PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

Riding a motorcycle that is not in top working condition is irresponsible and dangerous. In addition to the obvious safety risks, you could break down and spend your day waiting at the side of the road for a tow truck that has the proper equipment to gently lift and transport your bike to a repair shop.

Before you head out for a day of excitement and fun, take 15 minutes to perform a pre-ride safety check.

• Tire Condition - tread depth, weathering, bulges, imbedded objects, uneven wear
• Air Pressure - check cold. Normal loss is a pound or two a week
• Spokes - check for bent, broken or missing ones
• Rims - out of round and out of true
• Wheel Bearing - no free play and no growl when spinning
• Cables and Controls - Throttle, clutch and brake cables - correct free play, smooth operation, no fraying
• Shifter - securely mounted, operates smoothly
• Brakes - operates smoothly, doesn't drag excessively, pads greater than minimum thickness
• Kill Switch - shuts off engine when moved to the off position
• Lights and Electronics - Battery-terminal tight and clean, water level ok, secured, proper routing of breather tube
• Wiring - not frayed or pinched. Especially important at steering head
• Switches - make sure all operate correctly (kill switch, brake lights, headlights, signals, horn
)
• Lighting - check all light bulbs (headlights, tail, brake lights markers, turn signals, instruments)
• Oil and Fuel - leaks - visual check for leaks (coolant, hydraulic brakes, clutch, engine oil, forks)
• Oil levels - check oil level on center stand when cold
• Air filter - no blockage, clean not torn
• Fuel lines - not bent, leaking, cracked, properly secure with clamps, new hydraulic fluid, correct levels, no leakage, no hose deterioration
• Chain and Chassis - Chain belt wear and tension, proper adjustment, lubricated, check master link clip
• Sprockets - check for wear
• Chain Guard - securely mounted
• Foot Pegs - should fold up, securely mounted
• Swing Arm Bushings - check for movement at swing arm pivot
• Accessory mounts - secure, no missing bolts, no interference with steering suspension
• Cotter pins and clips - no missing clips, check where mechanical cables attach
• Frame - check for cracks, problems with accessory mounts, steering head, engine cradle
• Shocks and Forks - check for leaks, smooth operation, air pressure, alignment
• Kickstand - not bent, retracts fully, spring has tension, proper ground clearance
• Center Stand - not bent, retracts fully, spring has tension proper ground clearance