Before going on a ride, it's essential to ensure your tyres are properly inflated. Tyres tend to lose pressure over time, especially in colder temperatures. If your bike wasn't stored on a stand, there's a possibility that the rubber developed flat spots. Additionally, if the bike remained on concrete without any barrier between the tyres and the ground, moisture damage might have occurred.

If you stored your motorcycle properly for winter by draining the fuel and adding stabiliser liquid, you likely have little to worry about. However, if you neglected these steps, starting up your bike after storage could cause issues. Fuel left unused degrades over time, losing its combustible properties and potentially causing problems like varnish deposits and condensation buildup. Careless storage can lead to clogs and damage to the fuel system when starting up the bike again. It's recommended to pour fresh high-octane fuel into the tank before starting up your motorcycle for optimal performance.

If you didn't change your motorcycle's oil and oil filter before storing it for the winter, it's important to do so now. Over time, oil can oxidise and degrade. Temperature changes during storage can lead to condensation, which may cause sludge buildup in the oil. It's crucial to swap the oil and filter to avoid potential issues caused by degraded oil and sludge accumulation.

Cold weather can significantly affect your battery's performance. Regardless of whether you removed the battery or maintained it on a trickle charge during the winter, it's wise to conduct a simple check to ensure the battery isn't flat. 

Hopefully, if you stored your bike over winter, you cleaned and applied your preferred chain lube to prevent rust. However, before your first ride, it's advisable to apply another layer of lubricant to the chain. After lubing the chain, check its tension - there should be no visible gap between the chain and the sprocket teeth. Additionally, inspect the sprocket's teeth for signs of wear. If you find some wear, consider replacing both the sprocket and the chain simultaneously.

It's crucial to ensure that both the front brake lever and the rear brake pedal engage the bike's brakes effectively. Additionally, it's important that the brakes release properly, as calipers can seize due to corrosion. Check the brakes on both the front and rear wheels thoroughly. If you notice any issues, it's important to investigate and address them before riding the bike.

Storing your motorcycle for a few months during winter typically shouldn't lead to deterioration of electrical systems like brake lights. However, it's still wise to check that all bulbs and LEDs are functioning properly. Don't overlook other electrical components such as the horn, instruments, and ignition. If the bike was kept in a damp environment, bulb or connector contacts may have corroded. In such cases, cleaning them with contact cleaner applying a thin layer of ACF50 can often restore functionality.