The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and the urge to get your motorbike out again is becoming irresistible. But after several months of winter break, a gentle restart is in order.
Before even thinking about putting on your helmet, you need to give your motorbike a thorough check. The condition of the tyres is the first thing to check: tread, wear, age, etc. On two wheels, the tyres are your only connection to the road. Worn or under-inflated tyres can have much more serious consequences than on a car. Don’t neglect the brakes, fluid levels and lights either.
Ease back in gradually
Several months without riding takes its toll. Your reflexes become dulled and your automatic responses fade. It would be unrealistic to think that you can pick up exactly where you left off in the autumn. A gradual return to riding is essential. Better still, take the opportunity to attend a training day. The ACL’s Maison du Motard, in collaboration with the CFC, offers dedicated sessions to practise tight corners, emergency braking and emergency situation management.
Don’t be fooled by the weather
A blue sky does not mean a safe road. In spring, nights are still cool and frost can still occur. The asphalt takes time to warm up, which limits tyre grip — much more so than in warm weather. Added to this is the possible presence of salt on the road surface, a residue from the last winter gritting, which further deteriorates grip conditions. In short: braking distances remain long and corners require more caution. Speed must be adjusted accordingly, especially at the beginning of the season.
Beware of shaded roads
Beautiful routes winding through forests – such as in the Müllerthal – are particularly popular with motorcyclists. But these are also risky roads in spring: under the trees, the sun has difficulty penetrating, the asphalt remains damp and the road surface can remain slippery long after the last frosts. Be extra vigilant on these stretches, even if they are among your favourites.
Share the road with respect
After a winter without two-wheelers, motorists have lost the reflex to check their mirrors for motorcycles. It is therefore important, as a motorcyclist, to take this into account and anticipate blind spots. Conversely, car drivers are encouraged to get back into the habit of checking their mirrors regularly. On the road, coexistence is based on a simple principle: mutual respect and shared caution.
Technology is not everything
Modern motorcycles are packed with electronics: ABS, traction control, riding modes… These aids are valuable, but they cannot defy the laws of physics. No system can replace anticipation and common sense. Always keep a sufficient safety margin to deal with the unexpected.
Have a great season, everyone!
Tags
