Seasonal Gear Check

Every April my motorcycle club does what is called a "Spring-up". We check over our bikes looking at tire tread, lights and lamps functioning, no obvious oil leaks and check paperwork. If anything is missing or needs attention, you're grounded until it's resolved.

I usually keep a few things in my saddle bags for changing weather. This year's Spring-Up we had all 4 seasons in the span of 4 hours! While I make sure I have a couple pairs of gloves, some rain paints, a bandanna or two, knit hat and a few pairs of shades, I dont do a good job of looking at the CONDITION of them. This year I took the time to inspect my day and nights shades as well as my wife's and found all 4 could stand to be replaced. Since I've started wearing my helmet all the time now, it's probably not important to replace my night shades since I wont use them but my day shades needed replacing bad. It's really surprising what we can get used to, these things were scratched and pitted pretty bad. Today I ordered 2 new pair with the foam backing - which is nice since it not only keeps out the wind but also the inevitable bug that finds its way into my helmet.

Also this year I got a new fairing and windshield. The one I had previously we had modified to fit the new frame but it wasn't quite right. I found myself looking through the windshield instead of over it and when it's raining hard, you might as well be riding with your eyes closed. This one directs the wind over my head while still allowing me to see over the top of the windshield.

Here's to a safe riding season.