John S. Hegamyer is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach and coaches at training sites throughout Virginia.

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Lesson #1 - Pre-Ride Inspection

John S.Hegamyer

Every ride has to start somewhere, so in true biker fashion, let's get started now! The idea behind this article is to bring to light issues that will make us better motorcyclists and in essence make us safer as riders, thus allowing more years of the biker lifestyle. All of us are motorcycle enthusiasts, not all of us are perfect motorcyclists, nor are we perfect riders. Our skills are what keep us alive on the streets and I hope that this article will help refine your skills and make all your rides safer and more fun, cause fun is what it's all about. As you read these installments you'll notice that they will be presented in a building block method, so take a few minutes and practice the skills and ride safer.

Lesson #1 - Pre-Ride Inspection

We all know that a motorcycle is at a disadvantage on the streets when pitted against trucks and soccer mom SUVs, so the better we have prepared, the more confidently we can ride. We're gonna know that our equipment is gonna work the way we need it to, when we need it to. Taking a few minutes to do a pre-ride inspection or just give your bike a good looking over before you ride might just save you on some costly repairs or better yet, keep you from having an accident.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation uses an acronym to guide you through a pre-ride inspection called T-CLOCS. Let's take a closer look:

T- Tires, need I say more? The only thing keeping you off the ground is your tires. Obviously you want to make sure your tires have plenty of tread but also make sure they don't show any signs of cracking or sidewall damage from dry rotting. Run your hand over and check for any nails or screws stuck in the tire. I try to keep a tire pressure gauge on hand and check the air pressure regularly. Consult your Owner's Manual and adjust your tire pressure in accordance with the book. Keep in mind your load range and temperatures you'll be riding in. Nobody likes to get a surprising flat while riding; it will get your attention real quick. Leaning into a curve at 50 or 60 mph is not the time to find out your 10 psi low in your tires.

C-Controls, throttle, clutch lever, brake lever, handlebars, gearshift lever, rear brake lever and so on. The stuff that's gonna help you stop, go, turn, etc. During this check, make sure your throttle springs all the way back to closed. Inspect the cables for your clutch and front brake levers, making sure the levers operate properly. The first stoplight is not the place you want to find out there's a problem with your brake linkage or your throttle is stuck.

L-Lights, headlight, brake light, turn signals and even indicator lights. Let's make sure our lights work so people can see us and we can see them if it gets dark on us. I know, I know, turn signals aren't cool but hey, they help if you want to change lanes on the highway right? Throw in a check of the horn too, it's probably not real loud but it can help. For God's sake, check that brake light, we want people behind us to positively know we're stopping.

O-Oils, lubricants, coolants, all the stuff that keeps the engine cool, keeps the brakes working properly, etc.

C-Chassis, that's the thing that keeps your chrome from dragging down the road. Check your shocks, forks, frame parts, make sure it looks normal. Some bikes have adjustable suspensions that you can adjust for a passenger or a load of camping gear. Check for loose bolts and nuts, tighten them immediately and apply a little thread lock if you can. Loose parts sink ships too!

S-Stands, side and center. You want to make sure that the springs attached to the side stand hold it in the upright position. Like my friend says "the first turn you're gonna know the real meaning of pole vaulting". Check the center stand if you have one to make sure it folds all the way up, we don't need any spark shows on the ride.

Remember that's the MSF way to remember a process to conduct a pre-ride inspection. Whatever system you use doesn't really matter, as long as you're checking your bike in a way that saves you on repair bills and gets you to your destination in one piece.

Let's add a few things. How about your gear? Check your helmet out, make sure your face shield or glasses are clean and you can see through it. Check your jacket and your pants to make sure there's no loose material that may get caught in your chain or belts. Check out your passenger too, no, I don't mean that way. Make sure your passenger has the appropriate gear, no loose clothing, etc. We'll talk a little more about passengers in later installments; just make sure they are safe while on your bike.

What's left? YOU! Check yourself; make sure all your parts are working properly. I hope you're not riding after too many drinks. If you just had an argument with your significant other, or your boss, take a few minutes, get your head together, it's your most important safety device. We all need to make an effort at riding safer with a clear head and able to make good decisions. Too many riders have been injured on our roads and highways and we don't need to lose anymore.

I'm looking forward to giving you a little food for thought, share some info, all in an effort to make us safer on the roads and live a nice long motorcycling life. Take a skills refresher course and ride safe out there!

Next issue: The Clutch, what the heck is it?

John S. Hegamyer is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach and coaches at training sites throughout Virginia.

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