Fair Weather, Motorcycle Season Begins - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

**drgibson** · 04-04-2006, 10:50 AM

The Riding Season is here and I am already concerned at the amount of bike related incidents I have already seen on this forum in just the last week. I believe that we need to look at some riding and pre-riding tips. Some of us haven’t been able to ride for a while and we need to be very cautious when we first hit the road. (So we don’t do it literally). Please feel free to add to this list of tips.

Pre-Ride Checklist
Make sure your headlights, taillights, turn signals, horn and brake lights are working properly.

Check all fluid levels (fuel, oil, hydraulic, coolant, etc.) and make sure they are at the proper levels or adequate for the ride. Also check for leaks.

Inspect for loose spokes, if applicable, wheel alignment and travel, and your tires for wear and proper inflation.

If your bike is chain driven, check it for proper tension. Rule of thumb is about 3/4 inch of free play.

Make sure your side stand and center stand will remain in the up position while riding.

Periodically inspect your engine area and frame for loose bolts and fasteners. Remember to tighten to manufacture specifications.

Check your throttle for smooth travel and no sticking. Refer to your owner's manual if lubrication is required.

Check your clutch and brake levers for smooth operation. Lubricate and adjust according to owner's manual specifications.

Check your clutch, throttle, and brake cables (if applicable). Lubricate or replace as recommended.

Check your front and rear brakes for proper operation, brake pads and shoes for proper thickness, and rotors and drums for smooth surfaces.

Don't forget to check your battery for proper fluid levels and terminals for corrosion.

First Ride

Take it easy and check your controls to make sure they are working properly.

Stay in familiar places where you know the roads.

Find a parking lot to brush up on your skills.

Wear your gear.

Be patient. Don’t take your first ride in inclement weather, or any other poor riding conditions like night time.

Never ride two up.

Other Safety Tips (Borrowed from State of Missouri Web Site)

At night, be careful not to override your motorcycle's headlight. And take extra care to be seen by other drivers by wearing reflective clothing and using reflective tape and decals.

In addition to the pre-ride inspection you should know how to do minor maintenance and service on your motorcycle, especially important on long rides and trips. Be sure to read your owner's manual and follow the directions.

When you brake, use both brakes together. Generally speaking, when conditions are good, the front brake accounts for as much as 2/3 of the bike's stopping power. How much brake pressure to use depends on your abilities, you bike's capabilities, and the environment.

Slow down before going into a curve. Look through the curve and gently accelerate as you enter and drive through the curve. This gentle acceleration creates stability but cannot be accomplished without the proper braking prior to entering the curve.

Mud, sand, water and other foreign debris on the road take special handling. Before reaching a slippery surface, slow down and avoid directional or speed changes as you ride through the hazard.

Remember that the first few minutes of a rain storm are the most dangerous as the water mixes with the oil and fluids on the roadway. Avoid riding during this time, if possible. If you must ride try to ride in the tracks of the other vehicles in front of you as they force away the water and oils.

Standing on the pegs can help you keep control of your cycle when riding over obstacles or rough surfaces. Keep your knees and elbows bent, look past the hazard in the direction you want to go and maintain a steady speed.

Always plan ahead - you never know what kind of problems may be coming up. Know what you'll have to do if you suddenly skid, have a blowout, or loose clutch or throttle control.

Riding with a passenger makes balance and control of your bike a great challenge. Make sure your passenger is wearing all of the proper riding gear, knows where and how to sit, where to put their feet and hands and how to lean through turns. Tell them to look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn. Remember that the passenger is "your" responsibility and should be properly educated, prepared and ready to ride.

Never ride if you have consumed any drugs, alcohol, prescription, or otherwise. Your best weapon on the bike, your judgment, becomes impaired and your ability to reaction time is slowed.

When you carry loads, be sure to fasten them securely to the motorcycle and keep the heavier objects low and towards the center of gravity of the bike. Never secure loads where they will affect your steering, handling, or site of the road ahead.

Ride Smart, Ride Safe.