Motorcycle season is a little over a month away and Ride Safe Indiana wants you to be ready to take on the open road! To help you stay safe this motorcycle season, we’ve created a checklist with useful tips to follow before you hit the road!
Gear Up – Is your gear up to speed?
✅ Helmet - Wearing a helmet can be the difference between life and death, are you covered? Make sure your helmet meets all of this criteria:
- DOT-compliant
- Fits snuggly
- No obvious defects – cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps
✅ Eye and Face Protection – Faceshields and goggles can help protect you against debris or inclement weather. Proper face and eye protection must:
- Be free of scratches
- Be resistant to penetration
- Offer a clear, full range view
✅ Protective Clothing – The right clothing protects you in the event of a collision, makes you highly visible to others, and provides comfort and protection from various weather conditions.
- Jacket and Pants
- Boots
- Gloves
Get Reacquainted – Say hello to an old friend!
Although you may have only stored your motorcycle for a few weeks or months, it’s important to conduct a T-CLOCS inspection prior to hitting the road.
T – Tires and Wheels
- Check tire inflation pressure, tread wear, and general tire condition
- Inspect the front and rear brake levers
C – Controls
- Ensure both the clutch and the throttle operate smoothly
- Test the horn
L – Lights and Electrics
- Check both headlight and taillight
- Test left and right turn signals
- Try both brakes and check to see if brake lights turn on
- Clean and adjust mirrors as necessary
O – Oil and Other Fluids
- Check engine oil and transmission fluid levels
- Check brake and coolant levels
- Check fuel level
C – Chassis
- Inspect front suspension and rear shocks
- Ensure chain and belt are adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specifications
S – Stands
- Side stand should operate smoothly and hold tightly in the upright position
Preparing yourself and your motorcycle for the open road are important aspects in making sure you have a safe season this year. Learn more about preparing to ride at msf-usa.org or find a motorcycle safety or training course thru RSI.