Pre-Ride Checklist for Motorcycle Trips

It’s hard to beat summer riding! Take all the fun of motorcycle trips and add in perfect, sunny weather - what could be better? Of course, no one wants to spend their trip waiting in line at a mechanics to fix a broken motorcycle. Many mechanical issues can be caught in advance before your trip. All you need to do is conduct a pre-ride inspection! We put together a list of things to check before you go motorcycle touring below. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Escondido Cycle Center. We proudly serve those in Southern California near San Diego, California.

Tires

An issue with one of your wheels is a quick way to derail a motorcycle touring trip. Without a functioning wheel, you can’t get anywhere. You can prevent most tire issues (like a blow out) with the proper tire inflation. Tires that are too inflated have less contact with the road. Tires that are under-inflated can’t cope well with the pressures pushing on it. Your owner manual will tell you the ideal tire pressure you should shoot for. Use a tire pressure gauge in the morning (when the tires are cold) for the most accurate reading. Otherwise, the heat you encounter when you embark on summer riding adventures can skew the readings.

Fluids

Motorcycle trips run on fluids! For a successful motorcycle touring trip, you need the right amount, color, and consistency of the fluids. Use a dipstick to check the engine oil. Put it in, remove it, wipe it off, put it in again, and examine it. Make sure there is enough (it should fall on the correct spot on the dipstick). It should appear golden (not dark brown or black).

Check the level of your brake fluids too. Finally, it’s good to start all motorcycle trips by fueling up. You could encounter a road bump that guzzles gas, such as needing to alter your route due to an accident or construction. Keep in mind that when you embark on summer riding, you could face long lines of fellow motorists heading out to the lake as well as higher gas prices. Be on the lookout for decently priced gas stations and take advantage while you can.

Brakes, Clutch, and Throttle

These all need to be in good working order for you to take a motorcycle touring ride. But you’ll need to be in motion to test these. Take a ride around a low-traffic residential neighborhood (you don’t want to discover an issue on the highway!)

As you engage your brakes, look for any grinding, squealing, or vibrations. These are the sounds of a motorcycle needing a visit to a mechanic. When you engage your throttle, check that it closes fully and your motorcycle doesn’t idle when it shouldn’t. As you test your clutch, check for any grinding or odd feel to it. If you notice anything out of the ordinary on any of these parts, take your motorcycle in to get checked out. These issues could end up being a big deal during your motorcycle touring trip!

Lights

Over time, the lights on your motorcycle will burn out. It’s important to check their visibility before you hit the road, so test your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Look at your lenses and get rid of any caked on dirt or mud. It’s also good to consider swapping out your standard halogen lights for LED lights. LED lights last longer, burn brighter, and use less power. They cost more money upfront, but you quickly earn it back due to their needing to be replaced less often.

If you discover an issue with your motorcycle, bring it in to Escondido Cycle Center. We offer parts replacement and service options to get your motorcycle fixed before your next summer ride. We proudly serve those in Southern California including San Diego, Temecula, Vista, and Oceanside, California.