Doing a motorcycle pre-ride inspection is the best way to hit the road with safety and peace of mind. To learn what to check before heading out, keep reading this post by Oil Options in Knightdale.

If you're like most people, you probably love to travel. And rightly so, because who doesn't like to explore new places and meet new people? If on top of that you travel on two wheels, it's even more memorable. A motorcycle adventure is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. Thus, preparing your bike with a series of checks is vital. Doing so will help you travel with peace of mind and prevent mechanical problems along the way. So, this post describes what to check during your motorcycle pre-ride inspection. If you're interested in this topic, don't miss this post by Oil Options.

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What to Check During a Motorcycle Pre-ride Inspection

Tires

As you ride your motorcycle, you depend on the tires to face the surface safely. Of course, each tire must have adequate air pressure and proper tread to perform. That is why it is vital to check their condition before hitting the road. On that note, the first thing you can do is check your tire pressure. To do so:

1. Make sure the tires are cold.
2. Refer to your owner's manual to verify each tire's recommended pounds per square inch (PSI).
3. Use a pressure gauge to measure their inflation.
4. If you notice that one or both tires are underinflated, correct their air pressure with a pump.

It is also essential to measure tread depth. Ideally, tire grooves should be millimeters deep as specified by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that a shallow tread depth could compromise the bike's traction. If the tread depth is good, go on to check the surface of your tires. Look for signs of wear or damage, such as cuts, cracks, embedded sharp objects, or unusual bulges. If you notice extreme wear, have your tires checked and changed by a professional.

Lights

Checking your motorcycle's lights is vital to ensure a safe ride, even if you're out in broad daylight. After all, you never know when you'll encounter situations that reduce your visibility. For example, you could get caught in sudden rain or fog. Likewise, you could come across dark tunnels or dusty roads. Thus, ensuring your lights are working correctly before setting off is a good idea. To do this check, turn all the lights on and off a few times before heading out. If you detect a faulty bulb flickering or dimming, call your repair technician to have the problem diagnosed and fixed.

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Motor Oil and Other Fluids

Your bike's systems use different fluids for lubrication, heat control, and performance. That is why checking engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels is vital before a motorcycle trip. If your bike features sight glasses, doing this check will be pretty straightforward. Such devices usually look like tiny glasses located on each tank. To check them, park your bike on a flat surface and glance through them to inspect each deposit's fluid level. However, if your bike lacks sight glasses, following this step may take longer and be more complicated. Regardless, staying on top of your engine fluids is still imperative. So, be sure to refer to the instructions in your owner's manual to perform this check at least once a month.

Brakes

The more attention and care you give to your motorcycle's braking system, the safer your ride will be. So, to perform this check, start by ensuring that the calipers are clean. Next, pay attention to the brake pads, which should show moderate and even wear. Finally, make sure the rotors show no signs of damage or wear. If you notice severe issues, have your brake system promptly diagnosed and repaired to avoid unsafe riding.

Chain Drive

As you may know, a bike's drivetrain is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. Of course, different types of motorcycles have different types of drivetrains. If your bike has a chain drive, be sure to include it in your pre-ride inspection. To begin with, check that the chain is well-lubricated so it runs smoothly. Also, check its slack in different areas to verify that it is evenly tensioned. Remember that the slack should have the millimeters indicated in the owner's manual. If the chain feels loose or the slack is uneven, have it checked and adjusted by your repair technician.

Doing a motorcycle pre-ride inspection is key to a safer riding experience. It is also important to keep up with your motorcycle's oil changes. Call Oil Options at (919) 618-9623 and ask for the top-performing synthetic oil change in Knightdale. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to purchase the best products for your bike.