Look closely at the chain and controls
Rainwater and road residue can remove lubricant and leave surface rust on the chain. Clean and lubricate it, then confirm slack before riding. Check that the throttle, clutch and brake controls return smoothly without stiffness.
Dry weather does not guarantee dry pavement
Shaded corners, parkades and tree-lined roads can stay damp long after the sky clears. Painted lines, metal covers and fallen leaves deserve extra space, especially during the first kilometres while tires are still cool.
Inspect brakes before relying on them
Apply both brakes at walking speed and listen for unusual scraping. Light surface rust on rotors may clear quickly, but persistent noise, pulsing or weak feel should be inspected before a longer ride.
Check the charging system if the bike sat
Cool damp storage is hard on marginal batteries and electrical connections. Slow cranking, a reset clock or dim lights can be early signs that the battery or charging system needs testing.