Preparing to ride

• Check your bike before you ride
• Equipment you should check
• Special checks for motorcycles you're unfamiliar with

Check your bike before you ride

You must be sure that your motorcycle is in good order before you ride.

The time to find out whether there's anything wrong with your motorcycle is before you start out — not in the middle of traffic.

As well as keeping your motorcycle roadworthy getting it regularly serviced, keeping it up to WoF standard and having mechanical problems fixed by a qualified mechanic, you should carry out some basic checks before you ride.

It's also a good idea to make sure you have read — and understood — the motorcycle handbook.

Equipment you should check

Check the controls

Make sure your controls are in good working order before you start out. Remember to check the:

• brakes — try the front and rear brakes one at a time. Make sure each one holds the motorcycle when it is fully applied
• clutch and throttle — make sure the controls work smoothly, as shown in your motorcycle handbook
• cables — check the cables for kinks or broken strands. Make sure they are lubricated as shown in your motorcycle handbook.
• control adjustments — make sure that you can reach all hand and foot controls when you are seated comfortably on the motorcycle.

Test the tyres

Because you have only two tyres, it's vital that they are both in good condition.

Check the tyre:

• pressure — the motorcycle will not handle properly if the air pressure is too low or two high, because braking and steering will be affected. The owner's manual will tell you the correct tyre pressure
• tread — worn or uneven tread will affect the handling of the motorcycle and can make it harder to control on slippery or uneven surfaces
• condition — check for cuts, nails stuck in the tread and cracks in the sidewalls. Remember, a blowout on a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous.

Illuminate the lights

Don't put your faith in lights that may not work. Keep them clean and check them regularly.

• Indicators — check all four indicators. Make sure they flash when they are turned on and are bright enough to be seen
• Headlights — check the headlight before you ride. Pass your hand in front of the beam to make sure the headlight is really on
• Dipper switch — try the dipper switch, to make sure both high and low beams are working.
• Tail and brake light — apply each of your brake controls and make sure that your brake light flashes each time.

Snap on the switches

If your motorcycle is fitted with hazard lights or an engine kill switch, check that they operate effectively.

Honk the horn

Check the horn. It's too late to find out that it doesn't work when someone fails to see you.

Check the chain

Check the drive chain or belt for lubrication, wear and adjustment.

Move the mirrors

Mopeds and motorcycles must have at least one rear-view mirror.

Clean and adjust the mirror before you ride, because it's difficult and dangerous to ride with one hand while trying to adjust a mirror.

• Adjusting the mirror — Sit on the seat and swing the mirror outward far enough so you can see around your own body. Adjust the mirror so that it lets you see about half of the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you.

Petrol and oil

Look in your motorcycle's handbook to find out the correct grades of fuel and oil you should be using. Make sure they are at the correct levels before you start riding.

• Petrol — Running out of petrol can be dangerous if it happens when you can't get off the road quickly. Make sure that you know the position and operation of the fuel tap. Don't ride long distances with the fuel tap on 'reserve'. The reserve tank should only be used in an emergency, to get you to the nearest petrol station.
• Oil — Lack of oil can cause your engine to seize. This could result in your rear wheel locking, causing you to lose control.

Special checks for motorcycles you're unfamiliar with

If you haven't ridden a particular motorcycle before, always do the following:

• Make all the checks you would on your own motorcycle.
• Find out where everything is — especially the indicators, horn, headlight switch, fuel control valve and engine cut-off switch. Make sure you can find them without having to look at them.
• Check the controls. Make sure you know the gear pattern.
• Work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times before you start off. All controls react a little differently.
• Ride very cautiously until you are used to the way the motorcycle handles. Take turns and corners slower and give yourself extra stopping distances. Test the brakes to get the feel of how they operate.

Last updated: 9 May 2005