By Mitchell Proner, Chair Aid to injured Motorcyclist Attorneys, National Coalition of Motorcyclists
Here are the things you should particularly watch out for. Once you get in the habit of looking over your bike before you ride it is pretty easy to remember. Don't just inspect when you have a long trip. Your safety is worth the extra effort.
Check Your Motorcycle Brakes
make sure that each brake, individually, will prevent your bike from moving
Check Your Motorcycle Controls
Pedals and levers - are they broken, bent or cracked, are the mountings tight, are they properly adjusted?
Cables - are there any fraying ends, kinks, sharp angles, is there any interference at the steering head, are all wire supports correctly in place?
Hoses - check for leaks, cracks, deterioration, bulging, chaffing
Throttle - does it move freely, snap back into the closed position, does it rev when you turn the handlebar grip?
Check Your Motorcycle Lights
Battery - are the terminals clean and tight, is the electrolyte level, is it held securely in position?
Headlight - is the bulb working, are there any cracks, is it pointing at the correct height and direction, does the low and high beam switch operate correctly?
Brake and tail lights - are the bulbs working brightly, check for cracks, are they activated with both the front and rear brake light?
Turn signals - do they flash when they should?
Mirrors - are they clean, are they cracked, are they positioned correctly? If not, adjust them whilst you are seated on your motorcycle
Reflectors - are they clean and free from cracks?
Wiring - check all wiring for signs of chaffing and insulation, make sure that it is all routed correctly and not under any pressure from suspension, steering head etc.
Check Your Motorcycles Engine oil - levels should be checked when the engine is warm, with the motorcycle on the kick stand on level ground - check the dipstick or the sight glass. You should also regularly check the gaskets, seals and housings for any signs of leaks.
Fuel - Not all bikes have a fuel gage but make sure you have gas. (On my bike I don't have a fuel gage and I use the odometer. I get about 120 miles per tank. My bike is too big to push so I am always.) Always try to refill before it is too late.
Frame - check the overall condition, look for cracks (particularly at gussets)
Suspension - check both the front forks and the rear shocks for smooth travel, equal pressure etc
Belt or Chain - check the tension at the tightest point, make sure that sprocket teeth are not broken and that they are mounted securely
Fasteners - check all clips, cotter pins and threaded fasteners to make sure that they are in position and fitted tightly
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