Motorcycle Pre-Trip Checklist
Whether you use your motorcycle for pleasure rides, daily commutes, errands or long-distance trips, it’s important that your bike stays in good condition. Performing regular maintenance is vital to your bike’s continued functioning. Part of that involves checking your bike before every trip, particularly long-distance rides, so that you know it’s safe to ride. But what is it that needs to be checked?
Tracy Motorsports, serving Stockton, is your local motorcycle dealer. As such, we’ve provided the following pre-trip checklist to help you ensure your bike is raring and ready to go for every ride!
1. Check Tire Condition
Your bike’s two wheels support the weight of you, your bike and all your cargo, and they maintain constant contact with the road, which means they’ll soon show wear and tear that needs to be addressed. One common issue that many motorcyclists have is low tire pressure, which makes the bike more sluggish and reduces your fuel economy. Start every trip out right by using a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in both tires and air them up according to the psi levels stated in your owner’s manual. While you’re down there, you can look for embedded objects in the tire, cracked rubber or worn treads.
2. Top Up Fluids
There’s a variety of fluids involved in the function of your bike. Using the right fuel for your bike is important and this information can be found in the owner’s manual. High-ethanol fuels can lead to corrosion unless additives are used, so be wary of keeping fuel in your tank for long stretches of time. Check the fuel filter if you feel like you’re getting poor mileage and replace it every two years or when it looks used up. Make sure to completely fill your gas tank before every ride, since you never know when you may have to take a long detour or go miles without seeing a gas station.
The brake fluid reservoirs in your front and rear wheels simply need topping up with brake fluid. There’s generally a line to indicate the proper levels. If your bike has run out of brake fluid, though, you’ll need to take it to a shop immediately, as this could cause real damage.
Oil helps your engine to run smoothly and needs to be changed when it’s dirty. Check it using the dipstick. If the oil is clear and runny, you only need to top it off before going on your merry way. However, if it’s sludgy, you need an oil and filter change.
Finally, coolant ensures your engine doesn’t overheat. Check the levels and replenish it as needed. Make sure that the radiator cap isn’t cracked. With all fluids, it’s wise to make sure there are no leaks under your bike.
3. Get Your Gear Together
Every time you ride, it’s important that you have all the gear you need for your safety. This includes your helmet, riding suit or jacket, sturdy boots and gloves. But it also means that you’ll want to have a small repair kit, a first-aid kit, your phone and charger, water and snacks. There may be other items you wish to carry and it’s wise to have a list on your phone that you can check off as you stow these things in your saddlebags. You don’t want to get caught without something essential when you’re miles away from home!
We hope our pre-trip checklist helps you to enjoy every ride on your motorcycle! Still don’t have the perfect ride? Visit our Tracy dealership today to see what we’ve got in stock. We also offer financing options to help you get the bike you want! And if your current motorcycle needs parts replaced or service performed, you can contact our parts and service departments for assistance. Tracy Motorsports proudly serves the cities of Stockton and Modesto, California.