My Motorcycle Rites of Spring

Routines to Wake Up the Season

I don’t know about you, but come spring I plan a short trip, once I’ve checked all my gear and given my bike a once over. That not only includes the obvious, like battery charging and bike lubrication, but also mechanically. I literally go over all the nuts and bolts of my Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx and torque everything back down to the manufacturer’s specifications.

In western Canada that requires battery testing, as well as running the bike, adding fresh fuel and burning off the stabilizer that I added to the fuel in the fall. While running, I test the stator, regulator voltage and amperage output, check my tires and then recheck the inflation. It only takes a couple of minutes, and then I check the TPMS to make sure the TFT and my reading are the same.

This year I purchased some new tools, a very portable rear wheel stand so that I can easily lubricate and clean my chain while on the road, and a new torque wrench and set of sockets, all lighter and more compact than the ones I always carried. Let’s face it, when you’re on the road for two weeks, you want the lightest, most efficient everything. you can buy.

I motorcycle camp, so I like to gather any of my new additions for camping, and then unpack and repack everything, so I actually know where it is. Then I slide a sharpie note in the bag’s plastic window that indicates what’s inside.

This year, I decided to add some new functionality to my camping and pack a solar charger, new, bigger, better breathing and waterproof tent, and an new off-grid GPS. I’ve taken each piece of equipment out and tested it to ensure it works. My 20 amp solar charger and panels works awesomely. I’ve ensured that all the connections I need for my phone, iPad and Spot charger are included in my kit, and I’ve rechecked my propane supply, piezo lighter and tools.

After encountering another rider’s bad accident last year, I used up almost all my medical kit stabilizing his wounds and broken arm, so this year I went out and bought a new medical kit. I also found that typical medical kits don’t include many of the things you’ll need when you encounter someone in serious condition. My new kit is designed as a military trauma kit, which means that significant wounds and even amputations are considered, while that equipment is hopefully never needed.

As a former EMT and Fire Chief, you don’t want to be in the position of not having the essentials when someone’s future hangs in the balance. I would also recommend two things for those of you who travel extensively, particularly to remote locations.

First, take a basic first-aid course along with CPR instruction. The benefits may be more important than anything else you’ll get for your riding experience. Second, take a wilderness survival course if you go into the wilderness. No matter what happens, sometimes it is the unexpected. Having the skills to survive may be the most important thing on any given day.

Enjoy, chiao…