Motorcycle Safety Checklist for Spring Riders

The Pre-Ride Check

Spring is officially here—time to kick off the riding season. But before you hop on your bike and put on your helmet, take a few minutes to review our safety checklist. By taking the time to inspect your bike for any potential hazards, you can ensure your safety and protect others on the road.

Read Your Owner’s Manual

While it may not be the most exciting reading material, knowing the ins and outs of your motorcycle will be helpful in understanding any problems that may arise during a ride.

Tires

Check the surface of your tires for cuts, foreign objects, and low tread levels. Also, monitor the pressure in your tires because it can affect the way your bike handles.

Fluids

Check your oil, fuel, and coolant levels to prevent your engine from giving out during the middle of your ride. You can look in your owner’s manual to find your bike’s specific fluid requirements.

Lights

Test all of your lights, including your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, four-way flashers, and even the indicators on your dash if possible. Whether you’re riding during the day or at night, lights make a rider more visible to other motorists.

Brakes

Test your front and rear brakes one at a time to ensure they work properly. Without a properly functioning brake system, you will not be able to bring your motorcycle to a complete stop.

Horn

Check your horn. It’s very important that you have a tool to alert other drivers of your presence, especially if you’re in their blind spot while they’re changing lanes.

Mirrors

Adjust your mirrors so that you are able to see the lane behind you as well as the lane next to you. While you may not be able to rely on other motorists to pay attention to their surroundings, you can use your mirrors to keep track of them to ensure your own safety.

Helmet and Gear

Don’t let your motorcycle safety checklist end with your bike. Make sure your helmet is approved by the Department of Transportation, is free of cracks and damage, and fits snugly on your head. Also, your riding gear should never interfere with any instruments on your bike. Make sure everything fits properly and there are no loose ends that could get caught on your bike.

Motorcycle accidents can have devastating results, but you can make sure your bike is prepared for the riding season with routine maintenance and safety inspections. If you have problems with any of the items listed on our safety checklist, fix them before you set out for your ride so you don’t risk harming yourself or anyone else on the road.