Motorcycle Pre-Ride Checklist
Car and truck drivers might be comfortable setting out without checking the condition of their vehicles, but motorcycle riders must practice additional precaution. A blowout on a car might mean a fender bender, while on a motorcycle this can be an extremely serious accident. A pre-ride check is the best way to avoid basic trouble that might cause you and your bike to take a spill.
Here at Destination Powersports, we know our customers are eager to hop in the saddle, pull back the throttle, and speed off toward thrills and adventure, but every journey starts with a bit of care. A motorcycle is a delicate piece of machinery, and ensuring working components is absolutely necessary when the risks are either costly service for your bike or else a dangerous accident on the road.
We’ve put together a quick guide with some tips to establishing a pre-ride checklist of your own. Read on for more information or head into Destination Powersports in Punta Gorda, Florida, near Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
Tires
Motorcycles meet the road at the tire, so it’s a great place to start. Give your motorcycle tires a good lookover. Use a simple air pressure gauge to check the tire pressure. Follow tire manufacturer recommended pressure printed on the tire wall. The tread should be worn evenly between front and back tires. If this isn’t the case, it could mean a bigger problem. Dig out anything lodged in the tread, as it could come free on the road and do additional damage. Check the tire wall for gouges, scapes, and scalping, any of which could harm the tire integrity and could mean it’s time for replacements.
Fluids
Engine oil should be checked regularly, just like how you’d do it for a car. Take out the dipstick, clean it off, reinsert, and then pull out again. The oil should be gold in color and have a medium-high viscosity. If things look good, top off the oil and move on. If the oil is discolored and sludgy, it’s time to drain and replace both the oil and the oil filter. Then, check your coolant. The fluid will be visible on the side of the coolant reservoir. The front and back brake reservoirs are easy to check. Just look at their levels and top off with more brake fluid as necessary.
Chains and Belts
Motorcycles transfer power through a series of belts and chains, and these connections need to operate effectively if you want to go anywhere. Examine any belts for signs of tears or fraying, while all a chain usually needs is a good spray of lubricant. Whether you have a chain- or belt-driven bike, you’ll want to make sure either is tight enough to not come loose, but loose enough that it won’t experience too much stress and snap.
Brakes, Clutch, and Throttle
These are best checked while in motion, but that doesn’t mean zooming out on the freeway to test things out. Start up your bike and roll onto the street slowly. As you approach your first stop sign, slowly apply pressure a little in advance of where you normally would. As you begin to apply more pressure, feel for grinding or vibrations and listen for squealing. Your throttle should operate smoothly and should close completely on its own. If your bike is idling at a high speed when it’s not in gear, it may mean your throttle isn’t completely closing. Finally, check your clutch for smooth operation. You should be able to quickly and easily switch between gears, and if there is some grinding when you go to switch into a new gear, it could mean your clutch isn’t engaging fully.
Your checklist will ensure basic maintenance on your bike without wasting any of your time. With a bit of habitual practice, you’ll be eyeing your bike from front to rear and assessing its condition in no time. If you do run into issues that might need service or repair, don’t hesitate to call or head into Destination Powersports in Punta Gorda, Florida, near Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Our team of knowledgeable and courteous professionals are standing by to answer all your question and help you find the motorcycle of your dreams. Come in today!