Why You Should Inspect Your Motorcycle Before Each Ride
No matter how experienced you are as a motorcyclist, it’s always important to inspect your bike before each ride. By taking a few minutes to check things over, you can avoid nasty surprises and make sure that your bike is safe to ride.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the key things you should inspect before hitting the open road and why.
1. Check your tires
Check the tread depth. Tires have tread patterns that are designed to grip the road and displace water. The grooves in the tread can become shallower over time, which reduces their ability to grip the road and increases your chance of hydroplaning in wet conditions
It’s also important to check the tire pressure. Every tire has a recommended pressure that can be found on the sidewall. Check the pressure with a tire gauge and inflate or deflate the tires as needed. Checking the pressure regularly can improve your fuel economy and extend the life of your tires.
Most importantly, check for any damage. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, cuts, or bulges. These defects can cause a tire to fail suddenly and should be fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
When it comes to motorcycle safety, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re ever unsure about the condition of your tires, it’s best to replace them rather than risk riding on faulty tires.
2. Check the controls
Next, take a look at the controls. Check that the throttle and brakes are working properly. The brake lever should have a good amount of resistance and shouldn’t feel spongy when you squeeze it.
The same goes for the clutch lever if your motorcycle has one. If your motorcycle makes a revving sound when you turn the handlebars, you should have a mechanic take a look at it before you ride it again.
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3. Inspect the chain or belt
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a professional racer, it is important to inspect the chain or belt on your motorcycle before each ride. These components are essential for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and they undergo a great deal of stress as they spin at high speeds.
Over time, this can cause them to stretch or even break, resulting in a loss of power and control. By taking a few minutes to visually inspect the chain or belt before each ride, you can help to ensure that your motorcycle is performing at its best.
Look for any signs of wear or damage, and if you see anything abnormal, be sure to have the problem fixed by a qualified technician before heading out onto the road.
4. Lights and other electronics
Take a moment to check the lights and other electronics on your motorcycle. Headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights are all important for making yourself visible to other motorists. Make sure that all of the bulbs are working and that the lenses are clean.
5. Oil level
Finally, check the oil level before each ride. This is especially important if you haven’t ridden your motorcycle in a while. The oil helps to lubricate and cool the engine, and it can break down over time if it isn’t used.
If the oil level is low, add more until it reaches the full line on the dipstick. If you’re unsure about how to check or add oil, consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual.
6. Inspect the chassis
Before each ride, it’s a good idea to inspect the chassis of your motorcycle. Check for any cracks, bends, or other damage. These problems can affect the handling of your bike and make it more difficult to control —even dangerous. If you see anything that looks out of the ordinary, be sure to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic before heading out.
7. The kickstand
Last but not least, take a look at the kickstand. Make sure that it’s in good condition and that it’s not bent or broken. The kickstand is an important part of your motorcycle’s design, and it helps to keep the bike upright when you’re not riding it. If the kickstand is damaged, it could cause your motorcycle to tip over, which could lead to serious damage.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of things to check before each ride. By taking the time to inspect your motorcycle, you can help to ensure that it’s in good condition and that it will be safe to ride. So, next time you’re getting ready to hit the road, be sure to take a few minutes to go over your bike from top to bottom. It could end up being the difference between a great ride and a disaster.
