Motorcycle Safety Checks: Take the Time, Not the Chance!

May is always designated as motorcycle safety month. This is to help awareness as to equipment safety on the motorcycle itself as well as to raise awareness to the general public. This article will focus on some safety tips that deal specifically with the motorcycle and other safety equipment.

General Maintenance

In most states, motorcycles have been sitting in garages, waiting out the winter weather. That first burst of warm weather will entice the owner to drag the bike out for a quick ride. Never be tempted to do this with out being certain the motorcycle is in good condition.

1. Check those tires! It doesn't matter if they were new last season and have hardly any miles on them. If you failed to get them up off of the floor, they may have developed flat spots from sitting in the same spot. If the storage space was overly damp, or extremely dry, the tires may have become rotted or cracked. Closely inspect the tread and the side walls for any signs of deterioration. Use a tire gauge to check for proper inflation.

2. Inspect the drive chain. Some motorcycles have chain drives and some have drive shafts. Chains, especially, can cause a big problem if they are not maintained. Look to make sure the chain has not rusted while sitting. If it has, it needs to be cleaned and lubricated before riding the motorcycle.

3. Inspect the sprockets. The chain rides on sprockets to turn the back wheel of the motorcycle. Make sure there are no missing, or broken, teeth on the sprocket and that it is free of rust or dirt accumulation.

4. Inspect the motorcycle wiring. The motorcycle could have been a winter home for mice and or other critters. They may have built nests and chewed the wiring in places you can't readily see. Follow all of the wiring as far as possible to make sure there are no frayed or broken areas. Check under the seat as well. You may find a mouse nest or even a spiders home!

5. Check the motorcycle's gas lines. Gas lines, just like gaskets, can dry out and become brittle. If you have drained the gas for storage, fill the motorcycle tank with clean fresh gas. Turn the gas on (if your model requires this) and check to make sure there isn't any gas leaking from either the bottom of the tank, or any of the lines. If you see gas dripping, repair the lines before you start the motorcycle!

6. Check all of the fluid levels. Motorcycles, just like cars, need adequate fluids to operate safely. Brake fluid and oil is very important to safe motorcycle operation. If the fluids check out okay, start the motorcycle and place it in neutral. Check for any fluid leaks. Gaskets can dry out while the motorcycle is stored. Never operate a motorcycle that is leaking any kind of fluids. This safety rule could possibly save your life!

7. Make sure the motorcycle can be seen! This means checking all of the lights on the motorcycle. Cars cannot avoid you if the can't see you. Be sure that the headlight, taillight, brake light and turn signals are all working properly. Be safe, not sorry. Replace any bulbs that are bad before you take the motorcycle out on the road, even if it is day light. A bright headlight helps you to be seen in the day time.

Safety Checks for Any Motorcycle Rider

The above tips are not just for a motorcycle that has been stored over the winter! If you are purchasing a used motorcycle, you should follow these tips before you ride the bike. Do not take anyone's word for the condition of the motorcycle. You are taking your life, and possibly someone else's for granted, if you do not do your own thorough inspection.

1. Never attempt to ride a motorcycle that is too big, or too small, for you. Fit the motorcycle to you, not you to the motorcycle. To often people choose a motorcycle that is too large or to small to be comfortable. When you are purchasing a motorcycle, make sure your arms or legs are not stretched out uncomfortably, or scrunched in, on a smaller motorcycle. You cannot operate the controls safely if you cannot swiftly reach them.

2. Be sure of your riding skills. First time riders may become over confident. If you are a new rider, take it slow at first. Always ride with another motorcycle. You may think you are a safe rider, but you may encounter obstacles that only an experienced motorcycle rider will know how to handle. To be a safe motorcycle rider, also means being an experienced one!

3. Respect other motorists! Some people just don't pay attention, or even see, motorcycles. Keep your lights on and wear bright clothing. Follow other vehicles at a safe distance. Motorcycles get "hidden" in other vehicle's blind spots. Always make sure you are positioned in the road for best visibility.

As the weather warms, and more and more motorcycles hit the road, help to make it a fun safe year, by being aware that they are out there. Motorcyclists have just as much right to be on the road as cars, trucks, or semis. Remember that they are smaller and a lot harder to see. Remember too, that motorcycle riders and their passengers are more vulnerable to injury in case of an accident.

May is motorcycle safety awareness month! Do your part - start seeing motorcycles!