Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection Guide
Unlike a car, you can’t just start up a motorcycle and start riding without any preparation. Since you’re not protected by airbags and seatbelts, you need to take a minute to do a quick inspection before every ride. That way, you won’t have to worry about mechanical issues creating potential hazards on the road. In this brief guide, we discuss what to look for before every ride to ensure your safety. If you have any questions, or need some repairs for your motorcycle, visit Team Mancuso Powersports Southwest in Houston, TX.
Tires
Before anything else, look at the wheels and tires. A blowout is scary on a car, but when riding a motorcycle, it could lead to serious injury. Keep in mind that bikes only have two wheels, so if one of these goes out, you’ll have little control over the steering. To avoid this sort of danger, purchase a simple tire pressure gauge. These are affordable, and they’ll save you a lot of problems in the future. Check the pressure before every ride, and if it drops below the manufacturer’s recommended level, be sure to fill it up.
The tires wear away over time, so you’ll also want to check for depreciation in quality. If there’s severe or uneven wear or you notice any punctures or bulges, be sure to get the tires fixed or replaced immediately.
Fluid Levels
You need good quality oil to lubricate the engine’s moving parts, and without coolant, the motor will overheat. When you first walk out to your bike, check under it for puddles of liquid that could indicate leaks. If you notice anything, bring it to our service department before it becomes a more serious issue. However, if there aren’t any leaks, proceed to check all the fluids. Make sure you have the recommended amount of oil and coolant, and if the level is low at all, top them off.
Brake and Throttle Performance
You can’t ride safely without reliable brakes and effective throttle response, so do a quick check on your motorcycle’s functionality before hitting the road. Test your brakes by rolling a bit and coming to a complete stop. The brakes should be easy to apply without resisting too much. Next, the throttle also needs a quick inspection. Ride a short distance, and make sure the throttle is closing by itself.
Safety on a motorcycle is the first thing you should consider before every ride, and you can’t be safe without making sure your bike rides properly! Although it’s not exhaustive, this list shows you a few of the things you should keep an eye out for before hitting the road. If you want more tips, or need some repairs, stop by Team Mancuso Powersports Southwest in Houston, TX. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Cinco Ranch and Fulshear.
