Birmingham Advanced Motorcyclists Registered Charity Number 1057912

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Safety Checks

Modern bikes are generally very reliable and so consequently there is no real need to carry massive tool kits like you used to have to in "The good ol days" when men were men and bikes were oily. The normal bikes tool kit under the seat should suffice for most day trips. Another essential piece of equipment during the summer months (in particular the evenings) is some means of cleaning the insect debris off your visor.

So what should we check before we go out on a ride, here's a rough guide:-

OIL

Check oil level and top up as necessary. If you know that your bike uses oil, take a small amount of the right stuff with you. Remember when checking the oil you need to be on a flat and level surface generally when the engine is cold (check the owners handbook).

CHAIN (if applicable)

Adjust and lubricate the chain, remember that whatever the owners handbook suggests, you should always check the tension at several points and make the necessary adjustments at the tightest point. All chains have tight spots. Also check for roller damage, grit can get in between the chain and sprocket and crack rollers thereby weakening the chain.

TYRES

Tyres are absolutely critical so make sure that they are in top condition. Check the pressure when the tyres are cold. The torque supplied by modern engines very quickly destroys tyres so nowadays we have to assess whether the amount of tread left will suffice even for a relatively short journey. The legal tread depth for motorcycles is 1mm but unlike a car you can be prosecuted for ANY bald spot no matter how small. Police bikes usually have their tyres replaced at 3mm because under that they become far more susceptible to punctures. Remember you could go out legal and come back illegal and it will be no defence!!! Check for embedded objects using the tyre valve as a start and finish point to make sure that you haven't missed a section. If you find an embedded object whilst you are out you have the option of risking pulling it out in the middle of nowhere and hearing that awful hissing sound, or, taking it very carefully to the nearest garage before you remove it. Check for any lumps / bulges / cracks in the sidewalls.
Carry a puncture repair kit or join a recovery firm.

BRAKES

Brakes are just as essential and again wear out surprisingly quick. Check that you have a good amount of pad material left and check the fluid levels whilst on a flat level surface. Don't mess unless you are certain of what you are doing but do get them sorted.

COOLANT LEVEL (if applicable)

Check and adjust as specified in the owners' handbook.

LIGHTS AND SWITCHGEAR

Check all lights and switchgear even if you don't intend to be out at night. Make sure they are all correctly adjusted.

STEERING LOCK AND CABLES

Ensure that the handlebars turn freely from lock to lock with no snagging of cables. Ensure that any Bowden (wire) cables are in good condition and not frayed.
A good way to start the checks is to hand wash the bike. You'd be surprised how rubbing over with a sponge can reveal bits that have worked loose during the last ride.

SAFE RIDING

MARCUS

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