Pre-Ride Checks. Here’s a few things you should check on your new or used motorcycle, new or used Harley-Davidson or custom chopper on a regular basis. You should have a handbook with the specs for your bike, if not, what are you waiting for? Buy one today. Picking up a workshop manual on your specific new or used motorcycle, Harley-Davidson or custom chopper really is a good idea. Sure, with a car, truck or SUV you can get away with being lax with certain things like tire pressure, etc. This will not be the case with your new or used motorcycle. Never risk compromising your safety and the stability of your bike, just for the sake of a bit of routine maintenance or being plain lazy.

Adopt a Pre-Ride Check!! Here’s An Example:

* Tires - Check condition and look for foreign objects in the tire treads.

* Tire pressures - It's very important to keep your new or used motorcycle tire pressure either on spec or very close to it. Can't stress that enough.

 

* Oil level - Always check with the bike on level ground and before you ride.

 

* Coolant level - If your bike's liquid cooled.

 

* Chain - Check tension and make sure it's well lubed.

* Brakes - That one's easy.

* Lights - Try your headlight, signals and especially the brake light!

* Overall Visual Inspection - Self explanatory but important.

* Everything Ok? - Cool. Let’s hit the road!

 

* Brakes - Check fluid levels, brake hoses for deterioration, and pads/shoes for thickness.

* Cables & Levers - Should operate smoothly. Get some grease on lever/pedal pivot points, and get some lube down the cables, if you can. Pick up cable oiler if you don't have one.

* Nut & Bolts - New or used motorcycles all ‘tend to vibrate’ right? Go all round the motorcycle and check that every nut, bolt and screw is nice and tight.