A PRE-SEASON SAFETY CHECK WILL PROLONG YOUR MOTORCYCLE'S LIFE AND, POSSIBLY, YOURS.
Your bike is your baby, your mistress and your best friend. Even though you have kept it warm and dry in your living room during the "off" season, it is still crucial that you perform a pre-season safety check before taking that first exciting ride of the season. Your owners' manual should provide a checklist for you to follow.
Carefully inspect and repair your bike. If you're not mechanically inclined, don't admit it. Sneak your bike into a reputable motorcycle shop and have them perform the safety check for you.
- Make sure that the battery in the bike is fully charged.
- Drain the crankcase and refill it with new oil. Replace the oil filter if applicable.
- Check the engine coolant for proper level, replacing it if necessary.
- If the bike is chain driven, inspect the chain and drive sprockets for excessive wear or looseness, replace or adjust as necessary.
- If the bike is shaft driven, inspect the oil level in the final drive unit to ensure it is filled to the proper level.
- Inspect the tires. Tires with cracks, bulges, or excessive wear should be replaced. Make sure that the tires are inflated to the manufacturers specifications.
- Inspect the brake pads or shoes. All late model bikes are equipped with wear indicators showing the degree of pad or shoe wear. Consult your owner's manual or local dealer if you are unsure of how to perform this check.
- If the bike is equipped with hydraulic brakes, check the fluid level to ensure it is at the proper level. Note that most manufacturers recommend changing this fluid at least once a season to eliminate moisture build up in the master brake cylinders that can cause corrosion and eventual brake failure. Follow the manufacturers recommendation on fluid type.
- Inspect all coolant hoses and brake lines for signs of deterioration or cracking. Replace if necessary.
- Inspect all cables for ease of operation. Sticking, binding, or broken cables should be replaced.
- Inspect all electrical accessories for proper operation. Of specific importance are the lights, turn signals, brake lights, horn and kill switch. Make corrections where necessary to correct these problems.
