6 Important Things to Include on Your Motorcycle Pre-Ride Checklist
2nd Mar 2015
To enjoy the freedom of riding your motorcycle, you must prioritise safety. And when it comes to safety, preparation is the key! You need to make sure that you and your ride is geared up for any possible challenges and hazards on the road.
Well, one of the important preparation steps is to conduct a pre-ride check. Five of the most important things to include on your checklist are the following:
1. Protective Gear
Before even getting on your bike, inspect all the protective gear that you’ll need for the trip. If you haven’t worn your helmet for a while, check if it’s in good shape and if the fasteners are in place and working. You should also see if there are cracks or moving parts. Make sure that there are no defects to ensure optimal protection. Additionally, you should check for your motorcycle clothing. See to it that the armour or pads of your jacket are in place, your
motorcycle gloves fits you well and your knee pads are still thick.
2. Lights
Your motorcycle lights are very important not only during night but also when riding in the daylight. You would want to be seen by others when you are driving and your lights will help you. The brake light tells the vehicles behind you that you are slowing down while the front and back signal lights tell everyone where you are heading. It is vital to check that all of these lights are functional before you start your journey.
3. Fluids
Put your motorcycle on centre stand and check all the fluid levels including the engine oil, the coolant (if your engine is liquid cooled), brake fluid and of course the fuel. Make sure that they are at their sufficient levels by refilling them if required. In addition, you should check all gaskets, seals, housings, reservoirs, master cylinders, callipers, hoses and fuel valves for possible leaks that can cause any type of fluid to be depleted.
4. Brakes
In addition to making sure that your brake fluid levels and lights are in working condition, check the actual brake itself. Squeeze the levers to see if you can easily handle the pressure of applying the brakes. If you can physically see the brake pads or there are certain thickness indicators, inspect them to make sure that they are thick enough for effective braking. It is also best to do a quick test drive to make sure that there are no problems.
5. Tyres
A set of worn out rubbers spells road disaster. It can increase the possibility of encountering a slip or a slide. Thus, make sure that the condition of your tyre is suitable for your journey. Sure, worn rubbers may be okay for a quick trip to the grocery but if you’re going for a long drive it’s a different story. You’ll require thick and well-grooved tyres. According to the
Queensland Motorcycle Riders' Guide provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, tread depth should be at least 1.5mm over the whole tyre surface”. Also, make sure that both tyres are properly inflated to avoid any malfunctions. It is ideal to follow the pressure level recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Steering
The last thing to check on your motorbike is the steering section. Make sure that it easily and properly responds when you steer it. You should also
If you noticed some irregularities during your pre-ride checks, get your motorbike inspected by a professional mechanic. Avoid doing DIY fixes especially if it’s not on your skill set. Also, if you think your motorcycle clothing and helmet are already worn out, don’t hesitate to get a new set.
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