Motorcycle Pre-Trip Checklist

Wherever you’re headed on your Harley® motorcycle, it’s essential to start each ride with a pre-ride inspection. It doesn’t take long at all to ensure you’re all set for a safe, smooth, and enjoyable riding experience. One way to make this easier is by creating a motorcycle pre-trip checklist. Your local Harley® dealer has provided some information on what to cover in your inspection. 

If you need assistance with parts or service, visit us at Rock City Harley-Davidson® in Little Rock, AR! We also proudly serve Benton and Hot Springs.

Tires

A great place to start your pre-ride inspection is with the tires. While most of this will be preventative, it’s a critical step because it helps you catch issues before they become a major problem. You don’t want to be out enjoying a ride and suffer a blowout or loss of traction. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, which is crucial for preventative tire care. It’s also instrumental for better distribution of the forces placed on your tires, affecting acceleration, and braking due to the weight of your Harley®motorcycle.

The best way to go about this is with a tire pressure gauge. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended psi level. You should also make it a point to check the tire pressure first thing in the morning before riding. This is when your tires are cold and you’ll receive the most precise reading.

Fluids

Another key step in your inspection is to check your fluid levels. You’ll want to confirm you have the right amount of fluid and that it’s the right color and consistency. Check your engine oil with a dipstick. Remove it, wipe it off, re-insert it, then take a look at it. The oil should fall at the right spot on the dipstick that indicates there’s enough fluid. Your oil should also be a golden color, not dark brown or black.

When it comes to the brake fluid, you’ll want to check and see if there’s enough in the reservoir. Some Harley motorcycles have both a front and rear reserve for brake fluid. You’ll want to check both of them if this applies to your particular model.

You should get in the habit of topping off your fuel tank before you head out for a ride. You’ll be good to go if you add more fuel than you think you’ll need. You never know where the road is going to take you. It’s better to have more fuel than you need rather than not having enough.

Clutch, Throttle, & Brakes

Go for a short ride around your neighborhood to test your clutch, throttle, and brakes. You shouldn’t head for the highway until you’ve confirmed that everything is functioning properly. When you test your clutch, be on the lookout for any abnormal grinding or roughness. Make sure that the throttle is fully closing and that your Harley motorcycle doesn’t idle when it shouldn’t be. Your brakes should not grind, squeal, or vibrate. Any of these abnormalities could indicate a bigger underlying issue that needs attention.

Lights

Believe it or not, your lights are just as important as the other components. You’ll want to ensure that they’re all working correctly and aren’t in need of a replacement. Check the brake lights, headlights, and turn signals. Aside from functionality, you’ll also want to be sure that they’re bright and visible. Examine the lenses and wipe away any grime or dirt that might be stuck.

Once you’ve completed your pre-ride inspection, you’ll be ready for the next road adventure. For assistance with your Harley motorcycle, don’t hesitate to contact your local Harley dealer. Rock City Harley-Davidson® is conveniently located in Little Rock, AR near Benton and Hot Springs. If you’re still in the market for a new bike, we’d be happy to show you our impressive selection of Harley motorcycles for sale.