Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection List

A proper safety inspection can help make sure your motorcycle and you are ready to respond to any dangers on the roadway. The best time to check your motorcycle is actually after your last ride, so you won’t rush the inspection by doing it just before the next one. Inspections should be done at the time you clean your motorcycle. It helps to have the proper tools, such as a motorcycle jack, for example, so you can lift the tires off the ground and check for nails or foreign objects.

The T-CLOCK inspection method

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends the T-CLOCK acronym checklist for all motorcycle owners. The mnemonic is an easy way to remember the parts of the motorcycle that should be checked.

T-CLOCK stands for:

Tires and wheels

• Tires should have the right pressure and treads. They should be free from foreign objects, cuts, punctures, and bulges.
• Wheels should have tight spokes, good rims, proper seals, and should spin without any restrictions.
• The brake should feel strong and be free of leaks. Hoses, cables, and pads should be in good working order.

Controls

• Levers should be positioned correctly, lubricated, and have the right bolts and nuts.
• Cables shouldn’t be frayed and shouldn’t bind when the driver turns the handlebar adjustment.
• Hoses should be examined for leaks.
• The throttle shouldn’t have excessive play and the snaps should close freely.

Lights

• The filaments on the brake, tail, and head lights should work. Brake lights should operate when levers are actuated.
• Lenses should be clean, without condensation.
• Reflectors should work.
• Battery terminals should be tight and secure with the proper fluid level and tubes should be clear.
• Wiring should be routed correctly without any corrosion, fraying, or pinching.

Oil and fluids

• The fluids for the brakes, oil, transmission, coolant, fuel, and final drive should be at the right levels.
• There shouldn’t be any leaks.
• Brake and coolant fluids should be the right color.

Chassis

• Paint lifts or peels may indicate the frame is cracking.
• The steering head & swingarm bearings should be examined to make sure they have the right amount of movement and are working properly.
• Suspensions should move smoothly, be adjusted properly, and be free of leaks.
• Chains and belts should have the correct tension and lubrication.
• Fasteners, pins, and clips should be checked for loose threads and to make sure they are all there.

A few priority items to check are the tires and items that have recently been changed. While it is important to learn how to do these checks yourself, an experienced motorcycle mechanic should also routinely inspect your motorcycle.

Drivers should also make sure they have bright clothing and a means of calling for help quickly if disaster strikes. Even experienced riders should take lessons to keep up with the latest riding techniques and suggestions.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, P.C, we understand the joy of riding. Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers also know that thorough inspections are one way to minimize the risk of a serious accident. Motorcycle accidents are often deadly or cause catastrophic injury because the motorcycle offers little physical protection for the riders and because bad roads and bad drivers make riding a motorcycle more dangerous than driving a car. For help with your accident claim, please call our experienced lawyers at 312-600-9585 or fill out our contact form.