Wheely good tips for autumn

Motorcyclists are being advised how to get their bikes ready for autumn.
Motorcyclists are being advised to get their bikes ready for autumnMotorcyclists are being advised to get their bikes ready for autumn
Motorcyclists are being advised to get their bikes ready for autumn

Peter Rodger, head of riding standards at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, is offering advice to motorcyclists about getting their bikes ready for the colder weather.

Tips include: Wearing waterproof overalls and gloves as well as high visibility clothing during the day. It is also important to wear reflective clothing when travelling in the dark.

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Give tyres a proper check beforehand. The tyre tread should be no less than 2mm in the winter as opposed to the legal requirement of 1mm. Motorcyclists should consider changing their tyres now before the road conditions become increasingly slippery.

The colder it is, the more work the battery has to do. People should check their battery is fully charged and in a good condition beforehand – keep it protected against corrosion using solid Vaseline or paraffin. If your battery is not working properly, replace it now.

The cold weather can cause moisture to collect up in the electrical connections. Take time to spray them with an anti-corrosion product to keep them lubricated.

Motorcyclists are also advised to check the front and rear brake fluid reservoir levels. If they’re low top them up or consult your dealer. It’s worth checking the brake pads too – if they are a near the wear limit then get them changed as soon as possible.

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Keep an anti-mist product with you when your helmet visor builds up with condensation – this will particularly come in handy in rain and foggy weather.

When riding through bad weather switch on your dipped headlights to help you see further ahead. Avoid using full beam as this will only dazzle other road users.

Riding in low sun will make it difficult to see ahead, be prepared to slow down and make sure you keep your eyes shaded using a visor helmet if you have one.

If road conditions are wet and slippery leave more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Ride at a steady pace and don’t rush through pools of water as it will force your bike to lose traction.

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Avoid riding through puddles as they might be concealing potholes. Keep an eye out for any of these hazards ahead and adjust your riding accordingly.

Peter said: “Motorcyclists need to especially make allowances for the arrival of autumn with only two wheels; anything that reduces your contact with the road requires your attention. Keep in complete control of your bike, think ahead, and you can enjoy a bracing autumn on two wheels.”

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