If you ask them, most bikers will say they care about motorcycle maintenance, which is just as important to a good bike as the right motorcycle insurance. However, the blunt truth is that many owners overlook important maintenance steps. Over time, this threatens to damage the bike in a big way, resulting in a major repair bill from your mechanic. 

Fortunately, the opposite holds true as well: By maintaining your ride like you should, you can keep it running great and spare yourself a frustrating bill. Just like other safety steps you take, such as choosing the right helmet, regular maintenance can keep you – and your passengers – safer on the road. Ready to protect your bike? Keep reading to discover the most important biker tips for taking care of your motorcycle. 

Motorcycle Maintenance: Change the Oil Yourself 

Many bikers, like most drivers, rely on someone else to change their oil. However, we think true motorcycle maintenance involves changing it yourself, both to better stay on top of your bike’s condition (especially if you bought it used) and to save you time and money compared to taking it to a mechanic. 

Read your owner’s manual to verify how often you need to check your oil, and let the bike idle for about five minutes before you check it. This will make it easier for you to drain the oil into a pan. Once you get used to the mess, you’ll become an expert at removing the drain plug and filter, draining the oil, replacing the oil, and putting the filter and plug back. 

As long as you do this regularly, you can keep your bike in peak condition (just make sure you’re keeping your well-maintained scooter away from thieves). 

Regularly Check Brake Pads (and Replace as Needed) 

While all of these biker tips for maintenance are important, regularly checking your brake pads is one of the most important safety steps you can take. That’s because these pads wear down over time, becoming less and less effective. Worst case, this can lead to a bad accident. 

Your owner’s manual may give you a more precise number, but it’s generally good to inspect these brake pads every 7,500 miles or so. If your bike is new, you should inspect them around every 6,000 miles, as this will help you determine how much your driving habits and environment are wearing the pads down. By replacing them as needed, you can protect your life and potentially other lives on the road. 

Clean and Lube Your Drive Chain 

If you have an older bike, you may need to clean and lube your drive chain more often than not (some bikers do so after every ride). Newer bikes typically use O-ring chains that require less cleaning, but it’s still important for you to clean the chain at least as often as your owner’s manual recommends. 

All you have to do is elevate the rear wheel, put the bike in neutral, and clean the bike chain with a brush. As for lubrication, just rotate your back wheel to evenly apply the chain lube, making sure it gets into the joints. After about five minutes, you can wipe the oil off, and you might be surprised at how much this impacts performance. 

Visually Inspect Each Tire Before You Ride 

If you’ve always taken your bike to the mechanic for maintenance, some of these tips may seem intimidating. It’s fine to start slow with doing your own preventative care. That means inspecting your tires before you go for a drive. 

Some tire issues will be immediately obvious, including cracks, holes, tears, and so on. You can check these out before each drive, but we also recommend checking your tire pressure at least once per week. Underinflated tires will make your bike harder to ride and, more frighteningly, harder to stop. By keeping the pressure in the safe range and ensuring the tires are in good condition, you can stay safe on the road and prevent accidents. 

Check the Fuel Filter and Fuel Lines 

When it comes to vehicle filters, most people are familiar with the air filter and the need to replace it from time to time. However, it’s equally important for motorcycle owners to regularly inspect their fuel filter. This filter can easily get clogged and will need to be cleaned out so your bike will run in an optimal state. 

While you’re at it, make sure to check your fuel lines for signs of any damage. If they appear to be cracked, then you need to replace the lines ASAP. Simply put, driving around with cracked fuel lines will put yourself and others in danger. 

Preventative Care: Keep an Eye on Your Battery 

Battery care is important for automobile drivers, of course, but it is particularly important for bikers. That’s because many bikers put their ride into storage for the winter. When you aren’t regularly driving the motorcycle around to keep it charged, the battery is likely going to need to be charged or even replaced before you ride again. 

As with automobiles, it’s easy enough for you to check the battery life using a multimeter. If you want to avoid having to do this, though, consider investing in a trickle charger to keep your battery charged during the winter or when otherwise not in use. Finally, don’t forget that no matter how well you take care of your battery, you’ll need to replace it every two years or so. 

Get the Best Motorcycle Insurance Today! 

Now you know the best motorcycle maintenance tips to keep your ride in perfect condition. But do you know who is ready to help you take care of your bike with the insurance it deserves? 

Here at InsureOne, we are experts at protecting awesome bikes just like yours. To discover motorcycle insurance at prices you didn’t think were possible, come get a quote online. Alternatively, you can pick up the phone and give us a quick call at 800-836-2240. Finally, feel free to come into one of our convenient nearby offices as soon as you need coverage! 

Many motorcycle riders think of riding their bikes as an activity ideal for three seasons. When it comes to the winter season, riding a motorcycle in the snow may seem like a forbidden activity. However, it doesn’t have to be the case. Riding motorcycles in winter can be incredibly fun – when you know about motorcycle winter safety and how to get your bike ready for snow.

Below, we’ve got helpful tips on preparing your bike for the cold weather, what to wear while riding motorcycles in winter, and more.

Get Your Bike Ready For Snow And Cold Temps.

It’s important to make some improvements and updates on your motorcycle to ensure that it’s safe during cold weather motorcycle riding. A few to consider include:

• Winter motorcycle tires – While they’re not very common, motorcycle tires for the winter are available on the market. They offer the best grip on the road for riding a motorcycle on ice. However, be sure to put your regular tires back on the bike when it gets warm out, as they will overheat and lose grip. Also, check the tire pressure regularly – ideally before every ride for optimal traction.
• Windshield – If you don’t already have one, invest in a windshield for your motorcycle. They help to keep the cold wind and snow off of you while you’re riding.
• Thermometer – Consider getting a handlebar-mounted thermometer for your bike. It will help to keep you aware of the temperature and avoid frostbite or hypothermia. 

Wear The Right Gear In Layers.

As a motorcycle rider, staying warm in the winter involves wearing the right motorcycle winter gear. The most important piece of safety gear is a motorcycle helmet. A sweat-wicking base layer and a neck warmer should be worn while riding in the winter. Consider investing in heated clothing such as jackets, vests, and gloves, as well as a high-visibility jacket. 

Store Your Motorcycle If You’re Not Planning On Riding It.

Some bike owners simply don’t like riding a motorcycle in the winter, which is perfectly fine – as long as you have a safe way to store it. You’ll want a location that is dry and out of the winter elements, which could be in your garage or in a storage facility.

Run Your Motorcycle Weekly.

Many bike owners wonder, should I start my motorcycle in the winter? The answer is yes – you should start and run your motorcycle once a week for at least 15 minutes. This keeps engine components lubricated, recharges the battery, and ensures that all the parts don’t get stiff. It also eliminates condensation buildup and allows fresh fuel to be cycled through the carburetor.

Make Sure You Have Motorcycle Insurance For The Winter

The above tips for riding motorcycles in the winter will ensure a season of safety and fun – along with motorcycle insurance. InsureOne can take all of the confusion out of buying motorcycle insurance. We work with major insurance companies to find you the best coverage at the best price. Call us or stop by a local office today to get a free motorcycle insurance quote.

Motorcycle riding is an exhilarating experience. But before you twist that throttle, there’s a lot of information to take in for a beginner motorcycle rider. If you’re not careful, one single motorcycle riding mistake could cost your life. 

Below, we’ve compiled a list of helpful motorcycle riding tips for beginner motorcycle riders. 

Take Some Lessons

If learning how to ride a motorcycle is on your bucket list, some basic lessons will help. For beginner motorcycle riders, there’s a lot to remember if you want to have an exhilarating experience. You can enroll for basic rider classes that teach riding skills and maybe find a riding partner.

Get The Proper Gear

As with any other sporting activity, you must have the right gear for motorcycle riding. You’re prone to accidents and tipping over, so riding in shorts is not a right choice. As a beginner, you’re at a higher risk of toppling over than an experienced rider. The most essential gear is a helmet. You should also invest in a good jacket, gloves, and a solid pair of boots.

Get Comfortable 

As a new motorcycle rider, you should learn how to position your body. A general rule of thumb is to ensure the top is loose and the bottom is tight. This means that you should squeeze your thighs together and loosen the upper part of the body. 

Practice Riding

Before you start thinking about the traffic, practice accident avoidance skills like swerving and making quick stops. With practice and patience, it won’t be long before you know how to ride a motorcycle with skill.

Don’t Brake In A Turn

If you hit the brakes on the apex of the turn, that’s terrible news. Before you get to the corner, you should have the right speed and be on the right gear. If you brake in the middle of the turn, you’ll tip over. The best way to maneuver a corner is to accelerate through the turn.

Scan Traffic And Look Out For Pedestrians

An essential tip for a new motorcycle rider is to always look ahead at where you want to go and which path to take. But before you move your bike towards that spot, you should get a better view of the other vehicles around you. To be on the safe side, you should look past the vehicle in front and be aware of any escape routes. Some pedestrians may also unexpectedly cross the street without being conscious of their surroundings.

Never Ride In Middle Lanes

Choosing the right lane will ensure you get to your destination without any accidents. So, regardless of the type of road you ride on, you should understand where to ride. In large cities, the highways will have more than one lane. If possible, you should pick the left lane, not the middle one. 

The above beginner motorcycle riding tips will ensure many years of safe riding run – along with motorcycle insurance. InsureOne can take all of the confusion out of buying motorcycle insurance. We work with major insurance companies to find you the best coverage at the best price. Call us or stop by a local office today to get a free motorcycle insurance quote.

Of course, to choose a nice bike on a budget, you need to know what to look for when shopping. Things like gas mileage, physical condition, and how hard it was ridden are all things to consider.

If you’re asking, is it ok to buy a used motorcycle, and need tips and advice, we’ll go over things to know about buying a used bike, including why it’s a good idea.

Why Buy a Used Motorcycle?

In a nutshell, you can save a lot of money by buying a used motorcycle. New bikes depreciate rather quickly, which means that they quickly become used in terms of value. Buying a new one involves multiple extra fees, which you don’t have to worry about when purchasing a used model. Keep in mind that used motorcycle values vary based on geographic location. 

What is High Mileage for a Motorcycle?

While mileage isn’t the only thing to consider when you’re looking at used bikes, it is important. Low mileage doesn’t always mean that the bike is in great condition. Motorcycles that have more than 40,000 miles are considered high mileage. However, if the bike is taken care of and has a lot of miles, it can still be a great purchase.

Where Can I Buy Used Motorcycles?

You can purchase a used motorcycle at most dealerships that sell cars. Other alternatives include a store that specifically sells bikes (like Harley Davidson), Craigslist, and eBay. 

What Should I Look for in a Cheap Motorcycle?

The first thing you want to know is the history of the motorcycle: how often it was driven and for what. You’ll also want to get the bike’s service records to see its history of scheduled maintenance. 

Other things to examine:

• Footpegs, levers, and bar ends – If these parts are damaged, this is a sign that the bike has been hitting the pavement a lot. 
• Tires – Some wear is expected, of course. But lots of severe wear and flat spots could be caused by skidding and hard braking. Cupping is a natural wear pattern on motorcycle tires.
• Electrical – Check all headlights, blinkers, and hazard lights. 
• Engine – At some point, you need to hear the bike run. While it warms up, make sure the engine is running smoothly. If you see a lot of smoke, there could be a problem. Blue smoke means that oil is burning, which is a telltale sign that the bike will need major repairs. Also, listen to the engine for any rattling or other noises.

Get a Motorcycle Insurance Quote

Do you want to save on motorcycle insurance? Begin by getting a quote with InsureOne. A licensed agent will go over your options and provide you with a quote for your needs for the best motorcycle insurance. Get a free motorcycle insurance quote online or over the phone.

So, how often should a motorcycle be serviced? Well, it usually depends on the model. On average, most motorcycles need service every 5,000 miles or so, or every year—whichever comes first. Refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. The key is to have a regular preventive maintenance schedule.

Before you take your motorcycle out for the first time this season, use our motorcycle maintenance checklist below.

Change the Oil

You will need to change the oil at least once a year or more often if you put a lot of miles on your motorcycle. Make sure the engine is off, and the bike is standing up. Then, remove the drain plug as well as the oil fill plug, letting the oil escape into a drain pan. Replace the oil filter and refill oil with a funnel.

Check the Brakes

While your bike is still up in the air, check your brake pads and rotate the wheels to check your rotors for warping. Some light surface rust is normal if you haven’t turned on the motorcycle in a while. Check to see the condition of the brake pads to ensure that they are wearing evenly. Inspect the brake lines for signs of wear.

Inspect the Tires

Your tire condition is extremely important for safety reasons. Check the air pressure and for any signs of wear and tear. Always keep the correct amount of air pressure for good handling on the road and to avoid blowouts. With the right pressure, they will last longer. 

Change the Coolant

To prevent your motorcycle’s engine from overheating or freezing, you need to change the coolant. Most owner’s manuals recommend replacing the coolant every two years.

Stay on Top of Filter Replacements

In addition to changing your bike’s oil filter, replace or clean the air and fuel filters. You can clean your air filter with compressed air instead of changing it. If you have a fuel filter, make sure it is clean and unclogged. Staying on top of this will give your motorcycle more power.

Keep Your Battery Charged

The motorcycle’s battery should be charged to 100% when not in use, this will extend the life of the battery. Check the electrolyte level so that it does not get too low. Also, make sure the top of the battery is clean.

Fire It Up

Lastly, fire up your bike and give it a test run. Remember to let your engine warm up first!

When it comes to motorcycles, a little do-it-yourself maintenance can save you money and help keep you safe. However, if you don’t know what should be done in bike servicing to ensure your bike is maintained properly, take it to a shop to get it tuned up professionally.

Another great way to take care of your bike is by protecting it with high-quality insurance. Start your free motorcycle insurance online or give us a call today!

Does motorcycle insurance cover theft? It depends. If you’re a motorcycle owner, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Let’s look at some motorcycle anti-theft tips below. 

Use Multiple Locks on Your Motorcycle

When you use multiple locks and anchor them to something immovable, thieves won’t be able to steal your motorcycle. Just like the fork lock, a disc brake lock gives added protection. It not only prevents the front wheel from turning but also ensures the bike does not move at all. 

Think About Visibility When Parking 

You should always think about parking seriously. Every time you’re in public, make sure the motorcycle is in a well-lit place. Even better if you can park it in an area where there are other motorcycles. This ensures yours is not singled out and is an effective motorcycle anti-theft strategy. Also, keeping the bike in plain view of other people is enough to keep criminals away. 

If you’re at home, you should lock the bike in the garage. In addition to that, you should cover it to ensure the thieves can’t see important details. When traveling, you should park the motorcycle near a security camera’s view. Check on it periodically just to be sure there are no suspicious individuals around. 

Install a Hidden Kill Switch

If your bike doesn’t come with a kill switch, why not install one? This device makes it impossible to start the bike even if the criminal has the key. The engine won’t start unless the user disables the kill switch. While the kill switch gives an extra layer of protection, it makes no difference if thieves know how to flip it. A kill switch is arguably the best motorcycle theft protection system. 

Use a GPS Locator

Although a GPS locator is not a huge deterrent, this is what the authorities use to track stolen motorcycles. You should hide the device somewhere safe on your bike. The service provider may charge a small monthly fee, but it’s worth it for motorcycle theft prevention. 

Customize the bike

Customization improves your bike performance and gives it a unique look. And because a customized bike is easily identifiable, most criminals won’t bother with it. Keep in mind that the customization won’t do you any good if you don’t take some pictures of the changes you’ve made. In the event your bike is stolen, you should present the license plate number, model, and make of your motorcycle to the police. 

Use a Strong, Quality Chain

You should avoid chains that can be cut with bolt cutters and acetylene torch. If you want to anchor your bike, you should lock the chain on the rear wheel as it is more difficult to remove. 

There’s nothing more frustrating than investing in a motorcycle only to have it stolen by a thief. Be sure to follow the above how to prevent motorcycle theft measures to avoid having it stolen. 

Did you know that InsureOne is open and ready to meet all of your insurance needs? Start your free motorcycle insurance quote online or give us a call today!

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in the United States in 2018. While one fatality is one too many, fortunately, the number of deaths from motorcycle accidents continues to decrease annually, and this is due in large part to improved motorcycle safety. 

If you love to ride, then there is nothing that will keep you away from your bike, but it is important that you observe safe practices—particularly when it comes to wearing a helmet. 

The Importance of Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet  

When it comes to motorcycle accessories, the one thing you cannot forget is your helmet. According to the NHTSA, helmets saved 1,872 motorcyclists’ lives in 2017, and 749 more lives could have been saved if the riders were wearing helmets. Not only is it dangerous to ride without a helmet, but it also may be required by law depending on the state in which you live.   

If you don’t currently own a helmet and plan to shop, you should know that there are six main types of helmets available. These types include full face, modular, off-road, half, open-face, and dual sport. 

Be aware of the following tips when selecting a motorcycle helmet:

• A full-coverage helmet will offer the most protection. 
• Select a helmet with a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker. A helmet without this sticker is not considered DOT certified.   
• Replace your helmet every five years as motorcycle helmets deteriorate over time. 
• Do not buy a used motorcycle helmet or one that was involved in a crash.

Additional Motorcycle Safety Tips to Follow

Beyond wearing a helmet, there are other safety measures to consider, which include:

• Taking a motorcycle safety course
• Do not drink and drive
• Watch out for potholes, manhole covers, slick roads, gravel, and debris
• Do not ride with a passenger until you are more experienced
• Consider investing in additional riding gear such as goggles, glasses or face shields
• Wear protective clothing to prevent being hit with debris or getting road rash in an accident
• Don’t weave in and out of lanes
• Don’t speed
• Be courteous to other drivers on the road
• Invest in anti-lock brakes
• Avoid riding in bad weather if possible

Insurance Protection for You and Your Bike 

Now that you are aware of the risks of unsafe motorcycle riding, you should be ready to hit the road and follow these tips. But before you do, you probably want to make sure you that you have proper insurance protection to safeguard you and your bike.   

Motorcycle insurance can provide the following coverage options: 

• Liability coverage. This coverage will help to pay for bodily injury or property damage to another party from an accident you cause while riding your motorcycle. 

• Collision coverage. This coverage will help pay for damages to your bike that result from a collision with another party. 
• Comprehensive coverage. If your motorcycle was damaged in a fire, or it was vandalized, stolen, or damaged by a falling object, then this coverage would help to pay for the damages. 
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage would help protect you if you were involved in an accident with a driver who was uninsured or did not have enough insurance to pay for the damages. 

Nothing can stop you from riding, but following these safety tips, always wearing a helmet and having proper insurance can make the ride a lot safer. 

Looking for motorcycle insurance? You found it at InsureOne! Get the best coverage for you at affordable prices. Start your free motorcycle insurance quote today online, over the phone, or at one of our offices near you.