Safety Checks on Your Bike
Yup!!! It’s that time of the year again and we are reaching out to all to give you the yearly reminder since we have lots to do travel-wise in in the end of the year. You know the drill… We all were taught it, we all know it, but few of us actually practice it. A safety check should be made before you get on your motorcycle every time you ride. We tend to get complacent and lazy about this, but the couple of minutes it takes could make a difference between an enjoyable day of riding and a hazardous situation.
Please ensure that your bike is in proper condition or have it served before you hit the highways. At the very least, check the basics:
Check your tires and tire pressure. Check for any cracks, bulges, or signs of wear in the treads. Improper tire pressure or any defects could cause a blowout.
Check your running lights, high beam, spots, brake light, and blinker/turn signals. These are crucial for viability and safety.
Make sure your mirrors are positioned correctly. Clean and adjust all mirrors to ensure proper viewing.
Inspect clutch and trottle cables. If you see that a cable shows wear, get it changed.
Look under your bike to see if there are signs of any gas or oil leaks. Check your fuel and oil levels.
Test your front and rear brakes. Each brake should feel firm and hold the motorcycle still when fully applied. Also make sure you have enough “meat” on your brake pads.
Test the horn.
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET AND PROTECTIVE GEAR!!!
As far as packing goes, since most bikes are not outfitted to transport very much cargo, it is imperative that they are loaded properly. While the luggage rack above same of our rear fenders look like the prime place to load cargo, they are not. In fact, loading the bike in these areas dramatically changes the center of gravity of your motorcycle, making handling more difficult. Instead, to the extent possible, keep your cargo in front of your rear axle. If you can imagine a triangle over your bike, with the arms reaching your tires and the apex over the center of your bike, the cargo should be as close as comfortable possible to the center below the hypothetical apex. Once the cargo is placed, make sure you securely fasten it., using elastic bungee cords and/or cargo nets. Remember, the load must be fastened tightly; a loose load can shift and cause danger.
Safe travels, everyone!!
