Pre-Ride Check!

[Patrick]

I see lots of bikes come in to the shop daily that are truly unsafe to operate.

What's really scary though is that many of the riders, both noobs and seasoned veterans, are unaware that they're riding a potential time bomb.


I've got a pre-ride routine that I do before every ride, a habit I developed back when I used my bike daily as my only form of transportation.

As I walk up to the bike, I look for any puddles or drips underneath it, or wet spots on the bike, signs of a potential leak.

I look at the chain real quick to make sure it's in adjustment and lubed, and that the rear sprocket looks o.k.

I look at the tires / press on them to make sure there's no nails or large pressure loss.

Note: This should not take the place of actually CHECKING your tire pressure with a gauge, something I do once a week.

I lean the bike over to center and make sure the oil level is good and doesn't look too dirty.

I turn the key on and check the brake light / taillight operation.

At the same time I make sure the turn signals work, the headlights work AND the horn.

Now is the time to find out if your horn doesn't work.

NOT when that Buick pulls out in front of you.:eek3:


I start the bike and listen to it while I'm putting by helmet on.
Does it sound normal? Any unusual noises?

If everything is good, I put on my gloves, get on the bike and go.


Total inspection time, less than a minute.

What it may save you in terms of mechanical or physical damage?
Priceless.


Be safe out there.:thumb::nod:

[texlurch]

Sir yes sir. Perfect preride ritual.

[issanni]

+1

[Whorenet]

if we ever see you take off riding WITHOUT doing this, can we keep your pot'o gold (or in this case, whatever bike youre riding?)

all joking aside, its the truth.

[Candy]

GoOd ReAd!!!

[Patrick]

if we ever see you take off riding WITHOUT doing this, can we keep your pot'o gold (or in this case, whatever bike youre riding?)

all joking aside, its the truth.


I typically do this at the beginning of a ride, not at every stop.

However, I'm always looking the bike over as I approach it.

[GQ*]

I've been doing all that except for the tire pressure check...I'll get on top of that!

[wlgorman]

how do you see the oil?

[qwezy]

yes PATRICK that a must and i always do,especialy when me+my lady and my girl all on sidecar.thank PAT !!!!good post

[Patrick]

how do you see the oil?

Most bikes have a sight glass on the r/h side of the engine.
The oil should be between the two lines on the cover.

[Ulric]

I look at the chain real quick to make sure it's in adjustment and lubed, and that the rear sprocket looks o.k.

I didn't get any bike time before I had to drop it off, I SWEAR! :-)

[Candy]

This post calls for a sticky maybe in the Moto Related Section! :nod:

[OMEGA]

thank you:notworthy::thumb:

[specterunseen]

my friend that doesn't daily commute thinks i'm loony that i actually check my tire pressure, i normally 1-3 times per week, depending on how good i am.... I carry a pump too.

Its important... Don't be a poser...

[lorin70]

I would add squeezing the front brake lever a few times to make sure it is solid. Just another thing that you want to make sure is working (like the horn) before the Buick pulls out in front of you or you come to that first intersection.

[RojerLockless]

I like this Sheldonhull guy. He reminds me of a mini Racer X :)

[Candy]

I like this Sheldonhull guy. He reminds me of a mini Racer X :)

like we need another one of those! :angry7:

[Whorenet]

I like this Sheldonhull guy. He reminds me of a mini Racer X :)

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::r ofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rof l::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl: :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::r ofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rof l::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

ok my brain hurts now

[07SLVRCBR]

Sticky???

[matemike]

:thumb:Thanks patrick, good advice.

[DvlRacer]

Good post, I have a funny short story to go with it.

Someone brought over a 2005 SV650s with 800 miles that was interested in trading for our 2002 Bandit 1200s. He said he didn't like the way the SV rode. My dad and brother rode it and definately noticed it handled very badly but they traded him anyways figuring it'd be something small. I got home, sat on the bike and realized both tires were flat :angry7: Front tire didn't even register on the old school gauge, rear tire got a 7....Needless to say, it rode perfect after filling up the tires :keke:

~Keith

[hectikillusions]

ahhh yes that beast of a buick. Thanx Patrick for the info that could make a big difference.

[Squoddybody]

Good advice! And always make sure your rear brake is connected! :thumb:

[cashtown]

rode a friends 06R6 and was looking for the sight glass on the right side to check the oil level and couldn't find one. Am I missing it or does it just not have one?

[Patrick]

R6's use a dipstick on the r/h side.
It's one of the last few modern SS bikes that don't have a sight glass.

[Candy]

This post calls for a sticky maybe in the Moto Related Section! :nod:

thank you:notworthy::thumb:

Sticky???

(chanting)

STICKY

STICKY

STICKY

:thumb:

[jgixer]

good read!

[Ogre]

Thanks for the reminder - we tend get a little lax sometimes.

So now I'm curious. What bike prompted the post???

[less_than_coop]

geeeeeeeeeeeeez patrick, you'd figure someone as bright as you would know the REAL pre-ride ritual...poser.

heres the REAL deal.

1) as youre walking towards your bike, dont look for leaks. look for any girls that might be checking you out...cause youre cool...cause you ride a motorcycle.

2) look at the chain and tell yourself.."i really need to hurry up and get a new chain...this one is all dirty. When i get the new one I can get a 520 conversion a pizza pan vortex"

3) yeah, go ahead and look at the back tire (front tire aint important anyway, since all you do is wheelie everywhere you go anyway) take a moment to admire the strip of thread showing on the center of the tire...damn that burnout at the red light had them high school girls in the jetta SCREAMING! dem bitches LOVE me...cause I ride a motorcycle...

...air pressure? i thought tires were made of rubber?

4) I get on the bike and lean it over center...and almost drop in on the right side...phew...caught it just in time, almost scuffed up my new teva sandles.
...oil level? doesnt my bike run on gas?

5) I turn the key..start the bike..and rev in to the limiter, all in one movement. Dem bitches LOVE that...cause they love my motorcycle.
turn signals?...shiiiiiiiiiit, first thing i did when i brought the bike home from the dealership was take off the turn-signals and chicken wire the plate to the undertail.

6) Cant check the horn...that button is for my NAAAAAWSSSSSSS!!!

7)Any unusual noises? I cant hear shit over my ipod jamming insane clown posse and master p on max volume!

8) I dont have to waste any time putting my gloves on, cause i aint got none. And the helmet is still locked on the passenger seat, where it was all day...

total inspection time...who gives a sh*t, im a pimp cause i got a bike...dem bitched love my bike.

[Squeaky]

However, I'm always looking the bike over as I approach it.

I am usually admiring mine as I approach, telling him we're about to have more fun. :D

Great advice as always Patrick! :nod:

And for those that have never looked or used it - make sure you have at least a minimal set of tools on the bike; hopefully it will include a tire repair (plug or patch) kit to get you home. For those with enough space, go through your toolkit and supplement with a few tools that will aid in basic roadside repairs.

[SPHINX]

thanks for the advise Patrick... I try to do that every morning I'm not late for school. As for less than scoop, that post was hilarious.

[marimirez]

Thanks for the info Patrick. You know I always need help with stuff like this.

[Mic]

My pre-ride check this morning found the rear tire low! I had to cage it. I'll have to check it when I get home and find out where it's leaking.

[mamcrackin]

Also make sure there are no wires hanging out or clamps left loose and if the bike isn't running right you might think twice before going too far....I am choosing to leave mine parked until I can get it fixed....

[Guitar Man]

geeeeeeeeeeeeez patrick, you'd figure someone as bright as you would know the REAL pre-ride ritual...poser.

heres the REAL deal.

1) as youre walking towards your bike, dont look for leaks. look for any girls that might be checking you out...cause youre cool...cause you ride a motorcycle.

2) look at the chain and tell yourself.."i really need to hurry up and get a new chain...this one is all dirty. When i get the new one I can get a 520 conversion a pizza pan vortex"

3) yeah, go ahead and look at the back tire (front tire aint important anyway, since all you do is wheelie everywhere you go anyway) take a moment to admire the strip of thread showing on the center of the tire...damn that burnout at the red light had them high school girls in the jetta SCREAMING! dem bitches LOVE me...cause I ride a motorcycle...

...air pressure? i thought tires were made of rubber?

4) I get on the bike and lean it over center...and almost drop in on the right side...phew...caught it just in time, almost scuffed up my new teva sandles.
...oil level? doesnt my bike run on gas?

5) I turn the key..start the bike..and rev in to the limiter, all in one movement. Dem bitches LOVE that...cause they love my motorcycle.
turn signals?...shiiiiiiiiiit, first thing i did when i brought the bike home from the dealership was take off the turn-signals and chicken wire the plate to the undertail.

6) Cant check the horn...that button is for my NAAAAAWSSSSSSS!!!

7)Any unusual noises? I cant hear shit over my ipod jamming insane clown posse and master p on max volume!

8) I dont have to waste any time putting my gloves on, cause i aint got none. And the helmet is still locked on the passenger seat, where it was all day...

total inspection time...who gives a sh*t, im a pimp cause i got a bike...dem bitched love my bike.

LOL! I don't know. Seems like this is pretty close to the mentality of some of the tools out there. I've seen some pretty ratty looking bikes out there that you wouldn't see me swinging my leg over.

[Zipdot]

I don't really have a routine, but I never start my ride without a warm engine. Another bike forum said that significant engine wear comes from cold revs, so while the bike is heating up to 2-3 bars (of 10), I put on my helmet and gloves and check out the bike a bit. Had a flat one day. Now I ride with a patch kit in my little pocket-sized tool compartment along with an air pressure gage, some Allen wrenches, and a couple of screwdrivers.

Point is, while your engine is warming up, which apparently is a good practice, you have a minute or two to go through a routine if you're so inclined.

[the_grey_john]

My realm is cars, and I am new to bikes, but an engine is an engine. I do pretty much the same thing with my car every week. But the horn? Maybe my horn is just a weakass, but i fare better just revvin' tha engine in neutral to get attention. Not to say the horn isn't handy, but for emergencies... eh. But like I said, maybe my horn is just a weakass...

[dirtyjerzy]

My realm is cars, and I am new to bikes, but an engine is an engine. I do pretty much the same thing with my car every week. But the horn? Maybe my horn is just a weakass, but i fare better just revvin' tha engine in neutral to get attention. Not to say the horn isn't handy, but for emergencies... eh. But like I said, maybe my horn is just a weakass...

Have fun going from 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th to neutral in an emergency!!! You'll be a red splat on the road by then! :shrug:

[the_grey_john]

Wha? Just pull in the clutch...

[blodgettboy24]

geeeeeeeeeeeeez patrick, you'd figure someone as bright as you would know the REAL pre-ride ritual...poser.

heres the REAL deal.

1) as youre walking towards your bike, dont look for leaks. look for any girls that might be checking you out...cause youre cool...cause you ride a motorcycle.

2) look at the chain and tell yourself.."i really need to hurry up and get a new chain...this one is all dirty. When i get the new one I can get a 520 conversion a pizza pan vortex"

3) yeah, go ahead and look at the back tire (front tire aint important anyway, since all you do is wheelie everywhere you go anyway) take a moment to admire the strip of thread showing on the center of the tire...damn that burnout at the red light had them high school girls in the jetta SCREAMING! dem bitches LOVE me...cause I ride a motorcycle...

...air pressure? i thought tires were made of rubber?

4) I get on the bike and lean it over center...and almost drop in on the right side...phew...caught it just in time, almost scuffed up my new teva sandles.
...oil level? doesnt my bike run on gas?

5) I turn the key..start the bike..and rev in to the limiter, all in one movement. Dem bitches LOVE that...cause they love my motorcycle.
turn signals?...shiiiiiiiiiit, first thing i did when i brought the bike home from the dealership was take off the turn-signals and chicken wire the plate to the undertail.

6) Cant check the horn...that button is for my NAAAAAWSSSSSSS!!!

7)Any unusual noises? I cant hear shit over my ipod jamming insane clown posse and master p on max volume!

8) I dont have to waste any time putting my gloves on, cause i aint got none. And the helmet is still locked on the passenger seat, where it was all day...

total inspection time...who gives a sh*t, im a pimp cause i got a bike...dem bitched love my bike.

LOL..... HORRIBLE!!!!! But the true information was valuable!

[dirtyjerzy]

Wha? Just pull in the clutch...

Werd... I'm stupid!!! :banghead::banghead:

[the_grey_john]

lol, yeah, we all have a moment like that from time to time.
Sometimes, to this day, I'll forget to kick the kickstand up and wonder why my bike won't start...

[Squoddybody]

lol, yeah, we all have a moment like that from time to time.
Sometimes, to this day, I'll forget to kick the kickstand up and wonder why my bike won't start...

You know... once I watched an SUV coming over across four lanes right on top of me. Luckily, he had his window down (but didn't bother looking out it) so when he got into my lane, I moved over and LAID on my weakass horn. I'm pretty sure he shit himself. :keke: Made my day.

[the_grey_john]

now imagine if you had rev'd on his ass... or if you just stuck your hand in his window and slapped him... lmao!

[Squoddybody]

now imagine if you had rev'd on his ass... or if you just stuck your hand in his window and slapped him... lmao!

My bike doens't have that. It's a little bitty 250. All I have is the weakass horn. Saved my ass and dirtied his. :D I DID think about slapping or kicking him, though.

[the_grey_john]

Tell me about it, the bigger the vehicle, the more ignorant drivers become... I am glad SUVs are finally going out of style...

[Htown1000]

good post patrick

[jherna6714]

Thanks for the tips especially for a new rider like me.

[Snow]

Good post. I do all of those except checking the oil level every ride. That wouldn't add too much time.

I am always surprised at the riders who just walk up to the bike turn it on and ride off instantly. No checking of anything, not letting bike warm up... and usually no helmet. :angry7:

[Supa Dave]

Sticky that bad boy!