It’s a beautiful day; the sun is shining, the wind is hardly blowing, and you are ready to hit the open road for a day of riding. You should do a few things to ensure your motorcycle is ready to hit the road.
Pre-Ride Motorcycle Inspection
TCLOCS is an acronym that helps to cover the bike from stem to stern; for a quick inspection:
T- Tires & Wheels
Tires- Check tread depth, wear, and air pressure
Wheels- See if any spokes are loose or if the rim is bent or cracked. See if it turns freely and is not loose on the axle.
C- Controls
Inspect levers- Verify they are not bent or broken and move easily.
Check cables for fraying and lubricate them.
Check hoses for cracks, leaks, bulges, and chaffed areas
Make sure the throttle moves freely. Closes easily. Lube if needed.
L- Lights & Electrical
Check Battery Terminals- Make sure they are clean and tight and correct electrolyte levels. Plus, make sure the vent tube is hooked to the vent outlet and not kinked
Check The Turn Signals and Brake Lights- Check for proper operation. Make sure the lenses are not cracked or broken
Headlight- Check for proper operation and alignment
O- Oil Levels
Check engine oil level plus transmission and primary drive fluid levels
C- Chassis
Steering Head- Move handlebars back and forth to check for tight spots or binding.
Hold the front brake and rock the bike front to back to check for 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- 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
S- Side Stand
Side stand- Check for ease of operation and spring action.
A pre-ride inspection should not take more than a few minutes. Doing it before every ride can help you identify potential issues before becoming a larger problem or safety hazard.
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