Your Ultimate Motorcycle Spring Cleaning Checklist
Author: Team Adventure Moto Date Posted:26 September 2025
The days are getting longer, the sun is getting warmer, and the call of those trails is getting louder by the day. If your bike has been hibernating in the shed all winter, you’re probably itching to get back in the saddle. But, before you fire her up for that first glorious ride, it pays to give your bike some pre-season TLC.
Here’s your spring cleaning and maintenance checklist to ensure your motorcycle is in great shape for this season and beyond.
The Walkaround
It might sound obvious, but when was the last time you gave your bike a proper go-over? Before you even pick up the tools, we recommend:
- Checking for leaks under the engine and on the shed floor.
- Inspect for wear & tear. Examine pivot points like your footpegs and levers. Look at cables for fraying and hoses for cracks.
- Check for any damage. Give your mirrors, indicators and guards a once-over for any dings they may have copped.
Give Your Bike A Good Wash
A proper wash isn’t just about looking good on your first ride back; it helps prevent corrosion and lets you inspect the frame and bodywork up close. Start by giving the bike a good rinse, but go easy with the pressure washer. You don’t want to force water into sensitive bearings, seals or electrics. Then, get stuck in with a purpose-built cleaner to break down grime.
Inspect Your Tyres
Nothing ends a ride faster than a flattie. Winter can cause tyre pressure to drop, so pump them up to the recommended PSI. While you’re there, check the tread for depth and run your hands over the sidewalls to feel for any cracks.
If you spot any trouble, or the tread is looking a bit thin, don’t muck about. Our mates at Tyres 4 Bikes are the experts and conveniently located right next to our Brisbane and Sydney stores; they even offer free fittings on loose wheels with any tyre purchase. If you’re not local, they also offer free Australia-wide shipping from their website.
Check Your Brakes
Your life literally depends on these. Check your brake pads for wear - if they’re looking thin, replace them now. Inspect the brake lines for any cracks or bulging. Most importantly, check your brake fluid. It absorbs water over time, which can lead to a spongy feel at the lever. If the fluid in the reservoir is dark, it’s time for a flush.
Clean & Lube Your Chain
An adventure bike’s chain goes through a lot, so it’s time to show it some love. Use a quality degreaser and a stiff brush to get the old gunk off, then dry it and apply a fresh coat of lube.
Start with Fresh Fuel
Don't start a new riding season with old gas. Before starting up your bike, drain the gas tank and any fuel from the carburettor that's more than six weeks old, as this can clog up your system and make your bike run rough.
Change The Engine Oil
This is a non-negotiable. Even if you didn’t rack up many k’s in the last year, oil degrades over time. If you didn’t change it before winter, do it now. Run the bike for a few minutes first to warm the oil and help it drain completely. We stock a range of high-tech engine oil specially designed for ADV bikes.
Top Up Your Fluids
Now that your oil and gas levels are sorted, it’s time to check your antifreeze, transmission, hydraulic and coolant levels. Check if anything needs replacing by comparing the colours and consistencies of each fluid against a fresh version.
Inspect The Air Filter
Your air filter is your engine’s lung, and on dusty, Aussie trails, it works overtime. A clogged filter starves your engine of air, robbing it of power and increasing fuel consumption. Pull it out and give it a good once-over. If it’s looking worse for wear, it’s time for a new one.
Test The Battery
If your bike’s been sitting in storage all winter and you didn’t remove the battery, chances are, it needs a charge. Hook it up to a charger to test its health and bring it back to full strength. Make sure the terminals are clean and tight before you reconnect it.
Turn It On and Test It
Once the batteries are charged up, switch the bike on. Test your lights, honk the horn and check all that all gauges, switches and signals are working. Next, take your bike outside and run the engine for a few minutes, listening out for any unusual noises which might indicate trouble.
And A Final Check…For You!
The bike is sorted, but the most important component is the one in the saddle. If it’s been a while since you were out on two wheels, we recommend going for a short warm-up ride around the neighbourhood to make sure everything still feels right. You should also give your gear a once-over and upgrade anything that looks too worn.
And that’s it. You’re ready to ride!
