Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: How to Perform a Pre-Ride Inspection

1 / 1

Motorcycle riding is a thrilling way to commute and travel. However, hitting the open road can be dangerous, which is why it’s important to do everything to keep both yourself and other motorists safe. In honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, here is a pre-ride safety inspection that you can perform before you mount up.

Compare prices online for new and used dual sport motorcycles for sale.

Get Your Gear On

Wearing the right motorcycle safety gear is essential to protect you on your bike. You shouldn’t even think about hitting the road without:

• Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet
• Full-coverage jacket
• Gloves
• Riding pants
• Riding boots

This safety gear for motorcycle riders can significantly reduce your risk of serious injury or harm in the event of an accident.

Perform the T-CLOCS Inspection

T-CLOCS is an acronym developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to help you remember which parts of your motorcycle you should inspect before a ride. Take a walk around your bike, paying close attention to these essential components:

T (Tires and Wheels): Check the condition of your bike’s tires, looking for wear, bulges and objects stuck inside the tire itself. If the tire pressure looks low, add more air, especially when riding in cold weather. After the tires, inspect the wheels for bent and broken spokes along with cracks and dents in the rims. You should also look at the brake pads and discs for any wear, and familiarize yourself with maintaining and replacing motorcycle brakes.

C (Controls): Make sure the handlebars are straight and can turn freely. Similarly, levers should move freely and not hit the bodywork. If there is some tension, lubricate the cable or pivots. Hoses should not have any cuts, cracks, leaks, bulging, or deterioration. Finally, cables shouldn’t have any fraying or kinks.

L (Lights and Electrics): Check the battery and make sure all terminals are clean and tight. The headlight and tail/brake light should be in good working condition and securely fastened. These lights, along with the motorcycle’s mirrors, should all be clean and free of cracks. Ensure that the turn signals and switches are all operating correctly.

O (Oil and Fluids): Take a look and confirm that all of the bike’s fluid levels—including engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant and fuel—are at optimum levels for riding. Keep an eye out for any signs of leaks in the area where you store your motorcycle.

C (Chassis): Inspect the frame for any cracks or lifting paint. The front and rear forks should have equal air pressure to ensure smooth travel. There should be tension on the chain, and it should be properly lubricated. Finally, make sure all fasteners are tightened and that there aren’t any missing bolts or nuts.

S (Stands): Before you mount up, take a look at the center and side stand, keeping an eye out for cracks or bending.

Check out these new and pre-owned touring motorcycles for sale.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, performing a pre-ride safety inspection before every ride can eliminate risks and even extend the life of your bike.  Remember, though, in addition to these inspection tips you should always follow other safety recommendations and precautions like wearing protective gear and having your motorcycle regularly checked-out by professional mechanics. 

Arielle Patterson

Arielle is a freelance writer for Trader Interactive with a background in marketing, as well as print and web editorial content. Along with writing, Arielle's other hobbies include traveling, her food blog, and staying up to date on the latest in pop culture.

See author's work