Spring is the season for getting motorcycles out of storage and back into ideal operating condition for the summer ahead. Riders may monitor weather conditions eagerly, waiting for a dry day that is warm enough to ride comfortably.

While an early spring ride can be exhilarating, it can also be dangerous. Proper preparation before hitting the road is of the utmost importance for the safety of motorcycle operators.

Seasonal maintenance is key to a safe ride

Putting a motorcycle into storage for the winter requires a maintenance process when the bike comes back out of storage. The replacement of fluids is critical. Riders or the mechanics they trust also need to inspect the brakes, electrical system, tires and other key components of the motorcycle for damage, possibly caused by rodents.

Having anything fail on the road could be catastrophic. Making sure that a motorcycle is in safe riding condition may require a weekend of work in the garage or an appointment with a trusted mechanic.

Riders may also need to inspect and replace their safety gear. Aged helmets may have brittle plastic or degraded foam that offers suboptimal protection in the event of a crash. Finally, riders may need to briefly refresh their skills by riding on low-speed roads with minimal traffic initially. They may also benefit from practicing defensive riding, especially early in the season when drivers may fail to watch for them in traffic.

Unfortunately, even with fastidious safety practices, riders can still end up injured in motorcycle collisions. Reviewing what caused a wreck with a skilled legal team can help injured riders hold irresponsible drivers accountable.