7 Things to Check on Your Motorcycle Before Traveling

November 17, 2022

Last Updated Date: November 17, 2022

motorcycle touring tips — Photo: Collected

Before going on a road trip, you need to check the main parts of your motorcycle very carefully. This is the only way to drive as safely as possible and extend the life of your vehicle. So, here we bring for you on the most important things that you should check on your motorcycle.

1.The tires

Tires are a big part of your safety on the road, so you should pay extra attention to how they look. When checking the tires, you should pay attention to their overall condition, tread depth, and pressure, which will change depending on the load and speed.

The minimum tread depth allowed by law is 1.6 millimeters. And after that you must replace the tires.
Tire pressure: Having the right tire pressure is important for your safety. Because it affects how well and how fast you can stop. You should follow the guidelines from the manufacturer to change the pressure, which are in the vehicle manual. It is important to check the tire pressure when the tires become cold. If the air inside them warms up, the pressure will go up and the information you get will be wrong.

2. The lights

It’s important to check the lights, especially if you’re going to be traveling at night. You need to make sure that all of your lights work right so that you don’t blind other drivers. You should also know that if the motorcycle is too heavy, the back end will sag and the lights will go up, which can make it hard to see. In this case, you need to change the suspension or the height of the light to make sure you can travel safely. Lastly, we suggest that you always bring extra lights with you, just in case something goes wrong on the way.

3. Rearview mirrors

Before going on a trip, it’s very important to clean the rear-view mirrors well, since they help you see where you’re going. In the same way, you have to adjust them to put them in the right place and fix them so they don’t move.

4. The engine

When you check the engine, you should make sure it isn’t leaking fluid or making strange noises. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check the starter, air filters, oil, and coolant.

Leaks: It’s important to make sure that the engine isn’t leaking any liquid. If you find any, you should take your car to a mechanic right away. You should also make sure the engine isn’t making any strange sounds.
Starting: It’s important to check how the engine starts both when it’s cold and when it’s hot. In both cases, the engine needs to respond right away, and the smoke coming out of it needs to be clean.
The oil: One of the most important things to check is the level of engine oil, because if there is a problem, the motorcycle won’t work right and the chance of getting into an accident will go up. It’s important to change the oil and filter once a year or after a certain number of miles. If you can, we suggest that you get a new one before you go.
Level of coolant: You can check the level of coolant when it’s hot or cold, but always on level ground.

You have to make sure that the air filter is clean.

5. The brakes

You should pay close attention to the level of brake fluid and make sure it is clear. Additionally, you must check the cables, pipes, discs, drums, and front and back brake pads. You should change them, if they are worn.

6. Transmission

The chain needs a lot of care, so check it every few kilometers and lubricate it often. It is important to make sure that it has the voltage that the manufacturer says it has. Check the fluid level and make sure there are no leaks on a motorcycle with a cardan transmission. Lastly, if your motorcycle has a belt drive, you should check that the tension is what the manufacturer says it should be and that the belt is in good shape.

7. ITV

Before going on a trip, you should make sure that all of your paperwork is in order. To do this, you must make sure that your ITV is still valid and that the sticker can be seen.

Recommendations

The DGT recommends that you bring the following things with you on your trip to make it even safer: a puncture repair kit, a reflective vest to wear in case you break down or if the weather is bad, and spare lamps, since the agents could stop your motorcycle if one of its lights is burned out, which is dangerous for road safety.