Summer is a great time to get your motorcycle out of the garage, dust it off and hit the road.<\/p>\n
But if you haven\u2019t been on the bike for a while, are you sure it\u2019s still in good enough shape to meet the demands of the road?<\/p>
The Automobile Association (AA) is encouraging all motorbike riders to check their machines properly, ensure their tyres are in good condition, and follow all the rules of the road to ensure a safe journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cMotorbike riding is an excellent activity, and brings friends and families together.<\/p>
\u201cBut, just as with your car, it is important to ensure that if you haven\u2019t ridden it in a while it is still in good mechanical condition and that all the components are working as they should,\u201d the AA said.<\/p>\n
It is important to inflate the tyres to the manufacturer\u2019s recommended air pressure, making sure there is enough tread left for future journeys.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/p>\n
Keep these important numbers for the Primrose sectors handy<\/a><\/p>\n Youth desk and police address safety issues in Primrose Sector One<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If your motorcycle has been standing on its tyres for a while, make sure there are no flat spots on them.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember to also check your wheels, making sure that, if your bike has spokes, they are not bent or loose.<\/p>\n \u201cLift each wheel off the ground and spin it, this should give you an indication if there are problems,\u201d the AA said.<\/p>\n Other aspects of your motorbike you should check before heading off include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Controls:<\/p>\n All pedals and levers should move easily.<\/p>\n Check that your brake control cables move freely and aren\u2019t frayed.<\/p>\n Check that the handlebars move easily from side to side, and that the throttle snaps close when released.<\/p>\n \u2022 Lights:<\/p>\n Make sure your headlights and indicators all work properly, and don\u2019t forget about your brake lights.<\/p>\n \u2022 Oils and fluids:<\/p>\n Check the fuel and oil levels carefully, ensuring they all are in line with the manufacturer\u2019s recommendations.<\/p>\n \u2022 Expert eye:<\/p>\n If you are not mechanically inclined, take your bike to a workshop to have a mechanic give it the once over before you head out.<\/p>\n \u201cApart from these tips, we also recommend that if you haven\u2019t ridden your bike in a while, you take it out to a quiet spot for a test ride to regain some \u2018riding\u2019 memory,\u201d the AA suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cBy doing this you will get used to driving with your head up, looking ahead and checking for blind spots.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to all of this, the association urged all motorcyclists who have not ridden in a while to re-check their equipment \u2013 such as helmets and leathers \u2013 to ensure they are still in good condition.<\/p>\n \u201cEven helmets without damage should be checked and replaced every couple of years, as new developments in helmet safety technology make them more protective.<\/p>\n \u201cCheck to see if your helmet is still in good condition and, if you have any doubts, get a new one,\u201d the AA concluded.<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n