Pre-Season Safety Check: Small Fixes That Make a Big Difference on Your First Ride

Spring isn’t just about better weather — it’s about resetting your ride for safety. Whether you ride year-round or your machine’s been sitting for a bit, a quick pre-season check can prevent sketchy moments, breakdowns, or worse.

The good news? Some of the most important safety fixes are also the easiest.

Start With the Controls

Your controls are your connection to the machine — if something feels off, it is off.

• Clutch & throttle cables: Look for fraying, stiffness, or delayed return. A sticky cable can turn into a real problem fast.
• Grips: If they’re torn, spinning, or hardened, replace them. You want confidence, not guesswork, when you twist the throttle.

👉 Quick win: Fresh cables and grips instantly improve feel and control.

Check Brakes Before Anything Else

Even if they worked fine last season, brakes deserve extra attention.

• Inspect brake pads for wear
• Look for leaks or cracks in brake lines
• Test brake feel before riding — spongy or soft isn’t normal

If something feels off in the garage, it’ll feel worse at speed.

Tires: Don’t Just Check Tread

Tires age even when you’re not riding.

• Look for dry rot or cracking on sidewalls
• Check tire pressure — it’s almost always low after sitting
• If tires are more than a few years old, replacement might be the safer move

Your tires are the only thing touching the ground — don’t skip this one.

Battery & Electrical Basics

A weak battery can cause more than just a no-start.

• Slow cranking? Dim lights? Clicking sounds?
• Clean terminals and check for corrosion
• Test voltage or consider replacement if it struggled last season

Final Walkaround

Before your first ride:

• Tighten visible bolts
• Check chain or belt tension
• Make sure lights, signals, and horn work

The Takeaway: Spring safety isn’t about weather — it’s about confidence. These small checks take less than an hour but can save you from a ruined ride or an expensive repair.