Motorcycle Pre-Ride Checklist

While many commuters are comfortable hopping into their cars and trucks to whizz down city streets and highways without a second thought as to the condition of their vehicles, motorcycle riders don’t have that luxury. What might be a minor problem in a car can be a major concern for a rider. That’s why it pays to be methodical about checking your bike before any ride.

At Woods Fun Center, we know our customers are eager to hop in the saddle, pull back the throttle, and speed off toward thrills and adventure, but every journey starts with a bit of care. A motorcycle is a delicate piece of machinery, and ensuring working components is absolutely necessary when the risks are either costly service for your bike or else a dangerous accident on the road.

We’ve put together a quick guide with some tips to establishing a pre-ride checklist of your own. Read on for more information or head into Woods Fun Center in Austin, Texas, near Round Rock, San Marcos, and New Braunfels.

Tires

Tires are a great place to start because they’re big, the problems obvious, and the solutions relatively mundane. Air pressure is first, easily checked with your average air pressure gauge. Follow the recommended pressure printed on the side of the tire. Move to the tread next. Dislodge anything that’s gotten stuck in there, as it could come loose on future rides and do serious damage. The tread itself should be wearing down evenly between front and back tires, and if it’s not it might be time to take your bike in for service. Check out the tire wall for any gouges, scalping, or other signs of damage.

Fluids

Engine oil can be checked the same way as with a car or truck. Just take out the dipstick, clean it off, reinsert, and pull out again for a reading. The oil should be golden with a slight viscosity; if this is the case, simply top off the oil to the marked levels. If the oil is sludgy and discolored, it’s time to drain both the oil and its filter. Next are the front and rear brake fluid reservoirs, which can be easily checked and topped off to the marked levels. Coolant is likewise easy to just top off.

Chains and Belts

Your bike’s engine transfers power with a series of belts and/or chains. Anything exposed should be checked thoroughly for signs of rips and tears. Chains can be handled with a quick spray of lubricant. Both chains and belts should hang loose enough not to snap, but tight enough that there’s no chance for them to come loose on the road.

Brakes, Clutch, and Throttle

It’s hard to check these without starting up your bike, but that doesn’t mean blasting out the garage and onto the freeway to test things out. Start up your bike and roll onto the street slowly. As you approach your first stop sign, slowly apply pressure a little in advance of where you normally would. As you begin to apply more pressure, feel for grinding or vibrations and listen for squealing. Your throttle should operate smoothly and should close completely on its own. If your bike is idling at a high speed when it’s not in gear, it may mean your throttle isn’t completely closing. Finally, check your clutch for smooth operation. You should be able to quickly and easily switch between gears, and if there is some grinding when you go to switch into a new gear, it could mean your clutch isn’t engaging fully.

A pre-ride checklist will ensure your bike is kept up on basic maintenance without wasting any of your time. With a bit of habitual practice, you’ll be eyeing your bike from front to rear and assessing its condition in no time. If you do run into issues that might need service or repair, don’t hesitate to call or head into Woods Fun Center in Austin, Texas, near Round Rock, San Marcos, and New Braunfels. Our team of knowledgeable and courteous professionals are standing by to answer all your question and help you find the motorcycle of your dreams. Come in today!