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Jason Waechter is
The Motorcycle LawyerSM
The First Call If You Fall Is
Tips for Gearing Up for Motorcycle Season
As Seen in Midwest Motorcyclist Magazine
With all this snow, it’s hard to believe spring is just around the corner, but in spite of mother nature I know a lot of motorcyclists are preparing for the upcoming riding season. What you did to prepare your bike for winter storage will make a difference in terms of what you need to do to get ready for spring. If nothing else, prepping for your first ride might distract you from the cold and snow, so here are a few things to keep in mind as the motorcycle season approaches.
Tires: It’s been an exceptionally cold winter this year in most areas, so inspect your tires carefully before going for a ride. Extreme cold can cause cracks, flat spots, and other damage, especially if you did not put any insulation (cardboard for example) between the ground and your tires. It’s a good idea to have a portable air tank on hand so you can fill your tires at home, without moving the bike. Get yourself an accurate tire gauge and always check tire pressure when tires are cold. You can get a tire gauge and other free swag by visiting us here: http://www.motorcyclelawyermichigan.com/20.html. Don’t forget, the temperature outside directly affects your tire pressure. If it’s really cold or really hot outside, check your tires before you ride. Your owner’s manual can advise you about adjusting your tire pressure for the load you are carrying and the temperatures, and most tires will have the ideal PSI range stamped right on them. NHTSA suggest checking your tire pressure before each ride, but at the very least, check them once a week.
Engine, brakes, and battery: Did you change the oil and filter before storing your bike for winter? If not, you should probably do so now. Make sure your battery is topped up (where applicable), look for corrosion, cracks or other damage, and make sure it’s fully charged. Do a full circle check to make sure everything is in good shape, and be sure to test all lights and turn signals. Check your brakes to make sure they’re not worn and they’re working properly. After a long, cold winter, your bike isn’t the only thing that needs warming up; ease into full riding by practicing your braking and maneuvers in a safe location like a parking lot before taking it to the streets.
Biker Card: While the weather might not be ideal for riding, this is the season for swap meets and motorcycle events where you can check out the latest and greatest biker gear. This year, my team and I have developed a new Biker Card that we hope every motorcyclist will carry with them. The card gives the basics of what to do in the event of a crash, using the acronym PACT: Prevent further injury; Assess the situation; Contact EMS; Treat the injured with life-sustaining care. It also lists first-aid priorities, the ABCs: Airway, rescue Breathing, and Control bleeding. This information is the basis for the Bystander Assistance Course that our firm offers, just one of the ways we are giving back to the biker community. To learn more about our commitment to biker safety, visit http://www.themotorcyclelawyer.com/144.html. As an added bonus, motorcyclists who carry our Biker Card get discounts on products and services at a bunch of different stores and restaurants in Michigan. Want a card? Request one by visiting http://www.motorcyclelawyermichigan.com/20.html, where you can also request our Watch for Motorcycles bumper stickers to promote motorcycle awareness in your area.
Insurance: Admittedly, insurance isn’t a sexy topic, but it’s important to make sure your motorcycle is properly insured. Legal requirements for motorcycle insurance vary by state; here in Michigan, you must have bodily injury coverage in order to ride on the road, and if you get in a wreck and need repairs to your bike, you’ve got to have comprehensive coverage as well. Some people will cancel their insurance policies over the winter to save a few bucks; this is not a good idea! Your homeowner’s policy may not cover flood, fire, theft, or other damages when you are storing it on your property. Also, if you wake up on a beautiful, sunny day and you have no insurance, you might miss out on a great first ride. It’s always better to insure your bike year-round, so you’re covered and ready for anything. I provide information on motorcycle laws and insurance state-by-state on my website, www.themotorcyclelawyer.com.
As the weather gets warmer and motorcycle season gets underway, my most important tip is to always Watch for Motorcycles! You could save a life. Remind your family and friends when they’re out driving that motorcycles are everywhere. Let’s all have a safe season this year.
Attorney Jason A. Waechter is a national attorney specializing in the areas of motorcycle and motor vehicle injury litigation. Mr. Waechter has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his motorcycle clients over the past 20 years. Jason feels a duty to give back to his community. A portion of each case settled goes to educational resources for bikers, funds to help bikers while their cases are being litigated and our motorcycle accident prevention campaign. Call Attorney Jason Waechter toll free at 1-877-BIKER LAW. Or visit www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com
