How To Ride Safely
When you are presented with the opportunity to get out on the open road for a long trip, your last thought may be bike maintenance.
However, motorcyclists need to prioritize maintenance to ensure that the trip is a safe one. Here are 10 things to check before you head out on a long trip to keep it enjoyable.
- Check the pressure in your tires before you start riding. The optimal tire pressure is based on cold tires, so your best bet is to check the pressure prior to your trip and add air accordingly.
- Turn on the engine to see if all of your lights are working properly. Visibility plays a major role in avoiding accidents, so you want to be sure that other vehicles can see you on the road.
- Check your oil level before long rides to avoid ending up on the side of the road. Even if you checked your oil levels recently, this quick task is worth the effort. While you are checking fluids, do a quick inspection of all fluid levels.
- Lubricate your drive belt and check the tension before heading out on the road.
- Check for any damage to the brake lines that could make it more difficult for you to safely come to a stop. While you are inspecting your brakes, see if the brake pads are worn. Thin brake pads can cause costly damage to your rotors.
- See whether any of the spokes on your motorcycle have broken off or bent.
- Check the position of the battery to ensure that connections are tight and that the battery is securely in place.
- Determine whether your fuel levels are adequate for the journey ahead. While you are focusing on fuel, check the lines to make sure that there are no leaks that could cause major issues when you are out on the open road.
- Take a few moments to check your mirrors for cracks. Make sure that they are cleaned, and adjust your mirrors while you sit on your bike to ensure that you will have a clear view of traffic on both sides of your motorcycle.
- See if your air filter is in need of replacement. Air filters have a significant impact on performance, and you want your bike to be running its best when you are on a long trip.
Spending days on the open road is every motorcyclist’s dream. Now that you know where to get started before you take a long road trip on your bike, you can follow the above list to make this a memorable, safe journey.