Checking your motorcycle before setting off is key to your safety on the road. Thus, this post by Ed Welliver in Mission has listed the top checks you should do as part of your motorcycle pre-ride inspection routine.

There's no denying that riding a motorcycle is super fun and exciting. Still, it can also be risky, especially if the equipment is not in the best condition. In that regard, it's important to always check your bike before setting off. Read on to learn the top checks you should do for your motorcycle pre-ride inspection routine.

Call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399 for advice on what products to use during your bike's maintenance routine. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online store to place your order for the top synthetic oil in Mission.

How To Perform A Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection

First, Check the Pressure and Tread Depth of Your Tires

Your tires are the only contact point between your bike and the ground, hence the importance of checking them before every ride. Ideally, tires must have adequate air pressure to provide good traction. Likewise, they must be in shape to absorb the impact of surface irregularities. Having mentioned that, start your inspection by checking your tires' air pressure. To do this, consult your owner's manual to find exactly how many pounds per square inch (PSI) your tires should have. Next, take your pressure gauge and measure the air in both tires when cold. If you notice one of them is underinflated, adjust its pressure by following the manual's instructions. Once you check the inflation of your tires, take the time to measure their tread depth. Doing so is vital because your tires' grip on the ground depends on the treads being in good condition. For instance, worn treads can cause the tires to lose traction on slippery or wet surfaces. That said, check that the depth in the tread grooves corresponds to the measurement specified in your owner's manual. Call your dealer or repair technician to request a tire inspection if you notice the tire tread is worn or damaged by embedded objects.

Check Fluid Level

Your motorcycle's mechanical systems rely on different fluids to function. That's why following this check is vital. In that regard, it's worth noting that some motorcycle models have sight gauges. If your motorcycle has them, you'll notice that each reservoir has a small glass tube through which you can check its fluid level. Of course, these units make it quick and easy to follow this check before each ride. Yet, not all bikes are equipped with sight gauges. If you don't have them, you can still perform this check at least once a month by following your owner's manual instructions. The point is to maintain optimum oil, coolant, brake fluid levels, and fuel.

Make Sure the Lights Work

As a rider, you know your safety depends mainly on seeing and being seen on the road. That's why, to ensure visibility, you must check your bike's lights before every ride or trip. After all, you never know when you might need them. Even if you ride in daylight, you may struggle with visibility on dusty or foggy roads. Likewise, you could be surprised by rain or hail. So, whether you plan to drive day or night, turn your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals on and off to ensure they are working correctly before setting off. If you notice any problems such as headlights flickering or emitting dim light, contact your repair technician.

Keep your motorcycle in top shape by feeding it with AMSOIL's 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil, a formula designed to provide unmatched protection against premature wear, heat, and deposits. To get the most effective synthetic oil in Mission, call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399, or visit AMSOIL's online store to order top-shelf products for your bike maintenance.

Inspect the Chain

When it comes to the different motorcycle drivetrain systems, the most common is the chain drive. If your motorcycle operates with such a mechanism, we recommend that you check it before every ride to ensure proper operation. To do this, start by checking that the chain is correctly tensioned. To do this, check the chain slack halfway between the sprockets and ensure that the spacing corresponds to the slack indicated in your owner's manual. Also, check that the chain is well lubricated. If the chain is loose, have it adjusted by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Take a Look at the Brakes

Your motorcycle's brake system is vital for your safety, so you must take a look at it before each trip. To begin with, check the calipers to make sure they are clean. While doing so, check that the brake pads are in good condition and have even wear. Don't forget to pay attention to the rotors to detect signs of wear in time. If you find any visible problems with your brake system, have a mechanic check, diagnose and repair it.

Carrying out a motorcycle pre-ride inspection routine is crucial to stay safe on the road. Another way to keep your bike in great shape is to stay on top of its engine lubrication. To get the most effective synthetic oil change in Mission, call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399. Don't forget to visit the online store to familiarize yourself with the full range of AMSOIL products.