Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist

Nothing’s better than hitting the open road on a motorcycle, but before embarking on a trip, you’ll want to follow a pre-ride inspection checklist. At Timms Harley-Davidson of Augusta, we have provided some preliminary steps and information to put on your checklist, so you can be comfortably prepared for your next ride. If you don’t own a bike yet, visit our dealership in Augusta, GA, to check out our selection of motorcycles for sale.

Consult Your Owner’s Manual

It’s worth noting that these are only general guidelines. Your motorcycle model may have specific maintenance requirements, so be sure to check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for more detailed information.

Tires

There are certain parts of your bike that are going to require slightly closer inspection than others, or at the very least you’ll want to do them more often. Take for example your tires. Making sure your tires are properly inflated as recommended by the manufacturer is a must. You’ll also want to make sure they’re free of damage and not too worn down. 

Brakes

Brakes are also going to require some attention. Brake pads should wear evenly, so any signs of uneven wear should be further examined. Replace worn-down brake pads and make sure that there’s enough brake fluid in the reservoirs. If your brakes sound squeaky or make a grinding sound, consider taking your motorcycle into the shop for some professional help.

Oil

Just like you change your car’s oil after a certain mileage, you should also change your motorcycle’s oil on a regular basis. The oil can be topped up between changes if the levels seem low. You can inspect the dipstick to check whether the oil left is still clean and in good condition. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, re-insert it, and remove it again. It the oil on the dipstick is sludgy or opaque, that means you’ll need to get the oil changed. Metal shavings or grit in your oil means that parts of your engine are grinding against each other and you’ll want to get the engine checked by a professional.

Fuel

Many motorcycles work best when operated on high-octane fuel, so using the right type of gas can help you keep your engine working well. Make sure to fill up your tank before each trip so you’re not caught without gas in your bike in the middle of nowhere. If you’re storing your two-wheeler for a while, use a fuel stabilizer to prevent your gasoline from breaking down.

It might seem like a hassle at first, but following a motorcycle inspection checklist is key to ensuring a stress-free ride. With this checklist, you should be able to make sure that your bike is working fine, but if you still need help, or just want to look at our selection of bikes, visit Timms Harley-Davidson of Augusta in Augusta, Georgia. We welcome all our patrons from Atlanta, so stop by today!