Your Motorcycle Safety Inspection Checklist For A Safer Ride!
Motorcycles have gotten to be so dependable that it’s easy to take them for granted.
You were advised not to inspect your clutch cable carefully while waiting at a red light, as the cable might break and send you into oncoming traffic if you held the clutch lever in.
These days, motorcycle safety inspection guidance is to keep your bike in gear with the clutch depressed in case a vehicle comes toward you and you need an immediate getaway.
Fasteners used to vibrate off of motorcycles, spokes break frequently, steering heads need regular maintenance, drum brakes must be cleaned, the gap and ignition point timing had to be monitored carefully.
And you had to check your oil every now and then to see how much liquid has leaked or burned.
The quality of materials, component designs, and manufacturing tolerances have all improved dramatically. We’ve got a lot more dependable equipment as a result of these advancements.
It’s easy to think everything is okay when nothing is on the verge of catastrophe.
But, as the shop’s service tech told me recently after double-checking something and finding that a near catastrophe would have occurred otherwise, “You know what they say about assume.”
Consider the mechanics of your motorcycle while you’re riding. Check those things that you can see or turn a wrench on.
Adjustment should be felt or measured for proper. And, most importantly, ensure that any damage from your previous ride does not ruin your next one.
Motorcycle Safety Inspection Checklist
Body And Frame
To begin, walk a quick lap or two around your bike and look for anything that is immediately and obviously wrong.
Examine the condition of the bike’s body and note whether anything has changed.
Examine the frame for fissures, particularly in weld joints and locations where accessories are attached. Make sure the footpegs are firmly fastened, as well.
Tires And Wheels
Before getting on the road, make sure both tires are in excellent working order.
Checking for embedded objects and bulges, as well as monitoring tire wear, may help you ride safer. It’s also a good idea to check your tire pressure when it’s cold outside to be sure they have enough air.
When inspecting the tires, inspect the wheels to ensure that everything appears to be in order. Observe for bent, broken, or missing spokes, as well as excessive grease, which might indicate a damaged seal.
Finally, inspect your brake pads and discs for damage and ensure that both brakes function properly.
Electrical System
To begin, inspect the battery’s terminals to ensure that they are securely fastened and free of corrosion. If your terminals are coated in gunk, clean them with a baking soda solution. Check your battery’s charge level and make sure it has a full charge.
After that, put the key in the ignition and make sure all electrical components on the console display and other systems are operational.
You’ll want to perform a complete check of all of your lights, including brake lights, running lights, turn signals, and, of course, your headlights (both normal and high beams).
Controls
It’s critical to remember that each of your bike’s controls is in good working order every time you ride. Check that your handlebars are straight and turn swiftly; double-check that your hand grips are firmly in place.
Make sure the throttle smoothly moves when you twist the handlebars and does not make a revving sound.
To check for bent or broken pedals and levers, as well as noises from worn components, test your equipment. Don’t forget to inspect your cables and hoses for obvious signs of damage, like cuts or kinks.
Hoses
Take a close look at the hoses that link things together, such as your brake lines and cooling system. Rubber is used in the manufacture of these hoses, so examine for cracks to determine if they’re a sign of impending failure.
After checking for cracks, grasp each hose firmly at both ends and give it a quick wiggle to ensure that it’s properly connected.
Stands
It’s also critical to ensure that your bike can support itself when you’re done riding.
Examine the condition of the middle and side stands; if they’re damaged or bent, you might need to have them repaired. Check also that your stands’ springs have enough tension to keep your bike upright after it’s been parked.
Brakes
The brakes should be checked next. Examine your brake pads for signs of wear and tear first. The majority of brake pads have a wear groove on them.
When the groove disappears, it’s time to change your brake pads. Ensure that your pads are wearing in a similar manner across their surface. Finally, try out both your front and rear brakes to ensure they’re firm and secure.
Oil And Other Fluids
Your motorcycle’s success is dependent on a variety of fluids.
Check your bike’s gas, engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid levels before moving on the open road. Also, inspect your bike’s gaskets, seals, and hoses for signs of leakages to ensure there are no leaks.
Chassis
It is also a good idea to make sure your bike’s body is in excellent working order. Check-in gussets for cracks and see whether there are any issues with mounted accessories.
Test your bushings and bearings, too, by pulling and pushing swingarms and forks to ensure they are operational. Do not forget to check the chain or belt for tension and lubrication, as well as whether the links are engaging.
What If I Find A Problem With My Motorcycle?
In rare instances, you may be able to address an issue yourself simply.
For example, if your coolant level is low, you might want to top it up. In other situations, you might wish to have your bike evaluated by a professional and have the necessary repairs made.
It’s tempting to handle an issue yourself from time to time, but it’s a good idea to think about whether you have the necessary skills and resources.
If you find a nail in your tire, for example, don’t try to remove it immediately; particularly if you don’t have a tire repair kit on hand, according to Motorcycle.com.
Although there are numerous factors to examine, a motorcycle pre-ride examination may typically be done in a short amount of time, according to Motorcycle.com.
It’s a good idea to perform checks on a regular basis so that you’re more likely to notice issues as they develop.
Last, but not least, you can go on the road knowing that you’ve made significant efforts to assist you and your bike stay safe on the journey.
