4 Important Things to Check Before Riding Your Motorcycle

One of the standard rules for all motorcyclists is to ensure safety during every ride. When people talk about motorcycle safety, most riders think it’s all about having modern equipment to protect them in the event an accident occurs. However, motorcycle safety starts with the condition of the motorbike. Therefore, before you ride your motorcycle, ensure the bike is in good condition.

 

This article highlights four things you should check before you ride your motorbike to prevent accidents.

1. Tires

Motorcycle tires are essential since they offer a contact surface between your bike and the road. Therefore, check your bike’s tire condition before you start your journey.

The first thing that every rider should check is the tire pressure with a pressure monitor. Every motorcycle has a recommended tire pressure that you need to maintain. Under-inflated tires reduce your bike’s braking ability, which puts you at risk of accidents. Additionally, under-inflated tires affect your bike’s fuel consumption. On the other hand, over-inflated bike tires are uncomfortable and may make your tire wear out quickly.

To know the recommended tire pressure, check your bike’s manual or the sticker on your bike’s swingarm. You can also check the step board or under the seat, depending on your motorcycle.

Besides pressure, check the tire’s treads. Most motorcycle tires have tread wear markers. However, the general rule states that a motorcycle tire tread should be a minimum of 1.5mm deep.

Finally, inspect your tires to check if items are lodged in the treads. If you see any strange objects lodged in the treads, remove them quickly since they may puncture your tire and cause a slow leak. These objects may also blow your tire.

2. Electrical System

The main component of your bike’s electrical system is the battery. To check your battery’s condition, open the battery compartment and check whether the terminals are securely attached and free of corrosion. If you notice corrosion, use a cloth and baking soda solution to wipe it away. For wet cell batteries, ensure they have the recommended fluid level. Additionally, check whether the batteries are fully charged using a voltmeter.

After you ensure your battery is in good condition, you can check other electrical components, including:

• Brake lights
• Signal lights
• Headlights
• The starter
• The engine kill switch

The best way to know if these components work properly is to turn the key in the ignition.

3. Side Mirrors

Motorbikes have side mirrors that help the rider check the traffic condition on the road. With time, dirt may accumulate on your mirror, which affects your vision. For this reason, you need to clean your motorcycle mirrors with vinegar. You can also use baking soda solution and a piece of cloth.

Besides dirt, your mirrors may also become loose or misaligned, especially if you drive on rough terrain. If your mirrors become loose, use a spanner to tighten them. On the other hand, if your mirrors are misaligned, you can adjust them. However, you should first stop your bike before you adjust the mirrors. Adjusting motorcycle mirrors when driving puts you at risk of accidents.

The suitable angle for a motorcycle side mirror varies from one rider to another. Therefore, ensure you adjust your mirror to a comfortable angle that offers a good view of the road.

4. Engine oil

Motorbikes contain engine oil that helps lubricate the components in the combustion chamber and the crankshaft. Moreover, oil prevents your engine from overheating.

However, your engine oil level may reduce due to leakage or consumption. Checking the engine oil level is quite easy. First, place the bike on its center stand and run the engine for about one minute to warm the oil to ensure you get correct readings. Remove the oil cap and put a dipstick inside.

The correct motorcycle engine oil level is between the maximum and minimum markers. If the engine level is low, add more.

Preventing motorcycle accidents is essential since treating accident injuries is quite expensive. However, you can ask for compensation to cater to the hospital bills if you get involved in a motorcycle accident. If you need an attorney to represent you, contact Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney.