Forget about diets and giving up smoking; this year make some motorcycle New Year’s resolutions.
Here are my top 5:
1 Ride more often. This time last year I vowed to ride every day, but overseas trips, family commitments and work often got in the way. However, this time I’m going to give it a red-hot go. It might not be every day, but I’m going to get on the bike as often as possible, even if it’s just to go to the shops for milk.
2 Ride in the rain as often as possible. I don’t mind getting caught in the rain, but I usually don’t go out intentionally to get wet. But that’s going to change next year. Riding in the wet sharpens your skills and makes you more aware of grip levels. It’s also damn good fun. Read former World SuperSport champion Chris Vermeulen’s wet riding tips here.
3 Get more training. I always put it off because it’s expensive, but any time I do training, I enjoy it and come away with so many great tips on how to make my riding safer, faster and more enjoyable. And don’t worry about the money. The cash you spend upgrading to a faster bike is nothing compared with training which will make you faster than the extra horsepower of a new bike.
4 Buy a project bike. I’ve been surfing bike porn and dreaming of creating my own special. It’s time to bite the bullet and do it. A donor bike will only cost a couple of thousand (a 1970s Japanese bike is ideal as they have electric start and reliable engines). Start small and work your way up! What I’d really like to do is something like this Yamaha Bolt cafe racer.
5 Do my own servicing. There is nothing nicer than the feeling of warm oil running over your hands as you screw out the sump plug. Why let a mechanic have all the fun with your beloved? Check out my story here about DIY servicing.
Tell me about your New Year’s motorcycle resolutions in the comment box below.