A Pre-ride Checklist for Honda Motorcycles

You’re about to take your Honda motorcycle for a ride. There’s more prep you need to do than just throw on a helmet (but of course, always do that too). A pre-ride inspection helps you catch little problems in the safety of your neighborhood before they become big problems traveling at top speeds on the highway. It’s important to do, but can be tough to remember every step each time. Check out our pre-ride checklist below so you don’t miss a thing. If during the check you discover your bike needs maintenance, bring it by America’s Motorsports in Dickson, Tennessee.

Tires

Without tires, you aren’t going anywhere. It’s important to maintain your tires and that starts with a pre-ride check. First off, check the tire pressure with a tire gauge. Proper inflation helps optimize the distribution of the motorcycle’s weight, acceleration, and braking forces on the tread. This gives you a more comfortable ride and better fuel economy. In contrast, tires that aren’t inflated correctly will wear tread down faster. Your owner’s manual will have the correct tire pressure amount. Do your check in the morning when the tire is cold for the most accurate information.

Next, you’ll want to examine the tread. As you ride, tread gets worn down. It’s unsafe to drive when the tread is too worn down because the tires won’t be able to maintain proper traction with the road. The general accepted measurement of “too worn down” is around 2/23-inch. Tread can get worn down by improper inflation or poor wheel alignment. If one tire tread is more worn down than the other, it could suggest one of these larger problems.

Fluids

Fluids help your Honda motorcycle run. Start by checking engine oil. Is it free of water and other impurities? Is it not too dark? Is it not a sludge-like consistency? Is there enough of it?

Next is the brake fluids. Some bikes have front and back reserves. Make sure to examine both for the proper amount. Finally, check the level of coolant (if your bike uses liquid cooling).

Brakes, Clutch, and Throttle

You’ll need to be driving to test these. You won’t want to hop on the highway just yet (in case you discover something is wrong). But you can ride around the blocks near your house. As you ride, look for anything unusual.

Test your brakes. See if you need to apply any more force than normal or if they’re tough to move. Look for any grinding or excessive vibrations. If there’s anything out of the ordinary, it could be a sign of a problem.

Next, scope out your throttle. It should open and close with ease. If your bike idles in a gear it shouldn’t, it could indicate your throttle isn’t closing fully.

Finally, examine your clutch. It should let you change gears easily. There should be no extra grinding or vibrations.

Lights

Your lights help you see and be seen. Make sure they are all visible and bright. Test your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. You can’t drive safely if other motorists can’t see you!

With a few simple steps, you can prepare your bike for safe and fun riding. Honda motorcycles are built to provide the safety and adrenaline motorcyclists seek. It’s no wonder they’re so popular! If you are ready to make the plunge, visit America’s Motorsports Dickson. We proudly serve the areas of Dickson, Clarksville, and Columbia, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama. We offer new and used Honda motorcycles in many styles and models. Take a test drive to find that perfect match. If you already own a Honda motorcycle, you can always bring it over for maintenance or parts upgrade.