Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist

Nothing ruins a good motorcycle riding day more than a bike that won’t start. That’s why there are certain bike maintenance checks you’ll want to perform before every ride. Riverside County Indian Motorcycle® is your premier motorcycle dealer located in Corona, CA. We’ve provided some tips to help get you started. Read on to learn more!

Brakes

Most motorcycles have two brake fluid reservoirs, one for the front wheel and one for the back. Make sure these reservoirs are topped off and refreshed as needed. You’ll also want to check the brake pads for excessive or uneven wear. While you’re riding, pay attention to your brakes’ performance. If you notice anything unusual, you might want to get it checked by a professional.

Tires

Tires are also an important part of your pre-ride check. Never ride a motorcycle if it looks like the tires are compromised. Check the tire pressure to ensure there’s enough air for safe travel. You’ll also want to see if there are any damages to the tread or uneven wearing. You’ll want to replace any damaged tires, and uneven wearing could indicate other issues with the bike that need to be quickly addressed.

Fuel

While it’s important to have enough gas to get you where you need to go, you’ll also want to make sure the fuel filter isn’t clogged. If you notice your motorcycle is sputtering or having trouble starting, this may indicate it’s time to change the filter. In case, you’re storing your bike for the winter, remember to add a fuel stabilizer to prevent corrosion in the tank.

Oil

While you’re checking fluids, inspect the oil level and quality. Remove the dipstick, clean it off, reinsert it, and then look at the oil level. Top off as needed, and if it’s still in good condition, then you’re good to go. However, if you notice the oil is dark or sludgy, you’ll want to replace your oil and oil filter. Metallic shavings or powder in the oil indicate that there might be a major problem with your bike, so get your motorcycle inspected by a mechanic right away.

Battery

If you find your bike doesn’t start, your battery should be the first place to check. You’ll need to charge the battery if it’s drained. If the motorcycle still doesn’t start, you’ll need to replace the battery. After replacing the battery, if it still doesn’t last for a long time, there might actually be an issue with the alternator.

We hope that this motorcycle pre-ride inspection checklist has been helpful. If you’re still looking for the perfect bike, stop by Riverside County Indian Motorcycle® in Corona, CA, to browse our selection of motorcycles for sale. We proudly serve all those in Temecula and Huntington Beach.