YOUR RIDE READY FOR THE NEW BIKING SEASON

It’s been a long hard winter but now it’s time to brush off the cobwebs and get yourself and your motorbike ready for the new biking season.

Most bikers will have their own checklist for prepping the bike before it comes out of winter hibernation. Just in case you don’t or you’re a first-timer, the Bikesure team have come up with their advice to help keep you running like a dream wherever the new biking season takes you.

brakes individually. If in doubt, get a professional to examine them.

3. Top up or replace oil and other fluids leathers to fit. Try them on before your first ride out and replace them if necessary. Your gloves, boots and helmet will also wear, so think about replacing them for the new biking season. Check your helmet is in good shape too.

Check the oil, petrol, brake fluid, coolant and any hydraulic fluids. Top up if necessary or, if there is dirt in them or they have discoloured during the winter, drain and replace. It’s a good time to replace your oil filter too. Check on the floor beneath the bike for any tell-tale signs of leaks.

7. If you’ve not ridden through the winter, start slowly

Remember, your safety should be your #1 priority. You may not have ridden for a few months so take it steady, be smooth on accelerating and braking, and take time to get a feel for the bike and the conditions.

1. Tyre pressure and tread:

Tyres lose pressure when bikes are left to stand, especially during particularly cold winter periods.

Riding with low pressure is dangerous because handling will deteriorate. Check the pressure in both tyres and at the same time check for cracks in the sidewalls. Inspect the tread too. Worn tyres also affect the handling so if they are not up to the job get them replaced.

2. Brake pads and mechanisms

Inspect brake pads and check for leaks and cracks along the brake lines. Top up brake fluid and test both

4. Make sure there’s life in your battery

If you’ve had the battery on a trickle charge over the winter it should be in good shape, but if you haven’t, give it the once over. If the battery hasn’t got enough oomph to start the engine, or it discharges quickly, replace it.

5. Check electrical components

Test your headlamp, indicators, brake lights and horn. Replace bulbs if necessary and keep a spare set in your tool box, because they could go at any time.

8. Make sure you are road legal

Before cranking her up, ensure you have a valid MOT, road tax - unless your machine is exempt because of its ageand adequate insurance cover.

Bikesure offers valuefor-money scooter and motorcycle insurance you can trust.

6. Make sure you have the right gear to ride in

If you’ve not worn your biking gear since the autumn, don’t expect those

You can even get cover for your helmet and leathers from as little as £29.99 a year.

Call 0800 503 3275 for our best rates.