A quick bike inspection before each ride can make a big difference to your safety on the road. Learn how to conduct a motorcycle pre-ride inspection routine through this post by K&K Oil and Lube in Clermont.

As you may know, riding a bike is one of the most exciting and fun ways to experience the road. Of course, you must stay on top of your motorcycle maintenance schedule to prevent breakdowns, get reliable performance, and ride safely. On that note, it's also imperative that you follow a motorcycle pre-ride inspection routine. If you are interested in this topic and want to learn the primary checks to perform before each ride, keep reading this post by K&K Oil and Lube.

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How To Perform A Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection

Tire Pressure and Tread Wear

Tires are essential elements for your motorcycle's performance. Their main functions include providing traction and absorbing the ground's irregularities. Also, your tires support the bike's weight and respond to the equipment's acceleration and brake. Of course, your tires must be in mint shape to perform well, so it's essential to inspect them before setting off. For starters, you can make sure they are correctly inflated. To that end, take a pressure gauge and check their air pressure when they are cold. Each element should have the pounds per square inch (PSI) specified in the owner's manual. If one of the tires turns out to be low on pressure, correct its inflation by following the manual's recommendations. Another thing you can do is to measure each tire's tread depth. This check is important to ensure reliable traction, as the tread grooves make it possible for the tire to grip the ground. That said, check your owner's manual to confirm the minimum recommended millimeters of tread depth. Call your dealer for tire repair or replacement if your tires have shallow tread depth. Likewise, have your tires replaced if you notice embedded objects, cracks, or bulges on them.

Fluid Levels

Fluids enable the operation of the various mechanical systems of the engine. That's why you must check their levels before every ride. This check may be much quicker and easier if your motorcycle is equipped with sight glasses. After all, these units are transparent glass tubes through which you can observe a reservoir's fluid level. Looking at the sight glasses before every ride will help you keep your oil, fuel, coolant, and brake fluid levels optimal for a safe engine operation. If your motorcycle does not have sight glasses, you can still stay on top of its fluid levels by following your manual's guide.

For advice on which products to use during your motorcycle maintenance routine, reach out to K&K Oil and Lube at (918) 269-0081 and learn all about the benefits of using the most effective synthetic oil in Clermont. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online store to explore the entire line of AMSOIL products.

Lights

When it comes to the riding safety of motorcyclists, there is nothing more important than seeing and being seen on the road. That's why checking your bike's lights is essential. After all, good visibility is vital in all sorts of situations, not just when riding at night. For example, you might need your headlights if you ride down a dusty road. Likewise, they could improve your visibility if caught in the rain or hail during a ride. With all this in mind, turn your turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and taillights on and off to ensure they respond correctly before each trip. If you find that one of the lights is flickering or emitting dim light, ask your repair technician for help.

Chain

All motorcycles have a drivetrain system to carry power from the engine to the tires. While there are different mechanisms, the chain drive is the most common. Now, while the most economical, it is also the one that requires the most maintenance. That's why, if your motorcycle operates with this type of drive gear, you should inspect it before each use. Overall, you should ensure the chain is taut during every check to prevent it from loosening and slipping off the sprockets during your rides. Also, make sure that each link of the chain is well lubricated.

Brakes

Your safety on the bike highly depends on the proper functioning of your braking system; hence it is advisable to check it before going out on the road. To do so, start by checking the calipers to ensure they are always clean. Also, check that the brake pads are evenly worn. Next, look at the rotors to detect scratches, wear, or other visible damage promptly. Contact your mechanic for any visible problems to check your brake system thoroughly.

Following a motorcycle pre-ride inspection is vital to ensure your safety on the road. Another way to improve your riding safety is by staying on top of your engine's oil changes. If your equipment needs fresh lubrication, call K&K Oil and Lube at (918) 269-0081 to get the most effective synthetic oil change in Clermont. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to become familiar with the full line of top-shelf formulas.