6 new year`s resolutions every motorbike fan should keep

Here are just a few tips designed to ensure 2010 is not only the year of the Tiger, it's also the Year of the Biker:

Make the most of your motorcycle
There's no point in having a powerful, preened machine if you only use it once a year. Real bikers enjoy the freedom of the open road every week - and biking to work doesn't count!

Stop leaving your bike unlocked
It's a common crime for riders. But come on guys, there are plenty of good quality disk and cable locks around. They don't always come cheap but paying out for one is better than having some grubby chav nick off with your ride while you were picking up the fish and chips.

Get involved with a biking group
They're sometimes quite hard to find and the occasional biking clan can be a bit clique-y but having a group of like-minded mates to ride alongside can make the difference between a dreary trudge down a miserable lane to a roaring group event full of friendly banter. Plus riding with a group is a great excuse to head off down the pub afterwards.

Lose it once you've used it
Remember that bump you had last summer? Well if your helmet was knocked or dented its ability to protect you in a crash will have been completely compromised. Helmets are only designed to put up with one impact - after that their internal structure is damaged, meaning they won't cushion your head properly in a crash. Use it as an excuse for an upgrade.

Be more ambitious
Planning new routes is easy. Sites like Google Maps let you put in multiple destinations and plot the best roads to use. You can print off quick directions. So go to Scotland, get out to Ireland, tour the coast.

Tell me about it
After you've been on a great ride you will want to let the world know and one of the easiest ways to record and share your adventures is on a blog. You can set up your own at Blogger.com or WordPress.com very easily and use it like a diary, adding an entry each time you've been out with the wind in your hair. You can even add the inevitable embarrassing photographs of you in your leathers!

Okay, you're not going to change the world with these resolutions - but you can always join the gym and organise your filing next year - 2010 is dedicated to having some serious fun.