Motorcycle Touring Articles
You have your destination and route planned out. You have the date when you get to leave, all the arrangment have been made. You have the money set aside for your trip. You just figured out how to use your new GPS and you ordered new bags to pack your stuff in, but wait, what about your motorcycle. Will it be able to travel 4,000 miles on those tires? Before you leave on that motorcycle tour of a lifetime, make sure your bike is in tip-top shape to get you there. It is money well spent to send your bike to the garage for an inspection before you hit the road. Motorcycles are machines. Things can go wrong with machines and often do. You don't want to be broke down in the middle of nowhere, with electrical problems, because you didn't take the time to check your battery before you left on your trip. If you cannot afford the professional check of your bike, then you need to at least check all the fluid levels and condition including oil, brake fluid and engine coolant (on liquid cooled machines) . Check the tires for wear and proper tire pressure. Check brake, clutch and throttle cables, adjust and lubricate if necessary. Check battery and all lights. Check for loose or missing items. Below is a check list from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation of things that should be inspected. A day spent on preparation can prevent days of travel lost to a broken down motorcycle.
SM Inspection Checklist
T-CLOCS ITEM
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WHAT TO CHECK
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR
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CHECK-OFF
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T-TIRES & WHEELS
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Tires
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Condition
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Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges, embedded objects.
|
Front
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Rear
|
Air Pressure
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Check when cold, adjust to load.
|
Front
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Rear
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Wheels
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Spokes
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Bent, broken, missing, tension, check at top of wheel: "ring" = OK — "thud" = loose spoke
|
Front
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Rear
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Cast
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Cracks, dents.
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Front
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Rear
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Rims
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Out of round/true = 5mm. Spin wheel, index against stationary pointer.
|
Front
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Rear
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Bearings
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Grab top and bottom of tire and flex: No freeplay (click) between hub and axle, no growl when spinning.
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Front
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Rear
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Seals
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Cracked, cut or torn, excessive grease on outside, reddish-brown around outside.
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Front
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Rear
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Brakes
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Function
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Each brake alone keeps bike from rolling.
|
Front
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Rear
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C-CONTROLS
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Levers and Pedal
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Condition
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Broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar levers, proper adjustment.
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Pivots
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Lubricated.
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Cables
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Condition
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Fraying, kinks, lubrication: ends and interior.
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Routing
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No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire supports in place.
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Hoses
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Condition
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Cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, deterioration.
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Routing
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No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, hose supports in place.
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Throttle
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Operation
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Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving when handlebars are turned.
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L-LIGHTS
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Battery
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Condition
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Terminals; clean and tight, electrolyte level, held down securely.
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Vent Tube
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Not kinked, routed properly, not plugged.
|
Headlamp
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Condition
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Cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system.
|
Aim
|
Height and right/left.
|
Operation
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Hi beam/low beam operation.
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Tail lamp/brake lamp
|
Condition
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Cracks, clean and tight.
|
Operation
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Activates upon front brake/rear brake application.
|
Turn signals
|
Operation
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Flashes correctly.
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Front left
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Front right
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Rear left
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Rear right
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Mirrors
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Condition
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Cracks, clean, tight mounts and swivel joints.
|
Aim
|
Adjust when seated on bike.
|
Lenses & Reflectors
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Condition
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Cracked, broken, securely mounted, excessive condensation.
|
Wiring
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Condition
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Fraying, chafing, insulation.
|
Routing
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Pinched, no interference or pulling at steering head or suspension, wire looms and ties in place, connectors tight, clean.
|
O-OIL
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Levels
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Engine Oil
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Check warm on center stand on level ground, dipstick, sight glass.
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Hypoid Gear Oil, Shaft Drive
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Transmission, rear drive, shaft.
|
Hydraulic Fluid
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Brakes, clutch, reservoir or sight glass.
|
Coolant
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Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank — check only when cool.
|
Fuel
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Tank or gauge.
|
Leaks
|
Engine Oil
|
Gaskets, housings, seals.
|
Hypoid 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
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Frame
|
Condition
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Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting.
|
Steering-Head Bearings
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No detent or tight spots through full travel, raise front wheel, check for play by pulling/pushing forks.
|
Swingarm Bushings/Bearings
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Raise rear wheel, check for play by pushing/pulling swingarm.
|
Suspension
|
Front Forks
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Smooth travel, equal air pressure/damping, anti-dive settings.
|
Left
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Right
|
Rear Shock(s)
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Smooth travel, equal pre-load/air pressure/damping settings, linkage moves freely and is lubricated.
|
Left
|
Right
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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
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Threaded
|
Tight, missing bolts, nuts.
|
Clips
|
Broken, missing.
|
Cotter Pins
|
Broken, missing.
|
S-STANDS
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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.
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Leah Lind
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