Getting bike on road after winter. Tips please

[dawn07]

My 2009 Kawasaki ER6f has been stuck in my garage since November.
In the absence of a man this year [sorry if that's sexist!], I would appreciate any tips for getting the bike ready for its first run this year.
I know how to top up the oil, clean and lube my chain, and check the tyre pressure, but is there anything else I should be doing? Thanks folks :pDx

[Small Clanger]

Take it easy and don't go thrashing the nuts off it. At first.

A nice steady ride across to Largs for an icecream in Nardini's. Then down the coast to Ayr and back along the A70. Have fun.

[dawn07]

Oh sounds good! Am I doing all the right preps though?:D

[Small Clanger]

Tyres,chain,brakes,bulbs and coolant if it's l/c. :)

Good idea to check that the leathers still fit as well, if they're too tight, ride straight past Nardinis.

[dawn07]

Great, thanks.
Erm *cough*, think I'll give Nardinis a miss then! Cheers Dx:smt023

[shonadoll]

Lol! Check and make sure brakes haven't bound, and tyres ok. And put petrol in lol!

[dawn07]

Oh panic! What do I do if wheels have bound then?
Thats when I give up and phone Wullie the bike mechanic?! Haha x

[dawn07]

Oh panic! What do I do if wheels have bound then?
Thats when I give up and phone Wullie the bike mechanic?! Haha x

Sorry i mean BRAKES! Doh x

[rictus01]

take something like a big flatblade screwdriver and very gently ease the brakepads away from the discs, then pump the lever a couple of times and do the same again, then roll the bike forwards and apply the brakes to make sure they work.

Make the first ride both gentle and short, then check tyou have no fluid leaks and everything feels OK, tyre pressures will probably need adjusting as well.

Cheers Mark.

Cheers Mark

[dawn07]

Cheers Mark. Sounds as if even I could do that! Thanks:D

[-Ralph-]

Personally I prefer to time an annual service (oil change, etc) for this time of year, so it's done just before the bike goes back on the road. Especially if there is a fair bit of condensation around your shed or garage over the winter.

[Sid Squid]

If you haven't started it yet, take the battery out and charge it before even trying to.

[dawn07]

Don't know how to take battery out Sid [ sorry I'm a dafty].
Think I'll book it in for a service [thanks Ralf] x:cool:

[Bibio]

ooorrr do what i do. go down to lockup put key in bike start bike. then say .. 'yup it runs' wheel bike out and go for a ride :-)

if bike won't start then buy/charge battery put battery in and off i go :-)

if the bike ran before you put it away then no reason it wont still. battery's only really get goosed if there is an alarm on the bike. brakes should be fine if kept in garage and out the rain.

if the brakes have seized it's usually to the disks and a quick 'jolt' should free them. if the pistons have seized then pushing the pistons in and out could potentially tear the seals if there is any crap on the pistons.

if it free wheels but won't start then a new battery is in order.

[rictus01]

if bike won't start then buy/charge battery put battery in and off i go :-)

if it free wheels but won't start then a new battery is in order.


Don't know how to take battery out Sid [ sorry I'm a dafty].
Think I'll book it in for a service [thanks Ralf] x:cool:

Perhaps something more practical given what she'd already posted, not everyone has power near their bike :smt102

this should help.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422832_10150611272814135_621884134_9280507_5667301 06_n.jpg

Cheers Mark

[dawn07]

Thanks everyone! Knew I could rely on you!
Getting bike on road today with a new found confidence!:thumbsup::smt006:smt038