Looks are deceiving. Tires lose roughly 1–2 PSI every month just from sitting. Riding on low pressure can cause a "pinch flat" or damage your rims on the first rock you hit.
Action: Always re-inflate to your preferred PSI (usually 10–15 PSI for off-road, 25–30 PSI for street) before heading out.
Should I check my suspension settings?
Yes. Cold weather can affect the seals. Check the stanchions (the shiny inner tubes) of your forks for anyoil leaks. If you have air forks, check the PSI, as air naturally migrates out over time. A "dead" fork can make the bike feel unstable in corners.
What mechanical parts need lubrication before the first ride?
Your chain is likely dry.
Clean it: Use a chain brush to remove any dust or surface rust.
Lube it: Apply a high-quality O-ring safe chain lube.
Check Tension: Ensure the chain hasn't slackened. Proper tension prevents the chain from jumping and damaging your motor casing.
Why do my brakes feel "mushy" or squeal after storage?
Oxidation can build up on the rotors over winter.
The Fix: Clean your rotors with specialized Brake Cleaner and a clean rag.
The Check: If the lever feels soft, you may have air in the lines (especially with the mineral oil systems on Surrons). You might need a quick brake bleed to restore that "one-finger" stopping power.
How do I safely "wake up" the battery?
If you followed our Winter Guide, your battery should be at ~50%.
Bring the battery to room temperature.
Give it a full 100% charge until the charger light turns green.
Leave it plugged in for an extra 1–2 hours once "full" to allow the BMS (Battery Management System) to balance the individual cells after their long hibernation.
My bike has been sitting all winter. What is the first thing I should do?
Do not just turn it on and rip the throttle. Start with a Visual Inspection. Check for any rodent damage (mice love chewing on e-moto wiring harnesses) and ensure all bolts, especially the axle and subframe bolts, are still torqued to spec.
