Time to get the bike out? "spring clean" check list,You might wanna have a gander

[XS1100 0]

The nights are drawing out, the weather’s perking up and spring is on the way. For a lot of riders that means just one thing – it’s time to get back on the road.
All the memories of last year’s great rides come flooding back in the excitement of hauling the covers of your pride and joy. The Sunday blasts with your mates, the amazing run to Europe, that early morning ride out to the British MotoGP… the list goes on. And now you’re looking forward to doing it all again.
But as you fire up your bike for the first time, it’s also easy to overlook one or two things. Like the fact that you haven’t actually been riding for a few months now. And however skilled a rider you are, that inevitably means you’re not going to be as sharp or ‘dialled in’ as you were at the end of last season. So it’s important you give yourself some time to re-adjust to riding, to be comfortable on the bike and most of all to be safe.
Here are some tips that might help:
• Take the time to re-familiarise you self with the bike’s controls. You may find that after a few months off the road, the way you sit on the bike has changed. Alter the controls as necessary.
• If you’re going to be riding a new or different bike this year it’s especially important to give yourself time to adjust to the machine and its controls. Remember, it will feel completely different.
• You’ve probably been driving a car during the winter. It’s just worth reminding yourself that you are more vulnerable on a bike. You’ll need to change your mindset to allow for that.
• Find a car park or similar quiet area where you can do some slow riding to get a feel for things again. Try a few gentle figures of eight for instance and practice your braking too so you get a feel for the lever again.
• Don’t be tempted to make your first ride a big one. You need time to get your riding fitness back. Start with a easy run of half an hour or so then build it up over a couple of weeks. Allow yourself several rides to start getting back to the standard you achieved by the end of last year.
• Do the first couple of runs on your own. It gives you time to get back into riding at your own pace. Group riding is great fun, but it’s also more challenging.
• For your first rides try to avoid roads you are familiar with or drive along everyday in the car. Stick to main roads to begin with and work your way up to the twisties.
• As you start to feel more comfortable on the bike, consider doing some kind of riding training or assessment course. The IAM offers a one-hour RideCheck with a full report on your riding for £30. You can find details here: http://www.iam.org.uk/ridecheck/ridecheck.html
• Don’t be tempted to take a pillion on your first run. And remember, if you have a regular pillion, then they will need time to ease back in when you take them out for the first time.
• Sit down with a copy of the Highway Code, the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists “How to Become an Advanced Rider” or the police handbook Motorcycle Roadcraft, to brush up on your riding skills.
• Remember that although the weather is improving there are still plenty of hazards. It’s still possible to find frosty patches of road early in the morning and dazzling, low sunlight, can still be a problem at this time of year.
It’s fantastic being able to get back out on the road, but riders who’ve not been out during the winter need to allow some time to get back up to speed. In your mind you will remember how well you were riding at end of last year. But after a lay-off of a few months you are not going to be at the same level or as alert. Our advice is take things gradually and you’ll soon be feeling comfortable and confident on a bike again.
Bike Check:
1 Make sure all your lights and indicators are working properly and that the lenses are not damaged.
2 Check your tyres. Make sure they have plenty of tread. 1mm across 75% of the width is the legal minimum. You’re probably best to change them at 2mm though.
3 If your bikes been standing on its tyres (rather than paddock stands) make sure they have not gone out of shape.
4 Check the suspension moves smoothly and there are no leaks from fork on shock seals.
5 Check the main stand and side stand work properly and move back to the fully returned position when not in use.
6 Make sure all fluid levels are correct, including engine oil and brakes.
7 Lube your chain and check its adjusted according the manufacturer’s instructions.
8 Check brake and clutch levers for smooth action. Lube cables if necessary.
9 Test the throttle twistgrip operates smoothly and that it springs back to the idle position when released.
10 Check your battery is fully charged and if you have an alarm make sure it works.
Kit check:
Helmet - Give it a good clean and make sure that it still fits. Check for damage to the shell, the strap or the visor/visor mechanism. If you’re using a new lid then check your field of vision when you put it on – it may be different to your old helmet.
Clothing - Make sure your boots, gloves and leathers or textile suit are clean and free from damage. And check they still fit! Pop them on and jump on the bike just to be sure before you head off.
Waterproofs - You’d be well advised to make sure you have some. The weather can change suddenly at this time of year. And no-one wants to be caught in the pouring rain hundreds of miles from home.what ever you decide to do this year take your time and enjoy.take loads of pics and report back here cheers XS1100

[RichardH 0]

I'll come back and read this when I have a spare hour

[dick65 0]

nice one xs some useful info there,i ride year round but im sure dave could do with reading it

[Davehutch-hutchs 0]

@dick65 wrote:

nice one xs some useful info there,i ride year round but im sure dave could do with reading it

[Hawkster 0]

some good stuff there XS, had a look at mine today time to get out the black paint and sticky tape to get it through another summer of steady riding, but feel the need to do something different this year

[XS1100 0]

http://www.roada.org.uk/riders/test/index.htm