Are you ready for the new season?

Winter is beginning to loosen its grip, the snow has gone, and your bike is calling. But before you kick off the season, it’s worth taking five minutes to run through a few things – so your first ride starts in the best possible way.

A couple of things easy to forget on that first sunny spring day

Drivers aren’t used to you.
During the winter months, motorcyclists have all but disappeared from the roads. That means many drivers haven’t had them in their field of vision for months. Be extra alert at junctions, during lane changes, and in situations where you may be in a car’s blind spot. You might see them – but that doesn’t mean they see you.

The gravel is still there.
Roads are often sanded during winter, and when the snow disappears, it’s not uncommon for a layer of gravel to remain in corners, along verges and at junctions. It can be extremely slippery under your tyres and may come as an unpleasant surprise if you’re not prepared. Keep your speed down and take extra care until the roads have been properly swept.

Shaking off the rust – It’s about you too

Your bike may be in top condition, but what about the rider? Motorcycling is a perishable skill. Reflexes, cornering technique and your feel for how the bike behaves can all be a little rusty after the winter break. Take it easy on your first few rides and consider joining an organised refresher course. It usually doesn’t take long for everything to fall back into place, but give yourself those first miles without rushing.

Oil and fluids

The correct oil level and quality are essential for your bike’s performance and longevity. Do you know what’s best for your particular motorcycle? Take a look at “Keep an Eye on Your Oil” before the season gets underway. Also check brake fluid and coolant levels, and make sure there are no leaks.

Tyres

Your tyres are your only contact with the road and deserve special attention. Check the pressure – it naturally drops during colder months. Tyres are not only crucial for safety, but also affect comfort, fuel consumption and overall ride quality. Cold tyres also offer less grip, so give them time to warm up properly during your first few miles.

Read more here: Tyres – stay on th right track

Chain and sprockets

The chain is a vital part of your motorcycle. Its condition should be almost as high a priority as your brakes in your safety check. Also inspect the sprockets for excessive wear and make sure the chain doesn’t have any stiff links.

Battery

Many motorcycle batteries can feel a bit tired after winter, especially if the bike has been stored in an unheated garage and hasn’t been on a maintenance charger. Check that the battery holds its charge and that the bike starts without issue. If it’s ageing and unreliable, it’s better to replace it now than to be stranded on a rainy day in April.