There’s nothing better than cruising the open highway on your motorbike. Especially with the confidence of knowing it’s gone through the ultimate motorcycle safety checklist.
Ensuring motorcycle safety is crucial for riders, and regular maintenance, including battery care, is essential.
So, let’s start our ultimate motorbike safety checklist with the helmet.
1. Check the Helmet’s Condition
The helmet is the most important motorbike accessory and needs to be inspected regularly. Make sure to scan it often for any signs of damage, which include cracks or dents.
Ensure your helmet fits snugly and the chin strap is in good condition. If you’re in any doubt about the condition of your helmet, replacing it is always advised.
2. Protective Gear
When going on extended trips, wearing all your protective gear is vital. Just like your helmet, make sure to make an extensive visual inspection of the gear. Ensure no tears are visible in the jacket, gloves, or boots.
If in any doubt, make sure to replace them.
3. Light And Indicators
If your motorbike has faulty lights and indicators, you can’t communicate with other drivers and riders on the road.
Test all the lights on your bike. This includes headlights, brake lights, indicators, and taillights. If you find any issues, make sure to replace your bulbs.
And if the light housing is broken, make sure to replace it, too.
4. Check Braking System
Every motorbiker has a story of a near miss. The best method of avoiding an accident is having brakes that work every time.
Your first check should be making sure that your motorbike’s brake fluid levels are properly topped up.
The next is a visual check of the condition of the brake pads and discs. If you suspect your pads or discs are overly worn, replace them.
Once you’re confident with the visual inspection, it is time to put them to the test. You need to be sure that they are responsive enough.
5. Tyres
Your bike’s only contact with the road’s surface is through its tyres. If your tyres lose their grip, you’ll quickly be going sideways.
Make sure that your tyres are pumped to the correct pressure. But be aware that tyres can be overfilled.
The next check is the tread. If there are any signs of uneven wear or damage, you will need to replace that tyre.
And when you replace your tyres make sure that they are properly aligned.
6. Suspension
You’ll immediately know your suspension is worn if you take a rough ride. When conducting your visual inspection, check for leaks or damage to the shocks and forks.
If you suspect an issue, it is best to get it tested by a professional.
7. Oil And Fluids
Every motor vehicle needs its oil and fluid levels checked. Without these fluids, engines can seize. Regularly change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
And always check the levels of your motorbike’s coolant, brake fluid, and other essential fluids.
8. Chain And Sprockets
Your motorbike can only transfer power to the wheels through its chain and sprockets. Make sure that your bike’s chain is lubricated regularly.
Also, ensure that the proper tension is being applied on the chain and that there are no signs of excessive wear and tear on the sprockets.
9. Cables
If your motorcycle’s cables break, you’ll lose significant control over your vehicle. It’s a good idea to check that all cables operate smoothly and show no fraying or damage.
10. Electrical Systems and Battery Maintenance
New motorbikes have complex electrical systems. Make sure to run through them and check that there are no damaged wires. Test all the electrical components, such as the horn and indicators.
When inspecting the battery, ensure it is secure.
Make sure to inspect the battery’s terminal points for visible corrosion. Check that the battery is fully charged and has a healthy reading of 12.7 volts. It will require a quick recharge if it has dropped below 12.5 volts.
For those who seldom use their motorbikes, you should hook the battery up to a smart charger.
And when storing away, make sure your bike’s battery is placed in a dry and cool area. If you have any questions, you know who you can ask!
11. Fuel Systems
With a motorbike being so exposed to the elements, inspecting the fuel system is a good idea. This means locating the fuel lines and ensuring they are in satisfactory condition.
12. Exhaust
When inspecting your exhaust, ensure the muffler is securely attached and there are no leaks or damage.
An exhaust with a hole, or one that is not correctly fitted, will make a loud noise.
And your last check on the ultimate motorbike safety checklist is:
13. Frame And Fasteners
As stated earlier, your bike is pretty exposed to all the elements. It’s very likely your bike frame and fasteners will also be subjected to the harsh conditions of nature.
Make sure that your frame has no rust and that fasteners work.
