After a winter under the tarpaulin (or worse, outside in the frost and rain) a bike’s never in greater need of TLC than at this time of year. To try and reduce accidents and excess costs from poorly maintained bikes, we’ve come up with a list that gives a dozen of the most common causes of insurance claims for bikers, all of which ‘spike’ disproportionately in the spring and early summer.  And all can be reduced by careful point-by-point attention to the list.    One of the main problems in the warmer weather is not only bikers driving faster, pushing their luck (and rusty skills) after the winter slow-down, but many don’t prepare properly for the first spring outing after the winter layup. It’s vital to give your bike a thorough going-over if you’ve stored it during the winter months.         Here are my 12 tips for bringing the old dear out.     1. Review any notes you made when you put your bike into winter storage.  It’s easy to forget little things like that small part you removed to get a matching replacement and never got around to replacing. 2. If you removed the battery for winter storage, check and clean the battery terminals before refitting.  A bicarbonate of soda solution works well to clean the terminals. 3. Charge and refit the battery. Positive lead first! 4. Change the oil and filter, and check the grease and other lubricants. 5. Check all cables and lubricate with the specified lubricants. 6. Drain the fuel tank, clean and refill with fresh.  This especially applies if you left it nearly empty during the winter.  An empty tank will have air inside, and that air will have moisture, which will condense out in the cold as water. 7. Check the tyre pressure and wear of tread.  If you had a special winter pressure, remember to change it for summer.  Don’t use a tyre cleaner on bike tyres - it will make them hard and slippery. 8. Check all lights. Don’t forget the flashing ones! 9. Check brake fluid level and ensure brake pads and shoes aren’t worn. 10. Clean the inside of your helmet with a mild soapy solution and ensure it is dry.  Examine it for hairline cracks. 11. If you put away your winter cover during the summer, air it properly, then store it somewhere warm and dry.  Don’t let yourself suddenly discover it damp or mildewy next winter when you suddenly need it again. 12. Start a new log book for the year and write down your starting mileage - and all the actions you took to get out on the open road again.  Promise yourself that you will keep it up to date this year!  now go and enjoy your riding.                                                                                                                                                                             

I wouldn't even no what bicarbonate of soda is, nor where to get it from lol.   Sounds like something grandma would give us as a kid when we had the trots.  Along with milk of magnesia haha                                                                                                                                                                             

Isnt it something you put in ur veggies so they stay green lol                                                                                                                                                                              

you use bicarb of soda in baking Matt...... personally I use it with vinegar to unblock my plumbing                                                                                                                                                                              

very good for stinky fridges and washing machines too!                                                                                                                                                                             

And a teaspoon of bicarb in a glass of water gets rid of trapped wind like nothing else.  Just don't try it immediately before a meeting cos it doesn't work discretely.                                                                                                                                                                             

Its also good in water for ladies to rinse hairspray & hair products out of your hair                                                                                                                                                                              

and a big spoon full as plod pulls you over for speeding wont get you off a ticket                                                                                                                                                                              

JP have u been gargling with it again ??

u know what happened last time ...................
                                                                                                                                                                             

to make your own bicarb of soda   stir and sift together 2 parts of cream of tartar to 1 part baking soda and 1 part cornstarch     it can also put out fires lol                                                                                                                                                                             

bicarb gets rid of the pong of puke a treat! works like magic!! I always used it when the kids were little    

                                                                                                                                                                             

Wonder if it works on red wine Didnt know that about puke handy tip LC                                                                                                                                                                             

mick it depends on were the red wine spill is eg carpet, clothes, sofa lol                                                                                                                                                                             

All good tips, thought I had tuned into Blue Peter.   NK sounds like you have problems with your plumbing.                                                                                                                                                                               

Doh Boy- Do's that mean I can have a blue peter badge? awww... please...always wanted one when I was a wee napper!                                                                                                                                                                             

Bicarb aka andrews is quite good the morning after too .........

It either settles your guts or errrrrrrrrr ......... you know that post about getting rid of puke pong??