360 Walkaround Part 2

Last week we talked about the two most important parts of a motorcycle brakes and tires which are two of the checks performed during a 360 degree walk around. This week we will finish the process. A 360 walk around is not the same as a full safety inspection but it will make your ride safer and possibly avoid damage to your machine.

1) Tire Pressure

Not only does incorrect tire pressure affect handling (a serious safety issue)
it also drastically reduces tire life. According to Terry Waibel, tire
engineer for Goodyear Commercial Tire under inflation of tires can reduce their
usable life by 16%.

2) Chain/Belt Tension (Not Applicable if your machine is shaft drive.

The proper chain or belt tension is critical. Rule of thumb: too loose is better
than too tight. However, always check the specs for your bike. There is an
excellent tutorial here on the basics of adjusting chain slack. However, some bikes have much more radical adjustments than stated in the tutorial. Again, check your manual.

Belt tension is a little trickier because it typically requires and tension gauge. There is an excellent explanation here.


3) Fluid Levels (Engine Oil, Primary, Trans, etc.)

This one seems obvious but it is often overlooked. I have seen several bikes with major damage lately because components were starved for oil. A 10 second check could have prevented that.

4) Exhaust Inspection.

Pipes and headers vibrate A LOT! Check for loose nuts.

5) Cables.

Anything loose or sloppy? Particularly check for clutch freeplay...could save you a ton on a clutch re-build.

6) Operation of lights.

'Nuff Said...

7) Operation of horn.

There is an arguable expression that "loud pipes save lives," I still want to make sure my horn works!