Essential Bike Checks:
Essential Bike Checks
1
Petrol – Have you got enough for your ride? Is there a petrol station nearby if you need to top up on the way? Do you know your tank’s capacity and how far you get on a gallon? Giving these things a quick check beforehand can save you from any unwanted stops later on.
2
OIL – Is your oil level sitting where it should be? Do you know which grade of oil your bike needs? You should go over these bike checks. Oil is a key part of keeping your engine happy. It’s worth checking. Also, do you know where your oil filler is? It’s a handy thing to know when you’re going over your essential bike checks.
3
WATER – How’s your water (coolant) level? Is it sitting where it should be, or is it running low? Do you know where the filler is if you need to top it up? Make sure you have enough coolant. This is crucial for preventing your engine from overheating. It is particularly important on a long ride and is another one of those essential bike checks to carry out. It’s a quick check that can save you a lot of trouble further down the road.
4
DRIVE / DAMAGE – Take a good look at your chain and sprockets. Are they in good condition? Are they properly adjusted? Are they nicely lubricated? If you’ve got a drive shaft instead, is it running smoothly with no weird noises or vibrations? During your essential checks, are the gears shifting as they should, without any stiffness or slipping? Give everything a quick check and sort out any issues now, to avoid trouble later on.
5
Electrics – All your electrics in good working order? Check your lights, indicators, horn, and any accessories you’ve added just to make sure everything’s functioning as it should. This is a quick yet essential bike check that can make a big difference to your safety on the road.
6
Rubber – Are your tyres looking good with legal tread and no cracks or damage? Have you checked that the tyre pressures are spot on? Keeping your tyres in shape is super important for a safe and smooth ride. Tire inspection is an essential part of your bike checks, which helps in increasing their life.
7
YOU – Yep, this one’s all about you! Are you feeling physically ready for the ride ahead? Is your head in the right place to stay focused and safe? And of course, do you have all the right safety gear on? Making sure you’re good to go is just as important in your essential checks as checking your bike.
Get in the habit of carrying out these basic checks before each ride. This ensures they become an essential part of your routine. Do this not just when going off on a tour or a long distance ride. These essential bike checks guarantee safety and reliability.