Protect yourself and your motorbike this summer
Handy tips from the AA to ensure your motorcycle is safe before hitting the road this summer.
Summer is a great time to get your motorcycle out of the garage, dust it off, and hit the road.
But, if you haven’t been on the bike for a while, are you sure it’s still in good enough shape to meet the demands of the road?
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.
“Motorbike riding is an excellent activity and brings friends and families together.
“But, just as with your car, it is important to ensure that if you haven’t ridden it in a while, it is still in good mechanical condition and that all the components are working as they should,” the AA said.
It is important to inflate the tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure, making sure there is enough tread left for future journeys.
If your motorcycle has been standing on its tyres for a while, make sure there are no flat spots on them.
“Remember to also check your wheels, making sure that, if your bike has spokes, they are not bent or loose.
“Lift each wheel off the ground and spin it. This should give you an indication if there are problems,” the AA said.
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Other aspects of your motorbike you can check before heading off include:
• Controls:
All pedals and levers should move easily.
Check that your brake control cables move freely and aren’t frayed.
Check that the handlebars move easily from side to side and that the throttle snaps closed when released.
• Lights:
Make sure that your headlights and indicators all work properly, and don’t forget about your brake lights.
• Oils and fluids:
Check the fuel and oil levels carefully, ensuring that all are in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Mechanic:
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.
“Apart from these tips, we also recommend that if you haven’t ridden your bike in a while, you take it out to a quiet spot for a test ride to regain some ‘riding’ memory.
“By doing this you will get used to driving with your head up, looking ahead and checking for blind spots,” the AA suggested.
In addition to all of this, the association urged all motorcyclists who have not ridden in a while to re-check their equipment – such as helmets and leathers – to ensure they are still in good condition.
“Even helmets without damage should be checked and replaced every couple of years, as new developments in helmet safety technology make them more protective.
“Check to see if your helmet is still in good condition and, if you have any doubts, get a new one,” the AA concluded.
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