The itch hits as soon as the sun shows up again. You hear that first bike go by in February, maybe early March, and you start thinking, “Should I fire mine up?”

But before you do, take a beat.

Winter in BC is no joke. Sure, we don’t get the extreme cold like you see back east, but the constant dampness takes a major toll. Even if your bike’s been parked in a dry garage all winter, it’s still been sitting through cold temps, condensation, and weeks of zero movement. Salt on the roads, potholes from freeze-thaw cycles, and moisture in the air can mess with everything from your rotors to your chain tension.

Whether you ride a cruiser, sport bike, ADV, or something vintage, spring is the time for a full once-over. That’s why we built this guide. To help you get your bike road-ready without cutting corners.

Why Spring Prep Matters in the Lower Mainland

BC weather is unpredictable. One day it’s sunny, the next day it’s hailing. And even when the roads look clear, early-season rides come with cold pavement, wet shoulders, and gravel where you don’t expect it.

That means you need your bike in top shape. Not just for comfort, but for control, braking, and peace of mind.

We’ve seen bikes roll into the shop in March that haven’t been touched since October. Tires low, batteries toast, pads worn thin, chains bone-dry. Riders assume everything’s fine because it “ran great last season.”

Don’t assume. Check it.

Your Motorcycle Spring Checklist

This is your go-to list for spring motorcycle maintenance in Vancouver:

• Tire pressure and tread depth
  
  
• Battery charge and electrical functions (lights, horn, signals)
  
  
• Brake pad wear, fluid levels, and lever pressure
  
  
• Clutch and throttle cable tension
  
  
• Chain condition: clean, lube, and adjust
  
  
• Oil change and filter if overdue
  
  
• Coolant and fluid leak check
  
  
• Fork seals and suspension travel
  
  
• Fuel quality if stored with gas in the tank
  
  
• General hardware check (loose bolts, missing fasteners)
  
  

Start here before you hit the road. It's a basic list, but missing even one of these can put your season (or your safety) at risk.

DIY vs. Book It In: What Riders Should Know

There’s plenty you can do at home. Especially if you’ve got a service stand, a battery charger, and a decent sense of what you’re doing. Topping up fluids, checking tire pressure, and cleaning and lubing the chain are all solid weekend tasks for most riders.

But once you start dealing with more involved systems like your brakes, suspension, electrical, or fuel delivery, that’s where things get serious. Fork seals, carb cleaning, diagnosing weird electrical gremlins, tracking down leaks... these are jobs best left to someone with the tools and the experience to do them right.

And if you're unsure about anything, don't guess. Book a service with us today. 

The last place you want to discover a missed issue is halfway down the Upper Levels at highway speeds.

At Imperial, our spring tune-up service goes beyond the basics. We cover the full checklist and then some, done by techs who ride, and who know what to look for. It’s quick, thorough, and gives you peace of mind heading into the season.

Want to know exactly what we include? We’ve broken down what’s in a tune up in one of our latest articles.

We’ve Got You Covered

This time of year, we start seeing a wave of riders pulling their bikes out of storage. Some just need a chain lube and a top-up. Others need a full service. Either way, we’re here for it.

We’re based in Burnaby, but we work with riders from all over the Lower Mainland — Vancouver, Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, you name it. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out on your first long ride of the year, we’ll make sure your bike is dialled in and safe to ride.

Spring is our busiest season, so don’t wait until the weather’s perfect to book. By then, you’ll be stuck in a waitlist behind half the city.

Book Your Spring Service at Imperial

Get your bike ready now, not later. Avoid the last-minute rush. Avoid the surprise problems.

Whether you’re a new rider, a returning one, or you’ve been doing this for years, a spring service sets the tone for your whole season.

Book your spring service with Imperial.

Let’s get you on the road. Safely, smoothly, and without surprises.