PROTECT YOUR RIDE! Keeping Your Bike Safe in Storage This Winter
Riders in cold-weather states are mourning the arrival of the end of the riding season. As the leaves fall and the snow is certain to follow, your chances to hit the open road lessen, but as you say goodbye to your riding passion for the next few months, try these storage tips to keep your bike in good shape. Your Bike Storage Checklist Keep your bike safe from the harsh and cold winter weather by adhering to these practices.
talk to your insurance company about canceling your liability and collision plans, since your bike will be sitting in storage and likely not involved in an accident all winter. However, keep your comprehensive coverage to protect your bike from theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. The caveat to this move is you must remember to reinstate your liability and collision insurance before taking that first spring ride. You should never ride without being fully covered. ‘Is my coverage sufficient?’ As you wait impatiently for spring to arrive, take this opportunity to evaluate your insurance coverage during the riding season. Will you be fully protected in the event of an accident? What if the other parties involved in the accident don’t have insurance? Adding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can protect you and get you the compensation you deserve regardless of the other drivers’ insurance. Working with insurance companies can be a pain, but trying to heal your body and get your bike back on the road without the compensation you deserve will be worse. If you are struggling with the insurance company following an accident, the legal experts at Law Tigers can help. Visit LawTigers.com to learn more. them regularly because the cold temperatures can decrease tire pressure. • Maintain the battery. Depending on the manufacturer of your ride, your bike’s battery may be susceptible to erosion this winter. The best way to protect it is to remove your battery and store it inside the house or another area not susceptible to cold temperatures. If you keep your battery on your bike, make sure to leave it hooked up to a battery tender (trickle charger). • Clean your mess. Leaving grime and gunk on your bike makes your motorcycle susceptible to rust, premature wear and tear, and the degeneration of your ride. Wash, wax, and cover your bike to keep it clean and sparkling all winter. • Keep an eye on it. Forgetting to check on your motorcycle all winter can spell disaster come spring. Get in the habit of checking your motorcycle on a regular basis, especially as the weather dips below freezing. • Get a makeover. Update your gear to the newest technology to ensure safety, and check your helmet for proper sizing. Remember to never keep a helmet that has been in an accident, as the materials will not be safe. Replace any worn-out parts or pieces of your bike, and educate yourself on safe riding techniques. You can make this winter work for you by properly storing your bike, but if you do ride in the cold weather, the potential for accidents increases. For more riding tips and to find a legal expert to help you after an accident leaves you injured, visit LawTigers.com.
Using the Winter Season to Save Money INSURANCE STRATEGIES The legal experts at Law Tigers work with insurance companies every day as we fight for our clients and their right to proper compensation following accidents and injuries. We know that navigating motorcycle insurance is a tedious task that most people don’t enjoy, and we understand why. But winter can be the perfect time to check in with your insurance company and discover how you can save money and keep yourself and your bike protected. Learn more by asking yourself these two questions. • Check the fluids. Store your bike with a fresh, full tank of nonethanol gas, top it off with the correct measurement of fuel stabilizer, and don’t let old oil wreak havoc on your bike’s system all winter. Change the oil and oil filter, and if your bike is liquid- cooled, check your bike’s antifreeze to prevent engine damage in cold temperatures. • Avoid tire troubles. Ideally, you should store your bike in a heated location with the tires off the ground to prevent flat spots. But if you are unable to do this, move the bike every so often to avoid constant weight and compression on the tire surface. In addition, keep your tires properly inflated, and check
‘Should I cancel my insurance?’ Everyone wants to
save money, but don’t be so quick to cancel all of your motorcycle insurance as the temperature drops. Instead,
www.lawtigers.com
42
Helping Injured Riders Nationwide
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker