Give Your Bike a Pre-Ride Checkup
No matter how many years of experience they have behind the handlebars, most motorcycle riders know that there is a risk every time they embark on a road trip. There are many critical elements involved with riding safely. Before you even start a trip there are things you can do to help set the odds in your favor. These pre-ride tips also could save maintenance and repair costs in the long run.
Test Your Battery
It is not an exaggeration to say that you should check your battery before each and every ride. Keep the contacts clean and make sure the battery is giving enough power to the starter.
Check the Gas Tank
Another piece of the safety puzzle is the gas tank, which, if faulty, could present a significant issue while riding. A couple of reasons why a gas tank could have problems include the use of inferior gas or an issue with the filter. Stay aware of the indicator lights. Sometimes the problem could be a gas cap that is not properly closed, but it is best to stay on top of any potential problem.
Spark Plugs
Replace spark plugs regularly to avoid dealing with a misfire or a more severe problem. A nick on the wire could cause the engine to cut out.
Air Filters
The air filters should be checked after each ride. They are essential to the operation of your bike’s engine. Keeping them clean allows your bike to breathe. Leaves, dead bugs, and dust can clog up a filter. Clean them regularly and be honest with yourself about whether it is time to just replace them.
Warm Up Your Tires
Before embarking on a substantial road trip, warm up your tires, so they better grip the road.
Prepare for Riding with Passengers
There are special safety precautions that must be taken before one takes to the road with a passenger on the back of the bike.
- Keep the Center of Gravity in Mind. Before you ride with a passenger, make sure they know that they are to lean into corners along with the rider. The rider must teach the passenger before hitting the road. Ignoring shifts in gravity can lead to catastrophe with speed wobbles and could cause the rider and passenger to be thrown from the bike.
- Duties of a Motorcycle Passenger. Both rider and passenger have an obligation to all fellow travelers to ride responsibly. This requires a fundamental understanding of the mechanics and physics involved with two people sharing a motorcycle. The number one thing a passenger must learn to do, no matter how counter-intuitive is to lean with the driver. Passengers should be as still as possible and not make sudden movements. It may sound like common sense, but the passenger must not reach in front of the driver while riding or distract the bike operator in any way. In order to avoid distractions, there should be a system worked out ahead of time through which the passenger can let the operator know that they need a rest and to pull over when possible.
Ultimately, the passenger is at the mercy of the bike operator. If an accident were to happen that the operator blamed on the passenger’s behavior, the bike operator would most likely found to be at least partially at fault.
Watch the YouTube video. Motorcyclist Magazine shares its pre-ride checklist tips in the clip below.
Placerville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Hello, and thank you for visiting our legal blog and our discussion of the importance of a pre-ride checklist for motorcyclists. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Placerville motorcycle accident attorney. My firm has been assisting motorcyclists that have been injured due to the negligence of others for more than 38 years. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, please call us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. Alternatively, you may send your inquiry via our website.
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