How to Conduct a Motorcycle Safety Inspection
As the ice melts away, the roadways become portals to adventure. The sunshine beckons you to start planning your first ride of the season. It’s the perfect time to get your motorcycle ready for a safe year ahead.
To have peace of mind and maximum exhilaration on your rides, do a top to bottom safety check of your motorcycle. Your bike may seem to run fine, but hidden problems could have occurred while it was stored over the winter.
Keep your bike in great shape. Learn how to do a motorcycle safety inspection with this guide.
1. Fuel System
This is number one for a reason. Fuel, if left in the tank over time, will go through a chemical change due to the evaporation of parts of the mixture. This leaves brown muck, similar to varnish, which can clog the jets.
This could cause less-that-optimal performance. It could also lead to your motorcycle not starting.
Carburetor & Tank
If your motorcycle isn’t starting up, it’s most likely your carburetor causing the issue. Search “motorcycle safety class near me” to get professional advice. To check your carburetor, check for these 5 symptoms:
- Not starting up
- Running lean
- Running rich
- Backfiring
- Sputtering
Clean the carburetor and empty it of any leftover gas. Then clear out any residue using a liquid carburetor cleaner. Fill the tank with fresh gas.
2. Test Your Ignition Coil
You’ll need an ohmmeter to test the ignition coil on your bike, which they demonstrate when you take a motorcycle safety course. Your ignition coil is not a repairable item, so you’ll need to replace it if it’s bad. Test it if it doesn’t start easily or rides rough.
3. Chain or Belt Drive
Do you own a motorcycle with a chain or a belt drive? Bikes with chain drives usually need more maintenance compared to bikes with shaft or belt drives. Oil your chains or check for proper belt tension.
4. Test Your Battery
Your motorcycle’s battery may have died over the winter. Test each cell and, if needed, add distilled water. Then charge your battery.
To check if it’s charged, use a battery hydrometer. Mike Nixon at The Motorcycle Project, recommends a “float” type hydrometer.
5. Tires & Brakes
To ensure motorcycle safety, check the air pressure in the tires and look for wear, weathering, and shortened tread depth. Look for signs of weathering and replace if needed.
Test each of your brakes. Look for signs of wear on your brake pads and discs. Fill the brake fluid if it’s low to prevent motorcycle accidents, and get all necessary motorcycle safety gear.
The Zen of a Motorcycle Safety Inspection
Consider storing your bike indoors to lessen the overall maintenance. When you take your baby out of storage in the spring, you might be eager to get on the road. But, it’s wise to do a motorcycle safety inspection first, so you can maximize your enjoyment and stay injury-free.
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