Adventure Motorcycle Season Prep: Your Ultimate Guide

Preparing your adventure motorcycle for the season might sound less thrilling than epic trail tales and narrow escapes from torrential downpours and steep cliffs, right?

These stories never end, filling every campfire chat and weekday banter with excitement.

However, few get as excited about their ADV bike’s brake pads wearing thin or oil levels dropping dangerously low during those journeys.

But many of these issues are entirely preventable with some proper pre-season preparation for your bike, gear, and, well, you.

Regardless if you ride a BMW R 1250 GS or a Yamaha Tenere 700. These simple moto acts could mean the difference between a season filled with exhilaration or one bogged down by unnecessary wrenching or expensive visits to the shop.

Riding is an art where the thrill of freedom and the weight of responsibility blend, making each trip a memory etched in time. Getting your motorcycle ready for a new season of adventures is crucial, not just for performance but also for safety.

Here’s how to ensure your motorcycle is in prime condition, avoiding common pitfalls that could lead to breakdowns or, worse, compromise your safety or the safety of others on the road or trail.

The Importance of a Thorough Bike Inspection

When your steed sits dormant during the cold, off-season months, atrophy sets in quickly, like a patient lying in a hospital bed getting sore from too much rest. 

A comprehensive inspection can spot lingering issues before they spoil your ride and ensure everything's functioning properly for safety.

This is crucial; make this a ritual. It's like having a chat with your bike—ensuring you both speak the same language for a trouble-free riding season ahead.

Here are the first things to check out when your bike gets out of that sad state of hibernation:

• Brake Pads: This is an absolutely crucial check. Make sure they’re not worn down; otherwise, stopping might become more “exciting” than you’d want. 
• Tire Conditions, Tread Depth, Wheel Cracks: First, visually inspect the tires for cracks or excessive wear, noting any coupling or cracked knobs. Also, I hate saying it because I see it often, but if there’s any cracking or, um, dry rot, replace them. While doing this, look closely at the rims for cracks, and if you have spokes, check each spoke for play. I discovered a cracked rim on my KTM 1190 Adventure R once that could have devastated that first ride of the season. 
• Check PSI: After completing the above, ensure your PSI is where it should be. Make it a practice to do this before every ride. Nothing can harm you quicker than a tire running at low PSI—it negates all that time those tire engineers put into making your tires perform amazingly and keep you safe. Remember, fluctuations in weather will always impact your tires. 
• Oil Level: Just like humans need water, bikes need oil at the right level for all parts to move smoothly. Check your oil level when checking your PSI (and also make it a ritual before every ride). If you must top it off frequently, you know you have some work ahead. 
• Other Fluids: While you’re at it, check your oil, brake, clutch, and coolant fluids. I change my brake and clutch fluids every winter before storage and check for leaks and lack of lever pressure. I also change the coolant as often as per OEM guidelines. 
• Chain: For those not blessed with a Bavarian driveshaft, check your chain for any binding, and make sure it’s properly cleaned and lubed with the right stuff, such as Muc-Off All-Weather Chain Lube.
• Battery Power: No one likes being stranded because of a dead battery. Ensure yours is staying charged, even if you left it on a battery maintainer all winter. Also, ensure terminals aren’t corroded, and connections are snug.
• Lights and Signals: Brake lights and turn signals are vital communication tools on the road. Ensure they all function properly so you don’t risk getting pulled over or into an accident. A quick way I do this is by simply turning the four ways on while doing my checks (if your bike has four ways).
• Suspension: Make sure all is working smoothly. Engage the front brake and dive the forks, checking for smoothness and leaks. Do the same by bouncing on your seat to check the rear suspension. 
• Lube Cables: Have a cable-operated clutch or throttle? Make sure they’re lubed with a quick spray of Motion Pro Cable Lube.
• Check Fuel: Hopefully, you treated your fuel with a stabilizer. Even if you run non-ethanol, as I do religiously on my bikes, I still treat the fuel before winter storage. 

A proper once-over doesn't stop there, though. Check the service manual (or hit up YouTube) for specifics related to your model. Remember: prevention is better than cure, especially when cruising down highways or those trails at speed.

If all this seems daunting and you’re not a wrencher, no worries—you've got plenty of options from local shops or dealerships offering pre-season tune-ups. 

Last thing—always listen closely during those first few rides after winter storage. Sometimes, bikes whisper secrets about their condition post-hibernation that only attentive ears can catch. 

Your bike has been patient through its hibernating months. Returning that patience by ensuring its health isn’t just smart; it’s respectful, too. 

Although I do the above before every riding season, I also complete a once-over before my bikes hibernate. I typically change brake/clutch fluids, clean/lube chain, place the bikes on stands (a center stand and a front stand for my DesertX, for example), closely inspect wheels, bearings, suspension, and tires, and lube all cables if the bike has them (I still fell awkward saying things like “if your bike still has cables!). 

I also stabilize my fuel and use the proper battery tender. 

Quick Advice: Daily Ride Quick Checks

Yes, this is all about prepping your adventure bike for the riding season. But make it a best practice to do at least the following before every ride. 

This again ensures your safety and more enjoyment on the road. 

• Tire PSI/Conditions
• Chain Slack
• Oil Level
• Lights and Signals
• Fuel

Fuel? For those of you like me who suffer from a bad fuel gauge, this simple practice will make life easier if your gauge stops working. 

After checking the oil level, I simply shake the bike a bit to hear the swoosh of fuel. 

Don’t Forget About Motorcycle Gear Checks

Inspecting your adventure motorcycle gear before you throttle into the new season is as critical as the bike preparation itself. 

This isn't just about ensuring comfort; it's about reinforcing your safety net while riding. 

And due to the nature of adventure riding, this gear takes more of a beating than most. 

Here are the essentials of gear inspection, starting with the most important piece—your helmet. 

Adventure Helmet Inspection

• Check for Lid Damage: Begin by visually inspecting your motorcycle helmet. Look for cracks, dents, or any signs of wear that could compromise its integrity. Remember, even a minor fall can affect its protective capabilities. We all cringe when we hear a helmet fall, and the immediate response should be to check it thoroughly. 
• Check Your Manufacturer Date: This is usually behind the liner or on the closure to secure the helmet. Most manufacturers say seven years is the maximum life of a helmet due to the integrity of components breaking down naturally. Don’t mess with this; check your lid’s date and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to replace it on time. Nothing is more vital than keeping your head safe, so don’t sacrifice your noggin due to a poor decision.
• Review the Fit: Your helmet should fit snugly but comfortably. If it feels looser than it did, consider replacing the interior liner/padding or the helmet itself to ensure maximum protection. I’ve witnessed helmets being one or two sizes larger on most people who take the time to do such a simple measurement. Measure according to the helmet manufacturer, and make sure you’re in spec. 
• Safety Certification: Verify that your helmet still meets safety standards like DOT, ECE, or SNELL. Regulations can update, and it’s vital your helmet’s certifications remain current.
• Visor Clarity: Ensure the visor is free of scratches and provides clear visibility. A compromised visor can affect your ability to spot hazards promptly. When I’m adventure touring, I’m typically in a beaked lid and I always pack a spare clear visor because the beak keeps the sun from my eyes. When I’m touring with a traditional lid, I do the same, but also always pack an extra tinted visor, also, unless the lid has an internal sun visor. 

Jacket, Pants, and/Or Suit Inspection

• Material Check: Examine your motorcycle jacket, pants, or suits for tears, abrasions, or thinning material, especially in high-impact areas such as elbows, knees, and back. Ensure that all seams are checked.
• Zipper Checks: Check all zippers, from the main enclosure to all vent zippers. Years ago, I took a lesson from Helge Pedersen, author of “10 Years on 2 Wheels,” and started using a candle to lightly wax the surface of my main zipper’s enclosure (you don’t have to put a thick layer on!). This keeps things lubricated and working smoothly. 
• Armor Integrity: Ensure all protective inserts or armor are in place and undamaged. These should fit securely within their compartments and show no signs of shifting. I’ve witnessed poor armor literally crumble into pieces when going to change some. If possible, upgrade to stronger elements that feature material like D30.
• Reflective Elements: Check that all reflective materials are intact and visible. These elements are crucial for night riding and low-visibility conditions.

Boots and Gloves: The Essentials for Grip and Protection

• Structural Soundness: For motorcycle boots, check for sole wear, material tears, or broken fastenings (or laces if you dare wear riding shoes on an adventure bike). Your boots should offer stable support and protection. Your motorcycle gloves should be closely inspected for wear in the palms and fingers, ensuring they maintain their protective qualities and grip.
• Water Resistance: If your gear is meant to be waterproof, check its effectiveness. Aging material can lose its water-repelling properties, and seams may become vulnerable to leaks. Material like Gore-Tex can be treated and heated in a dryer to reactivate the waterproof molecules. Research your material to see if any of this is possible. 
• Rain Suits: If you don’t use a waterproof material like Gore-Tex, or have amazing vented gear for those hotter temperatures, make sure you have a rain suit packed somewhere. 

Additional Gear Checks

• Heated Gear Inspection: If you rely on heated vests, gloves, or other electrically heated gear, test its functionality before setting out. Check for any wiring damage or connection issues, especially ones that tie directly into the battery. I saw a friend’s trip in the colder weather get ruined because the connection to his KTM 990’s battery loosened. The stock battery location for those is a PITA in the garage, never mind the trail when you have zero fun signal and your hands are freezing. 
• Hydration Packs: If you use hydration packs during long rides, ensure they are clean, free from leaks, and the tubing is intact. Please clean the pack before using it, and remember to clean and inspect it before putting it away. Bacteria can build up quickly in these, making for a horrible ride if sick. 

Equipping yourself with well-maintained gear is not just a ritual; it’s a declaration of your commitment to safe riding. 

And since I brought up troubles in colder temps, let’s focus a bit on the weather. 

Riding an ADV motorcycle is like being part of an exclusive club that caters to both on- and off-road journeys. But Mother Nature doesn't care about your membership status. 

She'll throw rain showers and sudden gusts at you just because she can. So, how do you stay one step ahead? By gearing up with the right tools and threads.

Gone are the days of waiting for weather reports. Now, we've got apps that predict the weather down to the minute. Fancy beating the rain at its own game? Check out the numerous apps on your app store. Many provide real-time updates so accurately that you'd think they have a deal with Mother Nature herself.

Nowadays, modern GPS units also have real-time weather reports built in, allowing you to reroute to stay dry or warm up quickly. 

Starting Your Riding Season Right

You wouldn't run a marathon without stretching first, right? The same goes for riding season kickoff—it’s all about starting slowly to avoid hiccups (or worse). 

A quick refresher on checking everything from fluid levels to chain alignment can save you from roadside headaches later.

Give yourself grace periods during early rides; reacquaint yourself with how your bike responds under different conditions like rain showers or unexpected potholes (because winter months aren’t kind to roads).

Get a newer bike? Double this time so you can get used to it before heading on any extended journeys. 

Here are a few quick thoughts on mental prep, especially ahead of the first season’s longer journey. 

• Ease into longer distances gradually. Take shorter rides before any long hauls, even if it’s a quick 10-mile jaunt a day before your tour. 
• Familiarize yourself again with defensive riding techniques—it’s easy to get rusty.
• Pick routes you know well, for starters; this helps you regain confidence without too many variables thrown in.
• Skill refreshers can help eliminate bad habits and introduce new techniques. Revisit your favorite online series—after participating in the Chris Birch Say No to Slow ADV School, I made it a point to revisit his video series at least monthly, especially for areas I am trying to improve. This repetition will help you build your skills much quicker. 
• Stay informed about changes in motorcycle laws. A quick Google search will help you discover laws for your state or where you’re traveling, keeping you out of trouble. 

In addition to the comprehensive checks and preparations detailed above, here are a few other areas that will help for the upcoming adventure motorcycle season. 

Product Recommendations for Optimal Performance and Maintenance

Choosing the right products for your motorcycle maintenance can significantly affect performance and longevity. 

For chain lubrication, consider a product that reduces wear and repels dirt and water, ideal for adventure riding conditions. When it comes to cleaning agents, opt for biodegradable solutions that are tough on grime but gentle on your bike's surfaces. 

Fuel treatments should be specifically designed for motorcycles to ensure they protect against moisture and clean the fuel system. These recommendations are based on their effectiveness, user reviews, and environmental friendliness, aiming to enhance your motorcycle's readiness for the season.

Emergency Readiness

Adventure riding thrives on unpredictability, but being prepared can make all the difference. Carrying a compact, motorcycle-specific tool kit can help address minor repairs on the go. 

A first aid kit designed for motorcyclists like the one from Hepco & Becker should include items for treating road rash, fractures, and other common injuries until professional medical help can be reached. 

Additionally, consider a portable motorcycle tire inflator and a tubeless tire repair kit; these can be invaluable in remote locations. Ensuring you have a roadside assistance plan that covers towing and services in remote areas can also provide peace of mind during your adventures.

Enhancing Your Adventure with Responsible Riding Practices

As you embrace the thrill of adventure riding, it's crucial to remember your impact on the environments we traverse. Practicing responsible riding by staying on designated trails, minimizing noise pollution, and adhering to Leave No Trace principles helps preserve natural habitats and maintains positive relationships with local communities. 

Additionally, engaging with local and online riding communities can offer valuable insights, shared experiences, and opportunities to participate in conservation efforts. These practices ensure that the trails and natural spaces we enjoy remain accessible and healthy for future generations of riders.

The journey toward motorcycle readiness is more than a checklist; it’s a meditation on the bond between rider and machine. It's about preparing not just for the miles but for the moments they bring. 

By adopting a proactive stance on motorcycle, gear, and mental maintenance and skill enhancement, you're not just setting the stage for another riding season; you’re crafting a legacy of unforgettable adventures marked by the wisdom of preparation and the joy of exploration.

Remember, the tales worth telling tomorrow are forged in today's preparation. Gear up, tune in, and let’s throttle into a season where every ride is a testament to the spirit of adventure guided by the principles of safety.