1. Get your bike ready with an MOT/Service

Getting the motorcycle out for those sunny riding days is perfect, but make sure you have a valid MOT. Now is the time to get it - this way you'll receive yearly notifications at exactly the right time before the riding season starts.

A summer service could also be the best thing you ever do and your motorbike would thank you if it could. Make your bike as silky smooth as possible by getting it booked in, we'll sort out your spark plugs, oil, fluids, filters and so much more! Leaving you with not much else to do, but enjoy your ride.

2. Don't ride on damaged tyres

The importance of tyre conditions cannot be overlooked. A tyre's worthiness comes down to various things such as tread depth, cracking, pressure, dry rot and excessive hardening. A motorcycle tyre's most common death is wearing. If your rubber has signs of excessive damage you should consider changing it immediately.

If you need new tyres, let us know.

Call us directly on 01622 681765

3. Has your battery got juice?

If you haven't already, you may want to check your battery's overall health using a multimeter. This will usually give you a clear indication as to how much life is left in your battery. You want to see over 12.5 V DC at the terminals with keys off.

If you've left your motorcycle in the garage all winter without regularly starting it up, leave your battery on a maintenance charger overnight. This should have you good to go by morning!

4. Keep it smooth rolling

As you rotate your rear wheel, pay careful attention to your belt/drive chain and its final drive. Firstly, look for any obvious damage or chain and sprocket wear as this would indicate it's time for replacements. Check your chain alignment with an alignment tool and test your tension with a gauge. Refer back to your user manual for specifications on these areas. Plus don't forget to double-check your chain has healthy lubrication before setting off - else you'll lose power or potentially even the chain itself!

If you need assistance on the final drive, sprockets or drive chains/belts, let us know.

Call us directly on 01622 681765

5. Secure your pride and joy

The sun's out and you've gone out for your first ride out with your mates. You've arrived at a destination not so familiar and you don't have direct sight of your pride and joy. Don't chance it, lock your bike up with a substantial measure of security.

Don't ruin your ride out this summer, lock your bike up wherever you go. We have a beyond huge range of disc locks, chains, alarms and covers for most bike models.

6. Easy access to your phone

There are tons of benefits of having your mobile phone attached to your handlebars. You'll have instant access to your SATNAV, music, hands-free communication and more.

With the extensive range of Ultimate Addons we stock, you'll find something that fits the style of your bike, giving you the awesome freedom to utilise your mobile.

7. Protect your noggin

You may have read in our other blog (HERE), helmets are recommended for only three to five years of use before they should be replaced - due to deterioration of the protective material inside. When was the last time you changed your helmet?

In today's market helmets come with multiple different price points, safety enhancements and technology innovations. Great brands like AGV, Arai, HJC, Shark, Shoei, X-Lite and more, offer fantastic features.

8. Everything but the kitchen sink...

Long ride-outs or journies require more luggage room. Sometimes a simple rucksack is enough but sometimes you wish you had a boot! Rest assured, there are more storage solutions you can try - like panniers, saddlebags, tail bags and tank bags.

Some riders prefer not to ride with a rucksack as they feel it affects the ride experience. So why not look into other options for luggage support onboard the bike instead!

9. The more the merrier

Most activities are upgraded when you can share the experience with others. Riding can be fun at the best of times alone, but riding with five or more riders makes it a memory never to forget.

There are hundreds if not thousands of motorcycle clubs at every corner of the nation, mostly accessible via social media. Each of these clubs has routes to try, social bike meets and other activities you may be interested in.

They are definitely worth a search on Facebook - If you are in the Kent area, try @KentRideouts on Facebook.

10. Treat yourself, you may as well

A common addiction for motorcyclists worldwide is the craving of buying a new motorcycle. If your motorcycle isn't going full throttle for your excitement anymore then maybe it's time for a new one. This doesn't mean you have to spend tons on a brand new model, in some instances you can part-exchange your current motorcycle for substantial money off a new ride.

Unless you have a strong sentimental value for your bike, it's definitely worth considering. Technology on motorcycles has evolved rapidly in the last few decades, so you may be surprised with how much you are missing out on!