Taking Your Motorcycle On a Roadtrip
Be able to handle whatever crosses your path
A motorcycle needs more frequent attention than a car: a minor technical failure in a car seldom leads to anything more than an inconvenience for the driver.
If something is wrong with your motorcycle, you'll want to find out about it before you get in traffic. Make a complete check of your motorcycle before every ride.
Before mounting the motorcycle make the following checks:
- Tires - Check the air pressure, general wear and tread.
- Fluids - Oil and fluid levels. At a minimum, check hydraulic fluids and coolants weekly. Look under the motorcycle for signs of an oil or gas leak.
- Headlights and Taillight - Check them both. Test your switch to make sure both high and low beams are working.
- Turn Signals - Turn on both right and left turn signals. Make sure all lights are working properly.
- Brake Light - Try both brake controls, and make sure each one turns on the brake light.
Once you have mounted the motorcycle, complete the following checks before starting out:
- Clutch and Throttle - Make sure both function smoothly. The throttle should snap back when you let go. The clutch should feel tight and smooth.
- Mirrors - Clean and adjust both mirrors before starting. It is difficult to ride with one hand while you try to adjust a mirror. Adjust each mirror so you can see the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder, but it is the road behind and to the side that is most important.
- Brakes - Try the front and rear brake levers one at a time. Make sure each one feels firm and holds the motorcycle when the brake is fully applied.
- Horn - Try the horn. Make sure it works.
