After a mild winter and an early spring, some riders may have been on two wheels nearly all year. For many others, though, it may have been several months since their last ride—and even experienced riders can get a little rusty after time away from the bike.

 

Before heading out, make sure YOU are physically and mentally ready to ride. Give yourself time to get reacquainted with your motorcycle and rebuild your skills and confidence. Enrolling in a motorcycle rider course—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider—is always a great way to sharpen your skills and start the riding season off right.

 

Is Your MOTORCYCLE Ready?

 

You’re ready—but what about your bike?

 

A motorcycle that's been sitting for several months needs some attention before it returns to the road. Routine preventive maintenance is always important, but it’s especially important after a long winter “hibernation.”

 

Some riders have their local dealer winterize and store their motorcycle, then prepare it for the next riding season. If your bike has simply been parked since last fall, take the time to give it a thorough inspection before that first ride.

 

Don’t Forget the Pre-Ride Inspection

 

Make a pre-ride inspection part of your routine every time you ride. A few minutes spent checking your motorcycle can help identify potential problems before they become safety hazards—or leave you stranded alongside the road.

 

Several inspection methods and checklists are available, but one of the easiest to remember is T-CLOCS.

 

Remember T-CLOCS

 

T-CLOCS provides riders with a simple checklist for inspecting the major components of a motorcycle:

 

T – Tires and Wheels
C – Controls
L – Lights and Electrics
O – Oil and Other Fluids
C – Chassis
S – Stands

 

Making T-CLOCS part of your regular riding routine can help you spot problems early and keep your motorcycle road-ready.

 

Watch for Post-Winter Road Hazards

 

Winter can leave behind hazards that weren’t there the last time you rode. Sand, salt, gravel, and other debris can reduce traction, particularly in curves and at intersections. Winter weather can also create potholes, cracks, and other pavement damage.

Pay close attention to changing road conditions, give yourself additional time and space to react, and adjust your speed and riding accordingly.

 

Ride Defensively!

 

One of the biggest springtime concerns may not be your motorcycle—it’s the other people on the road.

 

After months of seeing fewer motorcycles, drivers may not be accustomed to looking for them. As more motorcycles return to the road, riders should stay especially alert and prepared for motorists who may not see them.

 

Motorcyclists should always ride defensively. Maintain a safe following distance, position yourself where you can be seen, anticipate potential hazards, leave yourself an escape route, and never assume another driver sees you.

 

Start the Riding Season Safely

 

The beginning of riding season is something we all look forward to. Take a little extra time to prepare yourself, prepare your motorcycle, and get your riding skills back into form before putting on the miles.

 

ABATE of Indiana encourages all motorcyclists to ride prepared, ride alert, and ride safely—and reminds everyone on the road to watch for motorcycles and share the road.