FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025
What to Check and What to Look for
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.
Posted 2:54 PM