives you the chance to inspect components meticulously for wear and tear.
Speaking of inspection, the off-season is the ideal time to go through every nook and cranny. Check your brake pads for thickness, look over the chain and sprockets for signs of wear, ensure your tires are without deep cuts or bulges, and don’t forget to inspect the spokes if you’re rolling on spoked wheels. Catching issues early can save you from a potential breakdown in the heart of adventure.
Now, onto fluids — they’re like the lifeblood of your machine. Changing your engine oil and filter, brake fluids, and coolant could easily be delayed when you’re eager to ride, but they’re essential tasks to tend to when not in the saddle. Remember, stale fluids can spell disaster for a bike’s internals, so keep them fresh and your engine will thank you.
And how about the battery? That little box of power that’s crucial for a spontaneous “let’s ride” moment can be neglected. If you let it, the battery will discharge and might leave you stranded with no start-up. Keep it on a tender, or charge it periodically throughout the off-season; this way, when it’s time to venture out again, your Tenere roars into life without hesitation.
Let’s not undermine the importance of tire care either. If you let your bike sit on the tires for too long in the same position, you risk getting flat spots. Prop that bike up on a stand or rotate the tires periodically if a stand isn’t available. Check the tire pressures and keep them to specification, ready for the first ride out.
For those who’re feeling a bit more mechanically inclined, the off-season is a golden time to tackle bigger projects. Perhaps there’s a suspension tweak you’ve wanted to make, an upgrade to your exhaust system, or the installation of new accessories that can make your next trip more enjoyable. These improvements can take time, and rushing through them can lead to shortcuts and disappointment.
A key element often overlooked is your motorcycle’s software, particularly if it’s a newer model with electronic aids. Updates can improve the ride, safety features, and sometimes even the power delivery. Check with your dealership or the manufacturer about potential software updates.
But remember, all these tasks mean nothing if they aren’t tailored to you and the specific journeys you prefer. Dispersed camping and backcountry riding put different demands on a motorcycle compared to stretches of highway riding to a luxury lodge. Understand the conditions your bike’s been through and what it’s preparing for; this shapes your maintenance direction.
So, don’t see the off-season as a pause in the adventure. Embrace it as an essential part of the journey. It’s the unsung hero of your travels, a space filled with anticipation and preparation. While some may regard bike maintenance as a chore, reshaping that perspective to view it as a path to better, safer, and more exciting ventures is the real story behind just spinning wrenches. It’s about building a richer connection with your machine, ensuring when the rubber meets the road again, it’s not just another ride; it’s the continuation of your grand adventure.
Sources
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NewRiders/comments/doa7eu/motorcycle_maintenance_at_the_end_of_riding_season/
- https://650thumper.blog/2020/02/08/how-to-survive-the-off-season/
- https://www.in.gov/rsi/blogs/top-10-things-to-do-in-the-motorcycle-off-season/
- https://www.quora.com/I-put-1500-miles-on-my-bike-this-summer-What-maintenance-should-I-do-during-the-off-season
- https://forums.superbikeschool.com/topic/4562-race-bike-maintenance/
