The vital functions

Before setting off, it is prudent to take a quick look at your motorcycle's vital parts: tyres, brakes, engine, transmission. Check that the tyres are not cut or deflated.

Tyres

An under- or over-inflated tyre is difficult to see with the naked eye (if you can see it, it means your tyre is only one quarter of the recommended pressure).

Normally, you should check the pressure every two weeks.

But every time you ride your machine, make sure your tyres are not cut by some sharp object, or that there are no cracks in the walls.

Transmission

Drive shafts and belts do not generally pose problems, whereas chains require regular servicing. Incorrect chain tension or alignment can be heard when driving, whereas the need to grease it can be seen at a glance. A shiny chain needs lubricating.

Lighting

Even more on a motorcycle than in a car, as a result of the limited frontal surface area, seeing and being seen is essential to safety.
As a motorcycle only has one headlight, its adjustment is of prime importance; more and more motorcycles now have an accessible adjuster wheel.

Depending on the model, changing a bulb can be quite tricky. It might be a good idea to practice changing a bulb, so as not to be caught out if you need to do it in the dark...

And we don't need to remind you that you must have your dipped beams on for motorcycle daytime driving. Today, modern motorcycles do not even have a headlight switch: the lights come on automatically when the ignition is switched on. So you need to check your lights and direction indicators regularly, front and rear, as well as the brake light.

A few motorcycles have optional foglights. In the seventies, some Japanese bikes had a lighting fault warning light on the instrument cluster. Unfortunately, this function has disappeared.

Leaks

Your motorcycle uses numerous fluids: brake fluid, drive shaft, suspension, engine, gearbox, coolant, petrol, there are plenty of sources of leaks. These can be seen quite easily… on a bike which is cleaned regularly

Controls

A clutch which stiffens, an accelerator cable which does not return properly, these are all possible causes of a breakdown or even an accident.

A clutch which stiffens, an accelerator cable which does not return properly, these are all possible causes of a breakdown or even an accident. Regularly greasing the cables is a safety precaution. Simply spray the grease into the cable outers.

Keeping your machine clean

 Keeping your machine clean enables you to immediately detect any fluid leaks: brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, suspension.

It also enables you to keep an eye on the chain and see if it needs lubrication

• Want to know more ? Read also: