Pre-Ride Checklist

You’re probably used to hopping in your commuter vehicle and heading out without a second thought. We expect our cars and trucks to be ready to go, but when it comes to motorcycles, a bit of extra vigilance goes a long ways in making sure everything is operating properly and safely. Before you head out on the open road, it really pays to make sure that your motorcycle is equal to the task by doing some preemptive maintenance and preparation. You don’t want to get caught with a flat from riding on balding tires or have a chain slip when it should have been tightened. 

At Sawtooth Indian Motorcycle®, we want our customers to be able to jump on their bikes and head toward adventure without worrying about their state of their rides. This is best accomplished by creating and working through a pre-ride checklist. Keeping your bike well maintained and knowing how to check it before a ride will lower the risk of accidents and help you avoid costly repair and service. Read on for more information or head into our showroom in Meridian, Idaho, where we proudly serve Boise, Nampa, and Twin Falls. 

Tires

There’s no better point on your pre-ride checklist than the bike’s tires. While a blowout or flat on a car or truck can be inconvenient, the same malfunction on a motorcycle is far more dangerous. Start by using an air pressure gauge to check for tire air pressure, matching the reading to the manufacturer’s recommendations (printed either on the tire wall, owner’s manual, or on their website). Keeping to the recommended air pressure will ensure the smoothest ride possible with the least amount of damage to the tires.

Next check the tire tread for any foreign material or debris that may have gotten lodged in there. While it may not have done any damage yet, it can break free on future rides and cause problems. Examine the tread for equal wear between front and back tire, as a discrepancy could signal either a problem elsewhere in the bike or that it’s time to replace the one or both tires. Move on to the sidewall where you should check for any gashes, scalping, or cracking that could likewise signal it’s time for new tires. 

Fluids

Your bike uses several fluids and corresponding reservoirs to cool and lubricate moving parts. Start with engine oil, which can be checked similarly to how you would with a car or truck. Simply remove the dipstick from the engine oil reservoir and wipe it off to ensure a clear reading. Reinsert then take it out again. Engine oil should be golden in color; if this is the case, simply top it off to indicated levels. But if the oil is discolored and sludgy, it’s time to change it out and replace the filter.

Coolant and brake fluids are even easier to check. Fluid levels will be visible on the side of the coolant reservoir. Just make sure that the radiator cap is sealed tightly and that there are no visible cracks or leaks, which could present as pooling fluid under your bike. The front and back brake reservoirs are similarly easy. Just look at their levels and top off with more brake fluid as necessary.

Brakes, Clutch, and Throttle

Ensuring basic control functionality can keep you out of trouble when a problem could show up mid-ride. Inspect the discs on the brakes to make sure they’re clean and clear of obstructions. No grooves or divots should be visible, and the brake handles should move easily and without much resistance. You’ll only be able to check their effectiveness while in motion, so a slow ride around the neighborhood is preferable to testing things in traffic. Get in motion and slowly apply pressure a little in advance of where you normally would. As you begin to apply more pressure, feel for grinding or vibrations and listen for squealing. 

Your throttle should operate smoothly and close completely on its own. If your bike is idling at a high speed when it’s not in gear, it may mean your throttle isn’t completely closing. Finally, check your clutch for smooth operation. You should be able to quickly and easily switch between gears, and if there is some grinding when you go to switch into a new gear, it could mean your clutch isn’t engaging fully.

With a few of these tips, you should be well on your way to developing a pre-ride checklist to help with your maintenance and riding routine. Ensuring a functioning bike is important for prolonging your life as well as your bike’s! For more pre-ride tips, don’t hesitate to call or head into Sawtooth Indian Motorcycle®. We stock great new and used bikes at our showroom in Meridian, Idaho. We serve Boise, Nampa, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and Sun Valley, Idaho, so come in today and speak with our team of courteous professionals ready to answer your questions and help you find what you’re looking for!