Get ready to roll

Four essential pre-ride checks

Check your pressures

Tyres deflate over time and underinflated rubber will take the shine off your first ride back of the season. With the tyres cold, check the pressure and inflate to recommended settings.

Power up

Make sure the battery is fit and ready for action. Using a multimeter set to 20DC, check your battery’s output – if it reads 12.5v it’ll need a quick charge; 12v and lower will need a new battery.

How’s your chain?

Check your chain’s tension, lubrication and condition. With the bike on a stand, adjust the chain if necessary, clean off any surface rust, then treat to a quick lube or consider fitting a chain luber.

Check your nuts

For peace of mind, give your bike’s critical nuts and bolts the once over – this is especially important if you’ve done any maintenance over winter. Check caliper bolts and fairing fasteners.