Happy Spring Solstice! Today marks the first day of spring for 2009 - which means it is time to take your motorcycle out of storage and out onto the open road.

Here is a spring checklist to prep your motorcycle and you for new riding season.

Alpinestar's Octane leather jacket follows along the lines of all of their products - excellent quality and simplicity. One of the great things about the Octane we really enjoyed was how snug and comfortable the jacket fits.

How do you know when to change your motorcycle tires? You should change your motorcycle's tires if any of the following signs are exhibited.

• The wear bar is in line with the surface of the tire
• Uneven surface on the tire aka 'cupping' or 'feathering'
• Cracks on the sidewall of the tire
• Punctures

If you notice any of the above it is time to change your motorcycle tires.

Continuing to push forward as the most stylish and detail oriented motorcycle gear manufacturer, Icon has once again achieved their goal by introducing new for 2009, the Victory - Death or Glory leather motorcycle jacket. The Victory - Death or Glory can make any motorcycle rider the coolest bad-ass biker in an instant.

The TZ-R is Shoei's newest full-face model. Modeling after the successful RF-1000 series helmets in the area of aerodynamics the TZ-R is excellent at reducing noise. In addition, the TZ-R is a very comfortable helmet with a padded foam liner and chin strap. Although it is Shoei's lower-end helmet it is an excellent lid with exceptional value.