With the New Year ahead of us, it’s time to ensure our ride is ready for the road. A look at the basics can head off significant problems later.
Top safety checks to make for a motorcycle before riding
One of the first items to check is our oil and filter. Even though you may still need to get the mileage, having not ridden your bike for prolonged periods would still necessitate an oil change. This is because your oil will still break down over time, and condensation can form, leading to the formation of acids in the oil. As a general rule, change the oil at least once a year (or every 6 months if the bike sits for long periods), regardless of mileage. Mileage-based intervals depend on the oil type. Every 2,000-3,000 miles for mineral oil, 5,000–6,000 miles for semi-synthetic, and 7,000–10,000 miles for fully synthetic. Always confirm with your owner’s manual.
| Oil Type | Typical Change Interval | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Every 2,000–3,000 miles or annually | Older / standard commuter bikes |
| Semi-synthetic | Every 5,000–6,000 miles or annually | Mid-range street motorcycles |
| Fully synthetic | Every 7,000–10,000 miles or annually | Modern, high-performance bikes |
Check your tires, make sure the pressure is correct, and there is no weather checking on the side walls. Also check tread depth. New motorcycle tires typically start with 6/32″ to 8/32″ of tread. The U.S. DOT legal minimum is 2/32″, but most tire manufacturers and safety experts recommend planning a replacement once depth falls to 3/32″–4/32″, since wet-weather grip drops sharply before you hit the legal limit. Most modern motorcycle tires also have built-in tread wear indicator (TWI) bars in the grooves, once those bars sit flush with the surrounding tread, the tire needs to be replaced.
Tire pressure is just as critical, and there is no single “correct” number, it varies by bike type, load, and the manufacturer’s spec on the swingarm sticker or in the owner’s manual. As a guide, most street motorcycles run somewhere in the 28–42 PSI range (cold), with sportbikes typically at the lower end and heavier cruisers and touring bikes at the higher end. Always check pressure when the tires are cold (parked at least 2–3 hours).
| Bike Type | Typical Front PSI (cold) | Typical Rear PSI (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Sportbike | 30–33 | 32–36 |
| Standard / Middleweight | 33–36 | 36–39 |
| Cruiser | ~36 | 40–42 |
| Touring (loaded / two-up) | ~36–42 | ~42 (often +2–4 PSI when loaded) |
| Dirt bike (off-road) | 15–19 | 15–19 |
If your bike uses a chain, inspect it for proper tension, lubrication, and worn or hooked sprocket teeth. If it uses a drive belt, check it for cracks, tears, and punctures that might compromise power to your rear wheel, not to mention your safety while on the road. Shaft-drive bikes need a final-drive oil check per the service schedule.
How are those brake pads front and rear? We sometimes forget about them until it’s too late, and we need them. Squeeze each lever and pedal individually, both brakes should hold the bike firmly and feel firm, not spongy.
Lighting is important; do you have a turn signal not working? Is your brake light working, or is a bulb burnt out or the brake light switch bad? Having all your lights working correctly is essential for you and the other drivers on the road, who sometimes claim to have the “I didn’t see you syndrome.”
So, in conclusion, the moral of this story is to make sure you and your bike are ready for the riding season. Daylight will be extended, temperatures will be warming up, and your friends will be with you.
Keep the rubber side down and a smile on your face!
Here are some of the top FAQs for preparing your bike
What should you do before you start your Motorcycle?
Before you start your Motorcycle, confirm all essential components are in place. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) recommends the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection. A six-point check covering Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and other fluids, Chassis, and Stands. This entails verifying that the engine has no leaks, that oil and coolant levels are correct, and that the brake fluid is topped up. Additionally, confirm all your lights and turn signals are working correctly. Finally, make sure that your brakes are properly adjusted and in good condition. By using these simple steps before you start your bike, you can avoid any unexpected events down the road!
What should beginner motorcycle riders know?
Motorcycling can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it does require some basic knowledge. Therefore, when you first start, it is essential to know the basic safety rules of the road. These include learning to ride correctly in traffic and to brake safely. Also, remain aware of your surroundings and avoid riding in unsafe or dangerous areas.
Be sure to wear proper clothing that will protect you from wind chill temperatures and weather conditions on your route. Emergency supplies like flares and first-aid kits should also be handy if something goes wrong on your ride. And finally, never drink alcohol while Motorcycle riding, this is Dangerous!
How do you prepare a motorcycle for a long ride?
When preparing your Motorcycle for a long ride, it is important to ensure that it is well-oiled and in good condition. First, clean the bike thoroughly using a degreaser and water. Next, oil all moving parts with high-quality motor oil. Next, ensure all brackets are tight and the hinges are aligned correctly. Next, set tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure listed on the bike’s swingarm/frame placard or in the owner’s manual, typically somewhere in the 28-42 PSI range for street bikes, with adjustments for two-up riding or extra luggage (often +2-4 PSI on the rear). Brakes should be properly adjusted according to the motorcycle owner’s manual guidelines, and the battery is connected and charged appropriately per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Finally, check all instruments and lights while riding to avert any unexpected problems during the upcoming journey!
