Wednesday, January 21, 2009
How to Check Your Motorcycle Before Riding It
Checking your motorcycle before you ride is very important for your safety. This will help you ensure that your motorcycle is in good condition. When your motorcycle is in top shape, you will less likely encounter an accident on the road.
Aside from wearing gears like leather motorcycle chaps, jackets, and helmets, checking your motorcycle before you leave can save your life. You have to monitor various parts every time. Keep in mind that if you fail to see that your brakes are loose or not working, you can end up crashing into another automobile or on the railings at the side of the road.Knowing the how to check the various parts will make each of your trip safer. Here is a helpful guide to checking your motorcycle:
1. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation developed an acronym that you can use as a checklist when checking your motorcycle. This is the T-CLOCS. This stands for the tires, controls, lights, oils, chassis, and stands. The acronym is very useful. This will help you avoid missing anything when you are checking your motorcycle. You also have to remember that the T-CLOCS have sub parts that you need to look into as well.
2. The first on the list is tires. When checking the tires, make sure that it has the right level of air pressure. See to it that it is well inflated but not over the required rate. The tires are important because they are the objects that transport the entire machine. If the air is not the right amount, you will surely have difficulty balancing the bike.3. The next items that you have to check are the controls. Most of the controls are on the handle. See to it that that the throttle, front brake, clutch, and the rest are working properly. You have to remember that there are also controls on the side of the motorcycle. Check those as well.
4. The next thing you have to check is the lights and other electrically controlled equipments in your motorcycle. All the lights should turn on when needed. You also have to see to it that the signals work when you use them. Try sounding the horn too. This is a very important device. It is the only way you can get the attention of the drivers and pedestrians who are not paying attention on the road.
5. Check the oil container and the rest of the fuel you need for the trip. You can check the gas by dipping the stick into the gas tank. Pour more gas if needed.
6. Check the frame or chassis of your bike as well. Include the other visible parts like the chain or belt.
7. Check the stands of your motorcycle too. You would not want your bike to lie on the ground because the kickstand is not working.
Before you wear your leather motorcycle chaps and the rest of your gears, check your bike properly first. This will ensure a smoother trip.
For more tips and information about leather motorcycle chaps, please check out http://www.outbackleather.com/motorcycle-chaps.Labels: motorcycle, motorcycle maintenance, motorcycle repair
