LEAVING LOCKDOWN

Few predicted that a virus which started in China would bring the world to a standstill. Even Steven Spielberg or Stephen King couldn't have written the script to the first half of 2020. For many of us, this has meant months without our two-wheeled kicks, for some even longer. I know many of you will have packed your pride and joy away for winter towards the end of last year as the dark nights started to draw in, and had no intention of riding again until summer of 2020, or at least until the clocks sprang forward. This could mean up to six months without riding or your bike ever turning a wheel.

Hopefully, before lockdown you didn't ride it into the garage, flick down the side stand, and walk away like a GP star. If you did, the battery will now be flat and the brakes might be seized. Before you wake your bike from hibernation and squeeze into your tight leathers (let's be honest, they will be tight after all the lockdown snacking), take a moment and read our checklist.

THE BIKE

Hopefully, you fitted a battery charger that manages charge levels and keeps your battery in peak condition. If not, your battery might be flat, especially if your bike is fitted with an alarm. If you've not done so, check if your bike actually fires up. The last thing you want to do is get ready for your first ride