'Are you and your motorcycle ready for the new season? After reading our tips, absolutely!'

For those who have not defied King Winter, another exciting period begins. Finally, the days are getting longer, the weather warmer, so your motorcycle is allowed to leave its warm nest. In other words, it's time to unveil your bike and free it from its permanent storage. But, before you start making miles again, it is helpful to keep a few things in mind when your motorcycle has been standing still for a long time. But, we hear you think: 'what are those few things? Well, continue reading this blog, and you will have your answer.

Do you prefer watching instead of reading? Watch Tech Talk #4 about getting ready for the new motorcycle season.

 

Tyres 
What is the condition of your tires? In The Netherlands, we use a minimum tread depth of 1mm. 'Tread wear indicators' or 'wear indicators' give you insights into whether your tyres still comply with this. Even better is to replace your tyres on time. The Royal Dutch Touring Club ANWB, among others, recommends replacing tyres with a minimum tread depth of 2mm or less. 

When you take your motorcycle out of its winter sleep, it's highly recommended to check the tyre pressure immediately, as tire pressure drops while standing still. Your motorcycle's manual states which tyre pressure is recommended. It's best to measure the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, as properly warmed-up tyres can contain higher air pressure.

 

 

 

Fuel
Did you put your motorcycle in its winter sleep with a full tank and used Putoline Oil Fuel Stabilizer too? Chapeau! You have done everything in your power to prevent condensation and deposition by oxidation products, such as E10 fuels. But, Fuel Stabilizer also helps after the 'winter break'. It supports a quick start of the engine after an extended period of standing still. During this period, the fuel system could keep its cleanness, and the fuel stabilizer protected the internal engine parts against corrosion. 

Pssst. You haven't heard it from us 😉, but do you really want to make a 'jump start'?  Start your season with a shot of Fuel Inject & Valve Cleaner. This highly effective gasoline additive cleans the entire injection system resulting in clean injectors, valves and combustion chamber, so the engine maintains its optimal performance. 

Do you want to know how to use Fuel Inject & Valve Cleaner? Watch this video.

Finally: Protect your fuel system during the season with E10 Fuel Fighter every time you fill up. This way, you are continuously protecting the entire fuel system against the harmful effects of E10 fuels.

 

 

 

 

Brakes
Check your brakes by checking both brake discs and pads. Are they rusted? Do they still have a sufficient thickness, and do the wheels run freely Brake pistons might get stuck due to standing still for a long time. 

Remember to check brake- and clutch fluid levels. Is there not enough brake fluid in the reservoir? This may indicate a leak or a sign of worn brake pads.

So, wait to refill this immediately, but check where the problem arises.

 

 

Lights
Seeing and being seen is vital as a motorcyclist. Check if all the lighting works, and remember to inspect turn signals and brake lights too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make sure you get good eyesight!
You are almost ready to go. Now that the engine is roaring and ready to launch its first meters after an extended period, it's time to prepare yourself well. First, see the world through a clean visor. With our Helmet Sanitizer, you can clean your visor in a split second. Secondly, this quick and easy product also cleans and neutralizes unpleasant odours in the helmet lining while leaving a fresh citrus scent behind. In any case, you will make your first meters again with a fresh feeling. See how it works by watching this video

 

 

Front fork 
Front fork seals can sometimes leak due to little use, age or pitting on the fork absorber. When a front fork leaks, it can end up on the brake discs, negatively affecting the brake performance. 

 

Battery
It's widely known that a battery performs less at low temperatures, especially when it stands still for quite a while. Therefore, check whether your battery still has sufficient voltage so that it can still provide adequate starting voltage. Otherwise, it will be a 'slow' start to the season ⚠️. 

Have you already taken this into account when storing your motorcycle for the winter by using a battery charger or a trickle charger? Great, you'll probably be off the starting blocks as soon as you're ready.

 

 


Engine Oils
Ah, finally, our specialism. As lubricant manufacturers and specialists, we must discuss this. First things first: always keep a close eye on the indicated service intervals (based on mileage or time). Service intervals can differ significantly per engine based on several factors. 

Do you want to start the season with fresh engine oil? Then, you can consult our website for a unique product recommendation for your engine. We do not only consult on lubrication but also how often you should check and refresh fluids. 

 

 

 

Chain and sprockets
Check the chain and sprockets. Firstly, check if the sprockets aren't worn. If so, have it replaced by a motorcycle dealer. If they are not worn, check the chain's slack.

The chain’s slack should be between 2-3 centimetres. Measure it by lifting the chain upwards in the middle. All good?

Then lubricate the chain and sprockets with one of Putoline Oil's chain sprays to let it run smoothly. By doing this regularly, the chain and sprockets will last longer.


Coolant
While at it, you can also check the other fluids, such as coolant. Check whether the systems are supplied with sufficient liquids and top up where necessary. 

If you have to add too much, there may be internal or external leakage. Have this checked and possibly repaired by a motorcycle dealer.

Like engine oils, you can use our website to find coolants, brake fluids, transmission oils, and more. 

 

Wash & Wax it
Now that all technical aspects have been checked, you also want your motorcycle to be taken out polished. With RS1 Bike Wash Pro, you get a beautiful result with minimal effort. In addition, it protects metal parts against corrosion. This product is safe to use on almost all materials, such as aluminium and chrome, but also rubber and plastic. After cleaning, a bright glow appears. We will show you how it works. Watch this video and get to it. 

Do you want to level up? Go for the ultimate shine with RS1 Wax Polish Spray. It not only ensures a deep glow but also provides a protective layer. Also, here, we are way ahead of you. Watch the tutorial.

If your motorcycle has a matte finish, you can use Matt Wax. We may repeat ourselves, but Matt Wax also has an instructional video.

 

 


Ready, set, GO!
After reading this blog, you are fully prepared for the new season. We would like to wish you safe travels and remember: if you have any questions about lubrication or maintenance- and care products, we are happy to answer them! 


How To Use
We have made more than 20 videos about our maintenance and care products to educate and inform our users about properly using Putoline Oil products. Ideas, wishes or suggestions? Please, let us know.

You can go directly to our playlist on YouTube through the video below. Ga via de video hieronder direct naar onze playlist op YouTube


Availability
All our products are available at one of our local dealers. You can find your nearest dealer by clicking here.

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