Born to be Wild

“Get your motor running, head out on the highway...”
We’ve had a decent run of warm weather for a week or so now, and I think the council have finally stopped putting salt on the roads, so it’s time to bring the bike out of hibernation.
In spite of my best efforts, the winter cold and damp had taken its toll and the chain was covered in a fine coating of rust. Half an hour and one oil soaked rag later, and things were looking a lot cleaner.
Tyre pressures checked and it was time to go for a little shakedown ride to check everything was working properly. Only stayed out for ten miles or so but it was enough to confirm all was working. Brakes needed a couple of firm applications to shift the surface rust/glazing but worked fine after that.
Back home and I liberally applied chain lube to try and prevent the rust returning. While I was waiting for it to sink in, I checked the rest of the bike over and was slightly dismayed to see evidence of oil weeping from the left hand fork seal. Don’t know if it was just as a result of first time out for four months, or if the seal has actually gone. A longer ride later this week should answer that question. I wouldn’t mind but the bike has only covered 1200 miles so shouldn’t be suffering fork seal failure. If it has, then a trip to the dealer will be in order. Which could be dangerous as there will be a whole new range of bikes to look at whilst the work is being done. It could end up costing a lot more than a replacement fork seal!
And I’m not entirely sure about the aptness of today’s title. I can’t help but think that a better reflection of my advanced years would be “Born to be Mild”!