Attitude Adjustment!

Yup. It's Monday and that always means a shift in the attitude, away from leisure and back into the work groove.Spent some more time on the weekend, tinkering with Pearl in the garage, replacing some parts damaged in last August's big hail storm.Everything took a hit that night, with both the car and truck, the roof on the house and garage, and old Pearl getting pummeled by golf ball size hailstones. Fortunately, Pearl took the least amount of damage and only lost a lens cover and a couple of pieces of trim, thanks in part to the big old tree in front of the house. That may be the only time I ever appreciated that giant weed they call a Poplar! haha. There's something to be said about parking in the garage, though it's always easier to just walk out front, jump on the bike and go!
And speaking of jumping on the bike and going, here's a copy of some worthy advice which was also sent out with our Blue Circle Newsletter.
You’ve waited a long time for spring to arrive and you’ll be putting a great deal of trust in your bike to provide a safe and enjoyable ride. Before venturing out for the first time, here are some things to consider.
Remember; always refer to your owner’s manual for guidance for your own specific motorcycle.

1. Check the condition of your tires for hardness, flat spots, and cracks. They should be OK if you followed our winterizing instructions – however, it’s always good to make sure.

2. Check your tire pressure and make sure it’s at the recommended setting. Tires can lose air pressure with time, especially in cold weather.

3. Check for any fluid leaks before and after you’ve started it for the 1st time. Do the full circle check, inspecting hoses, cables and fluid levels and ensuring all the lights and turn indicators are working.

4. Change your oil and filter if you didn’t do it in the fall.

5. Examine your battery and make sure it is fully charged and topped up (if appropriate). Check the terminals and leads to make sure they’re secure and free of corrosion.

6. Check your bike’s tool kit. Make sure tools are clean, free of rust; double check to make sure everything is still there and replenish if necessary. You may want to add a few small frequently used items that aren’t in your kit, such as an air pressure gauge.

7. Check your chain tension. Make sure the chain is clean and well lubricated.

8. Make sure to unplug your air filter intake and exhaust pipe(s) before starting your bike (if you plugged it to prevent unwanted winter visitors).

9. Make sure the gas supply is turned on and that your gas is in good condition.

10. Look at your brake pads and confirm that they are not worn.

And just like the switch in attitude from weekend warrior to work day wage earner, riders need to get back into the groove on the road. Even if your bike didn’t rust over the winter, to varying degrees, your skills will have. Ease back to riding gently and practice braking and maneuvering in a parking lot or side street.
Also, the need for an "attitude adjustment" applies to those who choose to ride inside the insulated cocoon of a car or truck. Remember that the average automobile driver isn't used to seeing motorcycles on the road and will need time to adjust their thinking to a "share the road" mentality. Riders need to adopt a defensive driving attitude, "driving to prevent accidents despite the action or inaction of others", at all times but particularly when bike season really gets started in the Spring.
We're in the plus side of temperatures today and getting warmer as the week goes by, so we'll see you out there on the road!! Play safe!