Inspections seeming tough?
Here are some tips to make it easier.
Hello, everyone!
In this article, we will take a look at daily inspections.
There are a number of different items that need to be inspected to ensure your motorcycle offers a safe and comfortable experience.
They range from items you can inspect yourself to those that require professional skill.
In this article, we will focus on what you, the user, should be keeping in mind on a daily basis.
Carrying out the right inspections based on how you use your motorcycle each day will help you detect any problems early and extend the lifespan of consumable parts used with your bike.
Give inspection a try; it'll help you have a safer, more comfortable motorcycle experience!
Index
1. Inspecting Brakes
Your brakes directly influence the safety of your motorcycle. A number of consumable parts are also used with your brakes, and daily use will lead to wear and tear over time. That means it's essential to check this area.
1.1 Checking brake effectiveness
Check that the front and rear brakes are working properly.
Check the brakes by pushing the vehicle body forward while holding the brake lever and depressing the brake pedal.
1.2 Checking the condition of your parts
Check the amount of play in the brake lever and pedal.
The right amount of play will help prevent unexpected brake actuation and other issues.
If your motorcycle has mechanical brakes, you can adjust the amount of play yourself.
Check the owner's manual for adjustment instructions.
If your motorcycle has hydraulic brakes, make sure to also check the brake fluid level.
Wear in your brake pads will result in low brake fluid levels.
Check your reserve tanks, located around the handlebars and rear of the motorcycle, to see the condition of the brake fluid.
If the fluid is below the minimum, consult your dealer.
2. Inspecting Tires
Since tires are made of rubber, their condition can easily change depending on usage and environment.
They are also constantly damaged by road surfaces.
Check them on a daily basis to ensure a comfortable ride.
2.1 Checking air pressure
Tire pressure checks are surprisingly often overlooked.
Even when not in use, air pressure gradually decreases, so we recommend checking the tire pressure with a tire gauge at least once a month.
Don't check your tires just after a ride; warm tires may show a higher air pressure than they actually have. Wait until they have cooled off before your check.
2.2 Checking for damage
Check the tire surface for cracks or foreign objects.
If you find any damage on your tires, consult your local dealer before riding your bike.
2.3 Checking tread wear
Tires will gradually wear down as a result of day-to-day riding. Each brand of tire has a different useful lifespan, and you can check the remaining tire life by looking at the Tread Wear Indicator (TWI). A minimum tread depth is also specified for models with 126cc or larger engines; check your owner's manual for details.
3. Inspecting the engine area
Engine oil and coolant are used to protect the engine, and failure to check these may result in reduced engine performance.
Be sure to check these and keep your engine performing at its best!
3.1 Checking engine oil level
Engine oil will gradually deplete depending on how you use your bike, so check its level regularly.
You can see the engine oil level with the level gauge or through the inspection window.
However, the tilt of your particular model may influence how you check your vehicle, including use of a side stand or center stand. Check your owner's manual for information.
If your engine oil level is below the minimum, replenish it to the maximum using a recommended engine oil.
3.2 Coolant
Coolant will also gradually deplete depending on usage, so check it regularly.
There is a level line in the reservoir tank that you can use to check the coolant level.
If it is below the minimum, replenish it to the maximum using a recommended coolant.
3.3 Checking for oil and coolant leaks
Check for oil and coolant leaks around the engine.
If either appears to be draining in a significant way, please consult your dealer.
4. Inspecting Lights
Though LEDs have become more widespread recently, coming with less issues like bulb burnout versus conventional lights, be sure to inspect these thoroughly, just in case!
4.1 Headlights
Switch the headlights from high to low to check they are functioning properly.
They are easy to check during the day as well! Just hold your hand in front of the lights.
4.2 Turn Signals
Switch the turn signal switch from left to right and check that the turn signals are switching properly.
For models equipped with hazard lights, please check these as well.
In normal use, our rear lights are out of sight and are therefore especially easy to overlook, so be sure to check these.
4.3 Stop and tail lights
Tail lights are also often overlooked because they are usually out of sight.
Don't forget to check that your stop lights work properly as well as the always-on tail lights!
5. Summary
In this article, we presented some of the items that you should be aware of in your daily inspections.
We hope you will stay aware of these and inspect your bike on a daily basis so you can have a safe and comfortable motorcycle experience.
You may even make some new discoveries in the process!