Woman Motorcycle Enthusiast – MOTORESS
LEARN TO RIDEMotorcyclingSkills and Tips

How To Do A Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection

Last Update: 10 February 2024

How To Do A Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection - MOTORESS
How To Do A Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection

Ensuring a safe ride, every time you hop on your motorcycle, is paramount for any rider. A crucial aspect of achieving this is ensuring your motorcycle is in optimal condition, whether it’s been parked for a few hours or a few weeks. Therefore, dedicating time before each ride to conduct a thorough pre-ride inspection is not just advisable, but essential. This proactive approach allows you to identify and address any potential issues before they have the chance to escalate, ultimately minimising risks and enhancing overall safety. Indeed, incorporating a pre-ride inspection into your routine is a fundamental practice and just one of the key practises to managing and reducing your risks.

WALK AROUND YOUR MOTORCYCLE

The simplest and most comprehensive method for conducting a motorcycle pre-ride inspection is to walk around your motorcycle,  visually and manually checking each component. Start at the left side and proceed in a clockwise direction, examining everything from the tires to the handlebars. This quick routine only takes a few minutes but can catch minor issues before they escalate into major problems, ensuring a safer and smoother ride.

ASSEMBLE CHECKS INTO THESE CATEGORIES:

There is a popular acronym used as a prelude or easy reminder to your pre-ride inspection: TCLOCKS.

How To Do A Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection - MOTORESS
Pre-Ride Inspection: Left Side Checks

TIRES AND WHEELS:

  • Tires: check tread depth, and wear
  • Wheels: see if any spokes / rims to see if loose or if the rim is bent or cracked. See if the wheel turns freely, but is not loose on the axle.
  • Air pressure: check and adjust air pressure.
  • Brakes: brake pads (depth); look for brake line leakage; check brake function

CONTROLS AND LEVERS:

  • Inspect levers: verify they are not bent or broken and move easily.
  • Check cables: look for fraying or cuts in the outer protections of the lines.
  • Hoses: check for cracks, leaks, bulges and chaffed areas.
  • Throttle: check it moves freely and closes easily (snaps back easily).

LIGHTS AND ELECTRICS

  • Turn signals, headlamp and brake lights: check for proper operation. Make sure the lenses are not cracked or broken.
  • Battery: check battery terminals are clean and tight and that the electrolyte level is correct. Plus make sure the vent tube is hooked to the vent outlet and not kinked
  • Headlamp: check for proper operation and alignment
  • Horn: check it operates.

OIL AND FLUIDS

  • Fluids: fuel, engine oil levels, hydraulic brake fluid, coolant.
  • Chassis: chain (final drive) frame, suspension, bolts and fasteners.

CHASSIS

  • Check the steering Head: to do this, move the handlebars back and forth to check for tight spots or sticking.
  • Neck bearings: hold the front brake and rock the bike front to back to check for any free play in the neck bearings.
  • Suspension: check the front forks and the rear shocks for smooth travel and right air pressure (if equipped).
  • Belt or Chain: check tension and visually inspect for any rocks or other objects stuck in it.
  • Fasteners: check for any loose nuts or bolts and tighten if needed.
  • Side-stand:  inspect for ease of operation and spring action.
How To Do A Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection - MOTORESS
Pre-Ride Inspection: Right Side Checks

WHAT TO CHECK

    1. Side-stand and centre-stand.  Firmly held in place and operating smoothly. For example, it would be a hazard of course if this deployed or came loose while riding.
    2. Shift lever and left foot peg. Function, bolts, and fasteners and drive chain: check loose or tight and that it’s greased enough.
    3. Left side fairing fasteners. If not applicable, check engine for any visible oil leaks, loose fasteners, electric cables etc.
    4. Front forks, front tire and valve, rim, brake calliper and discs. Look for oil seepage around fork seals; check for nails or embedded items in tire tread; check tire tread depth/wear; check tire pressure; look for rim dents or loose spokes if applicable; look for fluid leaks at brake calliper; inspect brake disc for dint/bends or uneven wear.
    5. Clutch lever, brake lever, switches, cables, and throttle. Check for clutch cable wear and smooth operation. Check brake lever and that front brake system is working. Check brake fluid levels (window) both front and rear. Twist throttle to check for good movement and spring back. Check engine kill switch operates smoothly.
    6. Rear brake pedal operation, right foot peg, oil level (window). Check for under bike leaks (here easier to see if engine oil leaking with bike leaned more to left on its side stand). Observe fasteners, cables, etc.
    7. Rear tire, brakes/pads, disc, suspension, seat, licence plate holder.  Same as number #4 but check suspension spring in place of forks. Be sure seat is fastened as well as licence plate. Check all fasteners.
    8. Lights, signals, horn.  Turn the ignition on check horn, lights, signals and tail/brake light. Depress rear brake pedal and check brake light illumination as well as with pulling the front brake lever. Check high beam.
    9. Fuel, coolant and mirrors. Ensure you have enough fuel and that if you have a liquid cooled bike, check that no leakage is noted. Does the bike have plenty of gas and the right amount of oil?

POST RIDE INSPECTION

After parking your motorcycle and turning it off, it’s wise to conduct a post-ride inspection to ensure everything remains in optimal condition. Similar to the pre-ride check, use your eyes and hands to inspect the bike for any signs of loosening or leaks.

While the engine is still warm, take the opportunity to lubricate your drive chain if your motorcycle has one, especially if you’ve been riding in wet conditions. Applying lubricant while the chain is warm allows the oils to penetrate effectively, preventing them from forming globs that could fly off during your next ride, potentially reaching the sidewall of your tire. Additionally, while lubricating the drive chain, make sure to assess its “slack” and tension to maintain proper functionality. This simple post-ride maintenance routine helps preserve the longevity and performance of your motorcycle.

And when the time comes to give your bike a wash use this time to further inspect your motorcycle for loose bolts, fasteners, fairings, leaks or broken parts.

 


Indian Motorcycles

RELATED TOPICS

Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering: Understanding the Distinction

MOTORESS

Mastering The Thrills: How to Ride An Electric Motorcycle

MOTORESS

How To Avoid Wildlife Collisions – Essential Tips for Every Motorcycle Rider

MOTORESS

Complete Guide to Riding Your Motorcycle at Night

MOTORESS

10 Key Approaches For Managing Risks When Riding On Expressways

MOTORESS

Your Guide To Riding in Hot Weather

MOTORESS

3 comments

Betty 26 October 2023 at 11:35

I do forget to do this, yet totally understand the importance. Thanks!

Reply
arthurhoffman 10 October 2020 at 03:29

A great post! This pre-inspection process must be conducted by every motorcyclist before ride to ensure better safety while riding. One of the best articles about pre-inspection I found till date!
Taking a careful look at the pièces moto can help in determining the potential flaws that may cause a serious accident later onwards.

Reply
Barbara, Women Bikers Of Niagara 12 September 2015 at 20:22

Very helpful. Thank-you for posting!

Reply

Leave a Comment

* By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

We use first-party and third-party cookies for analytical purposes and to improve your experience. ACCEPT For More Information consult our cookie policy.

Translate MOTORESS