After the long winter without riding (or riding infrequently), it is easy to sometimes forget the basics. Make pre-ride inspections routine and automatic. It doesn’t have to take more than a few minutes and should be done before every ride.

T-CLOCK is an acronym used to remind motorcyclists of the pre-ride inspection essentials.

T – Tires, Wheels, and Brakes; check tread depth, wear, weathering, bulges, and embedded objects; check air pressure; check wheels for bent spokes or cast wheels for cracks; check rims for out of round, check bearings for free play in tires; and check brakes to determine that each brake alone keeps bike from rolling.

C – Controls; look at the levers and pedals for broken, bent or cracked parts; be sure mounts are tight; check cables for frays and kinks, check hoses for cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, or deterioration, be sure hose routing doesn’t interfere with steering, and check throttle to be sure it moves freely, snaps closed, and doesn’t rev when handlebars are turned.

L – Lights and Electrics; check battery terminals for clean and tight connections; check headlamp for high and low beam operation and aim; check tail lamp for operation and activation with both front and rear brake application; check left and right, front and back, turn signals; check mirrors and adjust; and check wiring for pinched or frayed wires and be sure wiring doesn’t interfere with steering.

O – Oil and Other Fluids; check fluid levels; and check for leaks.

C – Chassis; check frame for cracks; check assessor mounts; check handlebar movement for full travel; check front forks for smooth travel, and check chain or belt for tension.

K – Kickstand; be sure the spring is working properly to pull it up and keep it up while riding; and check for cracks or bends.

Jerry Yergin

Safety Officer

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