This is the pre-ride inspection list from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and provides a thorough list of what to check for on your motorcycle.
T- TIRES & WHEELS
- Tires
- Condition: Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges, embedded objects.
- Air Pressure: Check when cold, adjust to load.
- Wheels
- Spokes: Bent, broken, missing, tension, check at top of wheel: “ring” = OK — “thud” = loose spoke.
- Cast: Cracks, dents.
- Rims: Out of round/true = 5mm. Spin wheel, index against stationary pointer.
- Bearings: Grab top and bottom of tire and flex: No freeplay (click) between hub and axle, no growl when spinning.
- Seals: Cracked, cut or torn, excessive grease on outside, reddish-brown around outside.
- Brakes
- Function: Each brake alone keeps bike from rolling.
- Condition: Check pads and discs for wear.
C- CONTROLS
- Handlebars
- Condition: Bars are straight, turn freely, handgrips and bar ends are secure.
- Levers and Pedal
- Condition: Broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar levers, proper adjustment.
- Pivots: Lubricated.
- Cables
- Condition: Fraying, kinks, lubrication: ends and interior.
- Routing: No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire supports in place.
- Hoses
- Condition: Cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, deterioration.
- Routing: No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, hose supports in place.
- Throttle
- Operation: Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving when handlebars are turned.
L- LIGHTS & ELECTRICS
- Battery
- Condition: Terminals; clean and tight, electrolyte level, held down securely.
- Vent Tube: Not kinked, routed properly, not plugged.
- Headlamp
- Condition: Cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system.
- Aim: Height and right/left.
- Tail lamp/brake lamp
- Condition: Cracks, clean and tight.
- Operation: Activates upon front brake/rear brake application.
- Turn signals
- Operation: Flashes correctly.
- Switches
- Operation: All switches function correctly: engine cut-off, hi/low beam, turn signal.
- Mirrors
- Condition: Cracks, clean, tight mounts and swivel joints.
- Aim: Adjust when seated on bike.
- Lenses & Reflectors
- Condition: Cracked, broken, securely mounted, excessive condensation.
- Wiring
- Condition: Fraying, chafing, insulation.
- Routing: Pinched, no interference or pulling at steering head or suspension, wire looms and ties in place, connectors tight, clean.
O- OIL & OTHER FLUIDS
- Levels
- Engine Oil: Check warm on center stand on level ground, dipstick, sight glass.
- Gear Oil, Shaft Drive: Transmission, rear drive, shaft.
- Hydraulic Fluid: Brakes, clutch, reservoir or sight glass.
- Coolant: Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank — check only when cool.
- Fuel: Tank or gauge.
- Leaks
- Engine Oil: Gaskets, housings, seals.
- Gear Oil, Shaft Drive: Gaskets, seals, breathers.
- Hydraulic Fluid: Hoses, master cylinders, calipers.
- Coolant: Radiator, hoses, tanks, fittings, pipes.
- Fuel: Lines, fuel valve, carbs.
C- CHASSIS
- Frame
- Condition: Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting.
- Steering-Head Bearings: No detent or tight spots through full travel, raise front wheel, check for play by pulling/pushing forks.
- Swingarm Bushings: Raise rear wheel, check for play by pushing/pulling swingarm.
- Suspension
- Front Forks: Smooth travel, equal air pressure/damping, anti-dive settings.
- Rear Shock(s): Smooth travel, equal pre-load/air pressure/damping settings, linkage moves freely and is lubricated.
- Chain or Belt
- Tension: Check at tightest point.
- Lubrication: Side plates when hot. Note: do not lubricate belts.
- Sprockets: Teeth not hooked, securely mounted.
- Fasteners
- Threaded: Tight, missing bolts, nuts.
- Clips & Cotter: Pins Broken, missing.
S- STANDS
- Center stand
- Condition: Cracks, bent.
- Retention: Springs in place, tension to hold position.
- Side stand
- Condition: Cracks, bent (safety cut-out switch or pad equipped).
- Retention: Springs in place, tension to hold position.
