New Bike in the Garage This Winter? Read This First.
There is nothing better than opening the garage and seeing a new bike sitting there ready for the season ahead. Winter is the best time to get everything right before the pressure of trackdays and racing starts. First job, even if the bike is low mileage or sold as “fully serviced”, do a full oil and filter change. It sets a baseline and you know exactly what is in the engine. Check coolant, brake fluid, and give the bike a proper once-over. Look for loose bolts, worn hoses, tired bearings, and any signs of leaks. This is about trust in the machine. Next, make the bike yours. Set lever angles, bar position, footrest height, and brake pedal position so the bike fits your body, not the other way around. Adjust clutch bite point, throttle free play, and seat position if possible. Small changes here make a massive difference to confidence and consistency. Then focus on setup. Check sag, tyre choice and pressures, chain alignment, gearing, and brake feel. Do not worry about lap times yet. The goal is to build comfort and control. Over winter, you are not just buying a bike. You are building a tool around you as a rider. Get the foundations right now, and the results come when the season starts.