J.P. Morgan Agency Customer Resources
Eight Tips to Gear Up for Motorcycle Season
(NAPS)—To steer this riding season in the right direction, you’ll want to make sure your motorcycle—and your motorcycle insurance policy—are in good working order before hitting the open road.
While you should always check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines, here are some general tips for getting ready:
1. Change the oil and filter. Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter before storing a bike for any extended period of time and again when you bring it back out for riding season. Be sure to first start up the motor-cycle to warm the engine and then shut it off before changing the oil and filter.
2. Check the belt or chain. Make sure it is set to the manufacturer’s recommended tension. And if you have a chain, lubricate it.
3. Check nuts and bolts. Start off the riding season with a solid bike. Make sure everything is tight. “A well-maintained motorcycle not only assures a fun time, it can save you money by avoiding accidents, which helps to keep your insurance rates down,” says Rick Stern, motorcycle product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies.
4. Inspect tires. Look for any damage and also make sure each tire is inflated to the correct pres-sure. You’ve only got two tires, so for maximum stability it is very important to avoid underinflation as well as overinflation.
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