Before starting the bike, check the following (refer to Figure 1):
- Check the cables for kinks or broken strands. Lubricate the cables.
- Make sure your tyres are in good condition. Check the following features:
- Air pressure: the bike won’t handle properly if the air pressure is too low or too high. This affects braking and steering. Check your owner’s manual for the correct tyre pressure – incorrect tyre pressure contributes to bike crashes.
- Worn or uneven tread: this affects the bike’s handling and makes it harder to control on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Cuts, nails stuck in the tread and cracks in the sidewalls. A tyre blowout is extremely dangerous.
- Check all light bulbs are working and the lenses are clean.
- Check the drive chain or belt for lubrication, wear and adjustment. Your owner’s manual will explain how to correctly adjust these.
- If your bike has mirrors:
- Clean and adjust them before you start. It’s dangerous to ride with one hand while adjusting a mirror.
- Adjust them outward to see around your own body. When riding on the road, you should see about half of the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you.
- Check your bike’s owner’s manual for the right types of fuel and oil. Make sure they are at the correct levels before you start riding – your engine will seize without oil. This could lock up your rear wheel and make you lose control.
- Try the front and rear brakes one at a time. Make sure each brake, when applied, holds the bike.
- Make sure clutch and throttle controls work smoothly.
- Make sure you can operate hand and foot controls when you sit comfortably on the bike.
- Try your dip switch to make sure both high and low beams work.
- If your bike has a hazard light switch, check that it works.
- Try each brake control and make sure each one flashes your brake light.
- Check that your horn works.
- Running out of petrol can be dangerous, especially if you can’t get off the road quickly. Know the fuel tap’s position and operation. Don’t ride long distances with the fuel tap on ‘reserve’. Only use the reserve tank to go back and refuel.