Author: Jon Weber

Every great riding season must come to an end if you’re in areas where the winter weather can hinder your riding. As the cold weather approaches, it’s time to prepare your motorcycle for hibernation. Proper winter storage can help protect your bike from damage and ensure it’s ready to hit the road again when spring arrives. Take these important steps to properly winterize your motorcycle, because maintaining is cheaper than repairing.

1. Clean thoroughly

Wash your motorcycle with a mild soap and warm water, dry, and give it a good wax before stowing it away. This will help prevent rust or corrosion and make it look extra shiny when you take it out again next spring. Treat any leather on your bike. First give it a gentle cleaning with warm water and a soft cloth to remove dirt. Then condition it with a leather care product to protect it from cracking in the cold. Lubricate all moving parts on your motorcycle including the chain, cables, and locks.

2. Change fluids

Change the engine oil and filter to prevent sludge buildup. Old oil can become acidic. Check the brake fluid level and replace it if necessary. Ensure the coolant level is full and that it’s the correct type for your motorcycle.

As far as your fuel tank is concerned, there are multiple ways to approach it. Fill it or leave it completely empty. Revzilla says both methods have their shortcomings. The petcock is stressed more by full tanks, and empty tanks can result in dried-out seals. Choose whichever method you feel more comfortable with.

Another thing you should do if you choose to fill your gas tank is add some fuel stabilizer. You’ll want to run your engine for a bit to get the stabilizer to mix in and distribute properly throughout the fuel. What this does is prevent ethanol phase separation and rusty tanks.

3. Protect the tires

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure for storing in cold temperatures. The weight of the motorcycle could cause flat spots on tires if not properly inflated. If you can’t elevate your bike on a stand, try putting it on a piece of plywood or old carpet. Also try rolling the bike around occasionally to rotate the tires while it’s in storage. It’s recommended to avoid standing the bike on concrete which could cause moisture to build up under the tires.

4. Disconnect the battery

A sitting battery can lose its charge, especially in colder temperatures. To combat that, disconnect the battery and store in a warm, dry place until the spring. If you don’t like the idea of having to reconnect your battery when you take your motorcycle out again, consider using a battery tender to monitor the charge and keep the battery topped off.

5. Cover your bike

Covering your motorcycle is extremely important for many reasons. It can help to keep moisture away, keep the sun off, and keep critters out. Mice love to hide in warm spaces and the exhaust pipes and filters are a perfect spot for them. But a cover won’t be enough to keep them away, so make sure to plug those openings and protect your wires (they like to chew those).

6. Store in a dry, warm, and safe place

Storing in a dry and warm space is also extremely important. Moisture can do a number of bad things to your motorcycle including rust and corrosion, damage to electrical systems and batteries, fuel breakdown, mold, and damage to your leather seats. Cold can affect tires and batteries as we mentioned above.

 

If you still like to get your bike out during the winter months when there is a warmer day, make sure to take advantage of the various toy runs and benefits that will be going on through the holiday seasons. It’s a great time to be able to minister, not only to the recipients of the toy runs or benefits, but to all the bikers that attend!

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming riding season. To motorcyclists, there’s nothing like hitting the open road in the summer air. Although riding a motorcycle is exciting and fun for enthusiasts, it is important to be aware that accidents can happen, and those accidents can be deadly. Statistically speaking, most motorcycle accidents happen during the summer months. Here are a few motorcycle safety tips that will you help you stay safe on the roads this coming summer.

HOW DO I INSPECT MY MOTORCYCLE? 

If your bike has been sitting for a while, it is important to give it a once over to make sure that it is safe to take out on the road. Be sure to check these important components:

• tire tread
• tire pressure
• headlights
• turn signals
• brake lights

It is also recommended that you get a tune-up once a year on your motorcycle. This not only keeps you safe on the roads, but it also protects the life of your motorcycle.

SHOULD I RIDE MOTORCYCLES WHEN IT’S HOT?

Heat exhaustion is very common in motorcyclists in the hot summer weather. If you plan to ride in the heat of the day, be sure to stay hydrated well. Take along water that you can drink while riding to make sure you do not become hydrated.

SHOULD I RIDE MOTORCYCLES WHEN IT’S RAINING?

Riding in slippery conditions increase your chances of an accident. Rain not only clouds your visibility, but it also reduces your tires’ grip on the road which can be very dangerous. If you have no choice but to ride in the rain, it is important to know that the most dangerous time is right after the precipitation starts.

This is because the water causes oil residue on the pavement to rise to the top, which can make the roads extra slick. Avoid making any sudden maneuvers, and be sure to be especially gentle with braking and steering. In addition to riding in the rain, be aware that strong side winds can be another hazard. You can be proactive by anticipating the potential push from the side by moving to the side of the lane the wind is coming from.

WATCH OUT FOR POTHOLES AND OTHER ROAD HAZARDS!

The transition from winter to summer is an exciting time for riders, but that transition can also do a number on the roads. Motorcycles have less contact with the pavement than cars do. Sand, wet leaves, and stones can easily cause a motorcycle to slide.

It is important to watch out for potholes. Bumps and potholes that you might barely notice in a car can pose serious danger when on a bike. If you can’t avoid them, slow down as much as possible before encountering them, with minimal steering input.

BE SURE THAT YOUR MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IS CURRENT

Before hitting the road, it is important to make sure that your insurance is active. If your motorcycle insurance has lapsed, you will have to purchase a new policy prior to hitting the road. Make sure that you have the maximum bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage available in addition to property damage. If you are injured in an accident, you will want to make sure you have the ability to pay all your medical bills.

REMAIN VISIBLE AND PRACTICE DEFENSIVE DRIVING

As you prepare to hit the road this summer riding season, keep defensive driving at the top of mind. Ensure that you keep adequate distance between you and the vehicles around you. You need to be extra alert, especially in this age of epidemic phone use and texting behind the wheel. Keep an eye out for cars suddenly changing lanes or pulling out from side streets. Ensure all of your lights are operational, and run with the high beam headlight on in the daytime to increase visibility.

KNOW THE LIMITS OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE

If you are an experienced motorcyclist, you most likely know what your bike’s limits are and aren’t. It important to keep in mind these limits for safe summer riding. This includes speed, distance, and weather. If you will be taking a road trip or traveling long distances, always have another plan in place for when unexpected road or weather conditions arise.

BE PREPARED FOR PASSENGERS RIDING WITH YOU

If you enjoy riding with a passenger, ensure you are prepared for them accompanying you. This includes investing in another helmet, and secondary riding gear. Also be sure to educate first-time passengers on how your bike moves, your preferred method of communication, and any likes and dislikes you have as the driver.

A ROAD IS A PLACE FOR BOTH CARS AND MOTORCYCLES

The thrill of the open road and unique maneuverability can make it tempting to test your skills and limits. However, safety must come first and foremost. Ensure that you ride respectfully. Do not weave in and out of traffic, and respect the laws of the road. If you want to test your skills, find an off-road course where you can do so in a controlled environment.

Even the most experienced rider should take safety precautions when riding on a hot day. With the help of some preparation and a backup plan, you can take your bike on the road with the knowledge that you are better prepared to handle the summer weather.

1. Greeting in Jesus name ASR family & friends! First I want to say how thankful I am to be a part of this ministry and to have a family like each of you and have had the privilege of getting to know! There are so many I haven’t had the pleasure to meet yet! Hope to see those at our National rally this year! I’m excited that it is in Nebraska as I have never been there!
   We ask for summer and got Africa, lol ! Speaking of Africa, I’m excited to see what we can do this year for  the Motorcycle for Missionaries!!
   Hope everyone has success in the planning for raising money!! Time is getting close, so good luck and God bless your efforts and this mission! We are a big part of these missionaries spreading the word of our Lord and savior!! These are the times to make ready folks!! Look up for our redemption draweth nigh!!
   

With summer here, many highways as well as local roads are under construction. Traffic is bad with back ups, detours, workers everywhere. Please pay extra attention to the cars around you! They are nuts!! They don’t watch where they are going. Only concerned with getting through traffic, so WATCH OUT!!
Unfortunately, due to other circumstances but still the same, we’ve had a couple of people who have had accidents that I am aware of. One was due to gravel and the other was a deer. Thankfully God had His hand on them and they’re healing up! So please everyone, let’s keep our heads on a swivel, our senses to our surroundings, and what is on the road ahead of us!
Remember: saying a quick Prayer before you ride asking our Heavenly Father to put a hedge around us, lead us to His will and Jesus, take the handle bars, is a must!!
He watches over his children!

ASR biker weekends are in full motion! Hope each one is successful! I’ve made a few myself and the fellowship is Awesome!! Being able to witness, asked to say a Prayer for someone, all due to our patch is outreach in its self along with the scheduled outreach! I so enjoy this work for God and I personally want to do more!!
I’m hoping to see many of you yet this summer and I Pray for our ASR and leaders that Hod will continue to Bless and keep them in His will!!

GOD BLESS AZUSA STREETRIDERS

 

 

From the desk of Jon Weber, ASR National Road Captain:

Praise the Lord ASR friends and family! I pray this finds you well in Jesus name.
Riding season has finally arrived and it’s time to hit the road for some much-needed wind therapy. For those that can ride all year round, well this is for you too 😉.
Summer is always a busy time and there are many local functions and riding events going on where seeing our ASR patch could spark a conversation that could win souls for the Lord. Let’s attend what we can and let our light shine for those to see the goodness of our God!

Let’s also be aware of the various biker weekends coming up and do our best to support all those we can. Remember, a lot of time, money, and effort go into these events and if we want a good turnout for ours, we need to get involved and support as many as we can! Those of us that have had the privilege of attending these biker weekends know first hand the impact these events have had on the community. We have seen souls Baptized in the name of Jesus, souls filled with the Holy Ghost. We’ve seen broken hearts mended, lives touched, healings and miracles performed! These weekends have also helped us to be able to bless many missionaries with many needed motorcycles to reach souls they couldn’t before and to further their work for the kingdom of God!
In what may be considered a lesser scale, they provide great fellowship with our ASR family and friends that we all miss during the colder months. I myself am looking forward to seeing you, and I personally am going to do my best to hit some areas this year that I haven’t been able to hit before.
Enjoy this summer riding for Jesus!
Ride safe, smart and let Jesus guide you to that soul in need of a change!! God Bless us all!!

Praise the Lord ASR family & friends!!
Summer is here finally for us northerners, easterners, and westerners!! You southerners have good weather for the most part all year 🤪As our biker weekends and single day rides or outreach rides are starting , I am doing my best to hit what I can! I will say I’ve put some miles on already and have enjoyed the fellowship!  Unfortunately I can’t make them all and the ones south like Florida, Texas, Alabama, and any I’ve missed, with my work it’s just not possible!! But I am going to try to hit more each year or alternate places! We are Praying for each chapter that God blesses your outreaching!!
Be safe out there and watch the other drivers! They don’t watch for us!!
Pray before you get on your scoot! God Blessed us with this way to reach the world that others can’t so, Pray before you ride that God leads you to a hungry soul looking for a different or happier way of life!!
Love you all and God Bless

Jon Weber
NE Indiana chapter president

Greetings to my ASR family in Jesus’ name!

This is my first letter to you all as your new National Road Captain, and I’m pleased to have been appointed this position! I sincerely look forward to working with each chapters RC to help with ideas and making our riders feel safer as we travel this highway to Heaven together!

I would like to take this moment to give Jesus my praise for saving my life both physically and most importantly spiritually! I hope this hits home for someone other than myself. I know those of you that were at the National Rally this year heard my testimony but for those that wasn’t there, here it is.

I loved motorcycles and started riding at a young age. My dream was when I got old enough, I wanted to join the hells angels. Working my way up, so to speak, I join the Satan’s escorts which was the local chapter of my town and dove full blast in the club for 5 ish years, became the RC, headed up the other 1% clubs that came thru town, etc.; but GOD!!! He had other plans for me! I married my first love, Serrena, we got back into church, rode alone; but GOD! He gave us Azusa StreetRiders!! Tho we did what we felt was being faithful to church and God, things in my life were seemingly always, I! I built our business, I bought this or that, I’m doing this or that, then after 40 years of riding I have an accident. I’m questioning God why? What is this all about? The question why started including why didn’t you just take me?? Serrena and I were not going to be able to make the National Rally this year, but GOD!! He had my answers for me waiting on this trip, so He made a way for us to go! On the way, Serena and I were discussing my questions and then BOOM!! There was this billboard on the side of the road big as life with Jesus on it that says, “I DIED FOR YOU, LIVE FOR ME”; WOW!! Then there came our ASR family and all the love you all showed us and then, the services!! Man, you talk about an answer from God! Serrena and I came home with a different view on how we wanted to go forward serving God! He showed me that even in my darkest moments, when we thought we may lose our business, due to the fact that I was limited between the bed and recliner for a couple months, and not able to work. My helpers weren’t ready for the lead position and became overwhelmed with this task all of a sudden, they quit on me! But GOD!! He showed me, us that He was right by our side and that He had this!! I learned everything I do, say, feel, go, have and will have is because of Him, PRAISE GOD!!

Another major thing I learned, while involved with doing something for the Lord, I allowed myself to be distracted and got too close to the edge. In so doing, my accident. Thankfully, I was surrounded by my family in the Lord who picked me up, stood by my side and knew how to pray!! I see this as a great correlation with our walk with God. As we are closer to the coming of Christ, we need to remain focused on our intended purpose and not allow Satan to distract us causing us to fall! If we do see a brother or sister that falls, lets lift them up and help them get back on track so we can finish this ride to Heaven together!!

Jon Weber (TIGGER)
National Road Captain
NE Indiana chapter