The Motorcycle Circle Check (AKA The Pre-Ride Inspection)
How many times have we gone out to our bike to have a ride, put the key in the ignition, and roared off done the road in hopes of a blissful ride? Never? Never say never! We all have done it! We have been in too much of a hurry, forgot, or assumed that all was well and therefore, went on our way ( note I didn't say things like " I didn't know that you had to check the bike over", "it was just serviced so it should be OK", or just too lazy, among others).
Keep in mind that most riders only have two patches of rubber in contact with the highway, knowing that these patches called tires are in good working order (among a host of other things such as chains, bearings, lights, etc.) makes for a safer and more pleasant ride, devoid of those unexpected "surprises" we really do not want to have!
As a pilot, I learned many years ago the value of giving my ride the once over before use, even if the ground crew said all was OK. You walked around the plane, or in many cases, on it as well, circling it to visually and physically make sure all was ready. Thus, the term "Circle Check", and I pass that term onto my motorcycle check.
I think we can all come up with a story as to something going wrong on a trip with our bike, and in many cases it could probably have been avoided had we taken the time to do even a quick overall check. So, lets take a look at some of the parts of a motorcycle that you should check to maintain your peek riding time in the saddle.
There are basically 2 types of checks you can do: the Complete Check or the "Quick and Dirty" or something similar to T-CLOCS as the CSC and MSF would say.
The Quick and Dirty - this check is designed to be done when you are "on the road" or before your daily ride. It consists of, but not limited to the following: starting at the bottom and making your way up. Tires - enough pressure (use a pressure gauge but if you do not have one, use the heel of your foot and push against the tire. Keep in mind this only let's you know if the tire is inflated or not). How about the tread, any thing not look right or safe, any objects embedded? Roll the bike forward or backward to check all the tire. Spokes - any loose or broken. Hit them with a screw driver or another similar metallic object and listen for differences in tone.
How many times have we gone out to our bike to have a ride, put the key in the ignition, and roared off done the road in hopes of a blissful ride? Never? Never say never! We all have done it! We have been in too much of a hurry, forgot, or assumed that all was well and therefore, went on our way ( note I didn't say things like " I didn't know that you had to check the bike over", "it was just serviced so it should be OK", or just too lazy, among others).
Keep in mind that most riders only have two patches of rubber in contact with the highway, knowing that these patches called tires are in good working order (among a host of other things such as chains, bearings, lights, etc.) makes for a safer and more pleasant ride, devoid of those unexpected "surprises" we really do not want to have!
As a pilot, I learned many years ago the value of giving my ride the once over before use, even if the ground crew said all was OK. You walked around the plane, or in many cases, on it as well, circling it to visually and physically make sure all was ready. Thus, the term "Circle Check", and I pass that term onto my motorcycle check.
I think we can all come up with a story as to something going wrong on a trip with our bike, and in many cases it could probably have been avoided had we taken the time to do even a quick overall check. So, lets take a look at some of the parts of a motorcycle that you should check to maintain your peek riding time in the saddle.
There are basically 2 types of checks you can do: the Complete Check or the "Quick and Dirty" or something similar to T-CLOCS as the CSC and MSF would say.
The Quick and Dirty - this check is designed to be done when you are "on the road" or before your daily ride. It consists of, but not limited to the following: starting at the bottom and making your way up. Tires - enough pressure (use a pressure gauge but if you do not have one, use the heel of your foot and push against the tire. Keep in mind this only let's you know if the tire is inflated or not). How about the tread, any thing not look right or safe, any objects embedded? Roll the bike forward or backward to check all the tire. Spokes - any loose or broken. Hit them with a screw driver or another similar metallic object and listen for differences in tone.
If you find any out of tone or "clunk", take it to a technician to have them torqued correctly or replaced.
Moving up, cables OK? Clutch lever- move freely? Throttle- does it turn freely and more importantly, does it "snap back" when released?
Moving up, cables OK? Clutch lever- move freely? Throttle- does it turn freely and more importantly, does it "snap back" when released?
Turn on the ignition but do not start - is the head light and tail light on? Signal lights work? Pull in the brake lever and push on foot break, does the brake light come on? Horn? Gauges work? Turn off the key to save your battery and continue. Fuel - visually check ir even if you are lucky enough to have a fuel gauge (I don't trust them ). Brake fluid OK? Chain lubed with no kinks and tight enough according to manufacturers specifications? Did you note any leaks , loose hoses, or drips on the ground? If you are unsure of items to check, then expand your ride preparation. Total time to accomplish this, 2. - 3 minutes.
Lengthy Circle Check -
Tires
- tread wear (wear bars)
-dim damage
- spokes
- tire pressure
- embedded objects
- cracks in sidewalls
- wheel and steering head bearings
Electronics
- signal lights
- headlights ( hi / low )
- brake lights ( both levers)
- horn
Fluids
- open up gas ( visual check)
- oil level (sight glass / stick)
- all other fluids ( brake clutch, coolants)
Controls
- brakes (test them)
- throttle
- clutch lever
- all levers response, nothing sticks
- suspension ( hold brake, check for dip or ditching )
- check all cables, hoses for wear cracking, etc.
Nuts / Bolts
- put hands on all parts of the bike to check for anything loose
- wheel axle nuts
- foot pegs
- seat fastened, adjusted
- mirrors secure
- headlight fastened properly to avoid rattle or vibration
When in doubt, check your owners manual. Don't have one, you can order one from your local dealer, on- line, or try finding a public accessible PDF. It just might be what you are looking for.
Lengthy Circle Check -
Tires
- tread wear (wear bars)
-dim damage
- spokes
- tire pressure
- embedded objects
- cracks in sidewalls
- wheel and steering head bearings
Electronics
- signal lights
- headlights ( hi / low )
- brake lights ( both levers)
- horn
Fluids
- open up gas ( visual check)
- oil level (sight glass / stick)
- all other fluids ( brake clutch, coolants)
Controls
- brakes (test them)
- throttle
- clutch lever
- all levers response, nothing sticks
- suspension ( hold brake, check for dip or ditching )
- check all cables, hoses for wear cracking, etc.
Nuts / Bolts
- put hands on all parts of the bike to check for anything loose
- wheel axle nuts
- foot pegs
- seat fastened, adjusted
- mirrors secure
- headlight fastened properly to avoid rattle or vibration
When in doubt, check your owners manual. Don't have one, you can order one from your local dealer, on- line, or try finding a public accessible PDF. It just might be what you are looking for.