Spring and summer are prime riding time for motorcycle owners. It’s also an important time to give yourself a refresher course on motorcycle safety. Spring Hill, FL is a beautiful place to ride motorcycles, from cruising along the Weeki Wachee Preserve or taking Route 19 up and down the coast, but before you leave your driveway, it’s essential to give your bike a full home inspection.
The first part of any motorcycle safety inspection is by far the most enjoyable: you’re just going to walk around your bike taking a close look at it. This simple visual check will usually be enough to flag major problems. Check the ground for any leaked fluids, especially oil.
Up next, check out your brake and clutch levers, making sure you’ve got smooth, reliable action and normal release. (Any problems here is a clear indication you shouldn’t be riding today!) Even if both levers work perfectly, you should still take the time to check the fluid levels for both your clutch and brake reservoirs.
Two parts that are often overlooked in motorcycle safety checks are the handlebars and gas tank. Make sure you can turn your handlebars completely in both directions without hitting your gas tank or any other part of the bike. Open and close your gas tank to be sure there’s no damage and the seal is tight. Repeat this check on your oil cap.
Now it’s time to turn your bike on and start testing your electronic systems. Turn signals, brake lights, headlights and all instrumentation should be working factory perfect. Test out your foot pedals to be sure everything is functioning normally and moving smoothly.
Finish up with a careful look at your tires. First and foremost, make sure that they have not been parked in an oil spot. Motor oil will actually corrode and weaken the rubber on your tires, creating a dangerous situation. If your bike has been in storage, give them a close look for dry rot. If you’ve got new tires, bear in mind they will literally grow for the first 100 miles, so take easy rides and avoid any sharp turns.