After months of staying indoors, many motorcyclists are planning road trips this summer. Be prepared with this checklist by AMSOIL: National Synthetics in Acworth and plan the road trip of a lifetime!

Motorcycle Maintenance Before Leaving

Preparing your motorcycle for a road trip should be on the top of your checklist. Having a vehicle, you can rely on for long stretches of driving will take your worry out of possible delays or accidents on the road. Taking your bike to a certified mechanic’s shop is your best bet to make sure everything is in top working order, but you can also check your bike yourself. Some of the things you should inspect before leaving are the following:

• Chassis and Stands: Your chassis and stands should be in good condition. Check for any damage to your chassis, and make sure your stands aren’t cracked or bent, as this could prevent your bike from standing up properly when you need to take a break or when you stop for the day.
• Oil: Check the oil in your bike; it should be at the level your owner’s manual suggests. It should also be clean, as this is essential to the correct functioning of your engine.
• Fluids: Ensure that other fluids such as transmission and hydraulic fluid and coolant are at the right level according to your owner’s manual.  You should also make sure that your bike doesn’t have any fluid leaks that could prevent the engine from working correctly.
• Lights and Electrics: The lights and electrics on your bike are essential safety features on your bike to protect yourself and other drivers on the road. Before leaving, ensure that brake lights, headlamps, and turn signals are in working order.
• Tires and Breaks: Lastly, make sure your brakes are working correctly and that your brake pads are at the correct thickness, and make sure that your tires are at the correct air pressure to make your riding more comfortable and protect your bike’s tires from premature wear and tear.

Before you leave for your road trip, schedule a synthetic oil change in Acworth. The oil pros at National Synthetics can help you choose the best oil products for your motorcycle. Call (678) 799-9062 today for more information, or visit their online shop to see their full range of products.

Packing For Different Road Conditions

Packing for different conditions can be a game-changer when hitting the road on your motorcycle; here are some examples of what you should consider:

• Weather-appropriate gear: Riders know that going on the road for extended periods can bring unexpected weather conditions; when riding in the summer, make sure to pack things like windproof gear, a rain suit, and face coverings for the heat.
• Pack comfort layers: Comfort layers can help make your trip much more enjoyable. Think of white long sleeve t-shirts to reflect the sun, padded undergarments to reduce tiredness of being seated for an extended period, and cooling vests or cooling neck wraps.
• Wear protective gear: Protective gear is essential because it protects you in an accident and from the heat coming from your motorcycle or the road. If you’re riding in the summer, look for protective gear with mesh panels that let air flow through freely.

Maintain your bike’s engine by scheduling a synthetic oil change in Acworth. National Synthetics has the best products available, like AMSOIL’s 10W-30 Synthetic Metric Motorcycle Oil. For more information, visit their online shop or call (678) 799-9062 today!

Taking Care of Your Body

When riding, remember that riding your bike for a long time can make you feel tired, even more so when you're not accustomed to it. Follow these tips for taking care of your body on the road:

• Hydration:  Riding your bike for long periods of time can be taxing on the body and can prevent you from drinking water. Make sure to stop often to hydrate properly.
• Snacks: Snacks like dried fruit and nuts are a great on-the-road snack, but remember, they will never be a good substitute for a complete meal. Try to schedule meals along your route and stopping often for snacks.
• Personal hygiene kit and toiletries: Having your hygiene kit and toiletries backed away can be great when driving late into your stop for the day. Include things like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, razors, and everything you might need to make your stop more comfortable.
• Medication: Always make sure to pack your prescription medications, as well as any emergency medication like ibuprofen, eye drops, or allergy medicine.

The professionals at National Synthetics have the best products on the market for your engine. Call today at (678) 799-9062 and get to know their entire line of products, or visit their online shop for more information. Also, don’t forget to get a synthetic oil change in Acworth before your next road trip.