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, therefore, encouraging all motorbike riders to check their machines properly, that their tyres are in good condition, and to follow all road rules, to ensure a safer 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
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 can 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 closed when released.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Lights:<\/p>\n
Make sure that 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 that all are in line with the manufacturer\u2019s recommendations.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Mechanic:<\/p>\n
If you are not mechanically inclined, take your bike to a workshop to have a mechanic give it a 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy doing this you will get used to driving with your head up, looking ahead and checking for blind spots,\u201d the AA suggested.<\/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
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