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Benefits of Having a Pre-riding Inspection Routine

A pre-riding inspection routine can help you catch issues with your motorcycle before you hit the road. Read this post by AMSOIL: Dwight Smith in Ann Arbor, MI, to learn what to check before your next ride.

Do a Fluid Check

The first step in your pre-riding inspection routine should be to check your bike’s fluids. Check first for any leaks and ensure the bike has enough engine oil. Ensure that the oil is free of debris dust and looks clean. Next up is ensuring you have enough brake fluid so that your brakes work correctly. Lastly, ensure that your coolant is topped off to help your bike’s engine stay cool throughout the day.

Inspect Your Belt or Chain Drive

Another essential step in your inspection should be to check if your belt or chain drive is in good condition. Your chain or belt should be lubricated, its teeth should be engaged, and it should have proper tension to ensure it won’t loosen up during your ride. If your bike uses a belt, keep in mind that you should change it every 10,000 miles or two years. If it uses a chain, it can last up to 20,000 miles if you take care of it.

With a pre-riding inspection routine, you’ll ensure your bike is always ready to go. For help choosing the products that will work best with your bike’s engine, call AMSOIL: Dwight Smith at (702) 561-3706 today or visit their ;online store ;for more information on their complete product catalog.

Check Your Tires and Brakes

Next up is ensuring that your tires and brakes are in good condition. Your tires should have deep enough treads to grip the road, and they shouldn’t have any bulges, cracks, or foreign objects embedded in them. It’s also important to check if they’re at the correct air pressure. For this, it’s helpful to have a digital gauge in your tool kit. If you’re not sure what the proper air pressure is, you can check your motorcycle’s frame or your owner’s manual.

Checking your brakes is also an essential part of your pre-riding inspection routine, as having correctly working brakes can prevent many accidents. Go for a test drive and ensure that there aren’t any screeching noises coming from the brakes. You can also do a visual inspection to ensure that the brake pads aren’t worn. Brake pads should be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles.

Ensure Your Battery is Charging

You should also take this time to make sure that your battery is charging correctly and that your instrument panel is lighting up as it should. Check your battery for leaking fluids, bulging, or cracks in the plastic or broken terminals. Once you’ve checked your battery, move on to the instrument panel. Turn it on and check if you have any warning lights on. In most bikes, amber or red lights mean there are problems with your motorcycle so keep an eye out for that.

The easiest way to keep your motorcycle in good condition is by using excellent products like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. The oil pros at ;Dwight Smith ;can help you choose the best products for your motorcycle. Call them at (702) 561-3706 or visit their online store to see their full range of products.

Do a Lights Check

Another vital thing to check at this point is your bike’s lights. Checking your lights is essential in staying safe on the road and keeping other drivers safe. Make sure all your lights turn on, and they’re in good condition. Keep an eye out for flickering, as that could mean an issue with your battery or electrical system.

Exposed Wiring

You should also do a quick check for exposed wiring as they could cause components to be fried or a total meltdown. All wires should be tucked and protected from the elements and the road. Checking for exposed wire doesn’t take much time but can be a lifesaver.

Carry the Right Paperwork

Lastly, you must always carry the correct paperwork when riding your bike. Ensure that your tags and paperwork are all up to date and that you have the proper license to operate your motorcycle. If everything is up to date, you’re ready to hit the road!