Safety First: What to Check Before You Ride a Motorcycle

Most motorcycle owners skip checking their ride before going for a trip. If you are one of them, remember that this five-minute pre-ride check can save your life and the others on the street. 
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Below is a list of the things that you need to check before you ride a motorcycle:

Check Your Mood
You are not you when you are angry. When you are angry, and you ride your motorcycle, chances are, you will drive fast and in a fury. You will do a lot of cutting, dodging, and drafting on the road, and that is not the best thing to do as riding on a two-wheeled vehicle alone is already dangerous in the first place. Take a few moments and calm yourself down before taking a ride.

Check the Tires
Unchecked tires can cause horrible accidents. Make sure that your tire is in excellent condition before using your motorcycle. Check your manual to see how much air pressure you should apply to each tire. Check the tread for any object that might get stuck in it. Look for any signs suggesting that you need to replace your tires such as wears, cupping, and cuts. It is recommended not to use tires that are five years old and above.

Check the Breaks, Clutch, and Cable
To check your breaks, drive a few steps and then break to see if it is working correctly. Do the same on with the clutch, but this time, drive and try to shift to see if the clutch is in excellent condition. Do not forget checking the cables for any visible damage.

Oil and Fuel
Always check the level of your fuel and oil. The entire mechanism of the motorcycle relies on oil, changing it on time can save your ride from tons of problems. Check your fuel gauge to see if you have enough fuel to your destination.

Overall Status of the Motorcycle
Take a good, long look at your motorcycle. This will give you an idea if something is wrong and needs attention. By doing this, you can notice if the motorcycle has oil leaks, improper alignment of the tires and too loose or too tight of chains. If you are driving at night, make sure to check the lights as well.

Safety Gears
Don’t forget your safety gears such as helmets, gloves, elbow and knee pads, and safety vest. 

Aside from checking your motorcycle for safety, make sure that you have motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle insurance provides financial protection against physical damage and liabilities.

At Jacobs Insurance Solutions, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (817) 485-8989 or Click Here to request a free quote.