T-CLOCS Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist

What to Check and What to Look for

T- TIRES & WHEELS

  • Tires
    • Condition: Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges, embedded objects.
    • Air Pressure: Check when cold, adjust to load.
  • Wheels
    • Spokes: Bent, broken, missing, tension, check at top of wheel: “ring” = OK — “thud” = loose spoke.
    • Cast: Cracks, dents.
    • Rims: Out of round/true = 5mm. Spin wheel, index against stationary pointer.
    • Bearings: Grab top and bottom of tire and flex: No freeplay (click) between hub and axle, no growl when spinning.
    • Seals: Cracked, cut or torn, excessive grease on outside, reddish-brown around outside.
  • Brakes
    • Function: Each brake alone keeps bike from rolling.
    • Condition: Check pads and discs for wear.

C- CONTROLS

  • Handlebars
    • Condition: Bars are straight, turn freely, handgrips and bar ends are secure.
  • Levers and Pedal
    • Condition: Broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar levers, proper adjustment.
    • Pivots: Lubricated.
  • Cables
    • Condition: Fraying, kinks, lubrication: ends and interior.
    • Routing: No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire supports in place.
  • Hoses
    • Condition: Cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, deterioration.
    • Routing: No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, hose supports in place.
  • Throttle
    • Operation: Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving when handlebars are turned.

L- LIGHTS & ELECTRICS

  • Battery
    • Condition: Terminals; clean and tight, electrolyte level, held down securely.
    • Vent Tube: Not kinked, routed properly, not plugged.
  • Headlamp
    • Condition: Cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system.
    • Aim: Height and right/left.
  • Tail lamp/brake lamp
    • Condition: Cracks, clean and tight.
    • Operation: Activates upon front brake/rear brake application.
  • Turn signals
    • Operation: Flashes correctly.
  • Switches
    • Operation: All switches function correctly: engine cut-off, hi/low beam, turn signal.
  • Mirrors
    • Condition: Cracks, clean, tight mounts and swivel joints.
    • Aim: Adjust when seated on bike.
  • Lenses & Reflectors
    • Condition: Cracked, broken, securely mounted, excessive condensation.
  • Wiring
    • Condition: Fraying, chafing, insulation.
    • Routing: Pinched, no interference or pulling at steering head or suspension, wire looms and ties in place, connectors tight, clean.

O- OIL & OTHER FLUIDS

  • Levels
    • Engine Oil: Check warm on center stand on level ground, dipstick, sight glass.
    • Gear Oil, Shaft Drive: Transmission, rear drive, shaft.
    • Hydraulic Fluid: Brakes, clutch, reservoir or sight glass.
    • Coolant: Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank — check only when cool.
    • Fuel: Tank or gauge.
  • Leaks
    • Engine Oil: Gaskets, housings, seals.
    • Gear Oil, Shaft Drive: Gaskets, seals, breathers.
    • Hydraulic Fluid: Hoses, master cylinders, calipers.
    • Coolant: Radiator, hoses, tanks, fittings, pipes.
    • Fuel: Lines, fuel valve, carbs.

C- CHASSIS

  • Frame
    • Condition: Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting.
    • Steering-Head Bearings: No detent or tight spots through full travel, raise front wheel, check for play by pulling/pushing forks.
    • Swingarm Bushings: Raise rear wheel, check for play by pushing/pulling swingarm.
  • Suspension
    • Front Forks: Smooth travel, equal air pressure/damping, anti-dive settings.
    • Rear Shock(s): Smooth travel, equal pre-load/air pressure/damping settings, linkage moves freely and is lubricated.
  • Chain or Belt
    • Tension: Check at tightest point.
    • Lubrication: Side plates when hot. Note: do not lubricate belts.
    • Sprockets: Teeth not hooked, securely mounted.
  • Fasteners
    • Threaded: Tight, missing bolts, nuts.
    • Clips & Cotter: Pins Broken, missing.

S- STANDS

  • Center stand
    • Condition: Cracks, bent.
    • Retention: Springs in place, tension to hold position.
  • Side stand
    • Condition: Cracks, bent (safety cut-out switch or pad equipped).
    • Retention: Springs in place, tension to hold position.

pdf download

For Questions Contact:

Corey Eastman
Director of Rider Education Expansion
Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Monday-Friday
9 AM – 5 PM (West Coast Time)