After months of admiring your bike in the garage and daydreaming of your favourite ride, you are itching to set out on your first spring motorcycle ride. Although Spring starts in March, the climate in your area might not have been as warm or ready to bloom as you are to get out on the open road. If you are just getting the bike out now, here are some steps aside from routine motorcycle maintenance that will help you get ready for the first ride of the riding season.

Be sure to do a walkaround of your bike and complete your regular maintenance. You’ll know best what needs to be replaced or upgraded for the coming season, so you might have some work to do before you get out on the open road.

Check your Gear

Take a close look at your gear for wear. Ensure that your leather gear is still supple, not cracked, and treat it with a leather conditioner where necessary. Your clothing gear acts as a protective barrier for your skin, so you want it to be in fine working condition when you use it. Switch out your goggle lenses or buy a new sun protective set for the year. Knicks and scratches will be a visual distraction while riding.

Replace your Helmet

Your head is softer than you’d think, and needs the best protection while motorcycling. Your helmet is the most important piece of gear you have. Remember that helmets expire and you will need to replace them every 5 years. Also, if there is any inside cushioning deteriorating quickly or you have been in a minor accident with it, its best to replace it.

Protect your Ears

Earplugs will lower your noise exposure to a safe and comfortable level. The sounds of the road and multiple air streams can damage your hearing over time, so it's best if you start wearing earplugs regularly. They should be easy to use and cut down the decibel levels, without completely eliminating the sounds you need to hear, like sirens and horns.

Ensure your pack is ready

Even a quick neighborhood ride can lead to delays or incidents. If you don’t like to always carry a pack with you, use any motorcycle storage space to the best of its ability. Keep a water bottle or juice, a granola bar, and a minimal first aid kit. If you have the space, always bring a tire repair kit, and a multi toolkit to be able to perform basic roadside maintenance and repairs.

A small multi toolkit could include:

• A few wrenches
• T-bars
• Hex keys
• Pliers
• Tie wraps
• Cement potty
• Electrical tape

Be Mindful of Weather

Winter’s weather will have caused a lot of debris to build on any roadway. Ride with caution of sand/gravel pile ups and potholes. They are usually piled up where motorcyclists ride, so make sure you are riding in the best part of the lane that you are still visible in.

Stay Visible

If you are heading out earlier or later in the day, try to wear visibility gear or reflective stripes to ensure you are visible if there is sudden fog or rain. Keep your eyes steady on the road and give extra following distance behind other vehicles.

It's been months and you are so ready to tear up the road with your sweet ride. Remember that you haven’t been riding for months, and other drivers aren’t used to sharing the roads with motorcycles, so take it easy out there.