By: Leigh Godson

Ok winter is finally looking as if it is lifting away to reveal the warmer weather we all look forward to meaning that there are more bikes out there on the roads, car drivers will have got used to the reduced number of crotch rockets and even probably stopped looking out for them - yes people spring is here and the new riding season starts again. For those of you who have ridden for a couple of years now in all seasons I am sure this is not news to you, for those of you on the other hand who have not had a winter/spring transition yet or those who packed up your bikes during the cold months there are a number of things you should be looking out for to keep youself safe on the roads.

Maintenance

First and foremost, you must ensure your bike is roadworthy, if it has been laid up over winter there are a number of parts you should check over and where required give a little spring clean, possibly the biggest of these is your braking system... We all know that pistons inside your calipers can sieze quite quickly so this shoud be your first port of call, check they are all moving freely and creating pressure on the disc, while you are there you should also check the general condition of the pads and also fluid levels within the braking system.

Next up your tyres, obviously you are already checking your tyres regularly when riding your bike so this should be second nature, your tyre can leak air fairly quickly especially when the bike is stood and moreso in colder weather, as this is your only contact patch with the ground it is imperitive that you keep your tyres set to the correct pressure as set either by the manufacturer recommendation or your preferred setting.

Chain and general maintenance. Well this really just covers your general bike maintenance, make sure your chain is well lubed and free from rust to ensure you get the best performance from your bike, while you are there check your lights for blown bulbs, suspension and give the bike a good once over, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Riding

As your bike will need a bit of sprucing up so will your riding, its all very well thinking you are still god-like and can ride like Rossi but the simple fact is practice makes perfect and if you have hung up your motorcycle boots for winter you are out of practice, take things easy and get used to the feel of the bike again, get used to where you need to tip in for corners and build up gradually. Its a sad fact that there are more accidents during spring as a result of rider error than most of the year, a massive proportion of these are the result of getting back in the saddle after the winter lay-up and riding at 10/10ths all the time - please try and keep this number down in 2008 byeasing back into your riding.

Other major contributing factors are going to be the environment around you, the road surfaces may have exuded a variety of oils and other slippery substances as a result of the constant bogwashing bringin them to the surface, just because the roads are dry does not mean these slippery patches have miraculously dried up and disappeared - they haven't!
There are a great many other hazards to be watching out for that are accentuated this time of year, high winds can come suddenly moving you and your bike around and forcing you off the line you have taken, always allow a margin for correction
Rain is still as likely in showers as the previous month which brings me back to the slippery substances once again rising to the top surface of the road, diesel spills can be seen by looking for the rainbow pattern and should be avoided like the plague as should any metallic surace such as manhole covers.

So there we have it, a few tips to keep you riding safe through the growing warmer months, I am sure a great many of you already follow these procedures but for those of you who are new at this lets keep those accidents to a minimum by being mindful of the road conditions... Most of all enjoy the new riding season