Stay safe on the road! Before revving the throttle, follow this motorcycle pre-ride inspection guide. Mainstreet Performance LLC in Katy, TX, walks you through the process.

You wouldn’t skydive with a "probably fine" parachute—so why ride a bike that hasn’t had a quick check? A motorcycle pre-ride inspection isn’t about doubting your machine; it’s about trusting it completely.

Here’s the deal: You could literally save your life by spending 5 minutes checking your ride before each use. That being said, let’s break down the must-check list so you can ride smarter, safer, and with total confidence.

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1. Tires: Where Rubber Meets Road

Your tires are basically your lifeline—so let’s make sure they’re not plotting against you.

• Tread & Condition: Run your fingers over the tread. If it’s looking balder than your uncle Larry, it’s time for new rubber. And while you’re at it, check for nails, cracks, or anything sketchy lodged in there.
• Air Pressure: Guessing doesn’t cut it—grab a gauge and check. Underinflated? You’ll handle it like a soggy noodle. Overinflated? Say hello to a harsh ride and sketchy grip.
• Sidewalls & Valves: Bulges or cracks? Bad news. Are valve caps loose or missing? Easy fix—tighten ‘em up before they ghost you mid-ride.

2. Wheels: Keeping You Rolling Smoothly

If your wheels aren’t happy, your ride won’t be either.

• Rims: Give ‘em a spin. Dents or bends? That’s a hard no—get ‘em fixed before they ruin your day.
• Spokes (if you’ve got ‘em): Tap ‘em lightly. A nice ping means they’re tight; a dull thud means trouble.
• Bearings & Axles: Lift the wheel off the ground and wiggle it. Any play? Your bearings might be staging a mutiny.

3. Brakes: Your Lifesaving System

Brakes are like that friend who tells you when you’re about to do something stupid—listen to them.

• Pads & Rotors: Peek at your brake pads. If they’re thinner than your patience in traffic, swap ‘em out. Rotors should be smooth—deep grooves mean they’re crying for help.
• Fluid & Lines: Check the reservoir. Low fluid? Top it off (and figure out why it’s low). Squishy lever? There might be air in the lines—time to bleed ‘em.

4. Controls: Ensuring Proper Handling

If your controls feel off, your ride will too.

• Throttle: Twist it. Does it snap back like it’s mad at you? That's good. If it sticks, lube it or get it fixed fast.
• Clutch (if you’ve got one): Should engage smoothly, and not feel like you’re arm-wrestling a gorilla.
• Levers and cables: Are they loose, sticky, or frayed? That’s not okay. Tighten, lube, or replace them before they leave you stranded.

5. Lights & Electrics: Be Seen, Be Safe

Nobody wants to be that invisible rider at night.

• Headlight & Taillight: Flash ‘em. High beam, low beam, brake light—all working? Sweet.
• Turn Signals: Blinkers should blink, not just sit there looking sad.
• Horn: Give it a honk. If it whimpers instead of roars, fix it—you’ll need it when someone cuts you off.

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6. Fluids: Your Bike’s Lifeblood

Low or dirty fluids \= a very unhappy motorcycle.

• Oil: Check the dipstick. If it’s dark and gritty, your engine’s begging for a change.
• Coolant (if your bike’s liquid-cooled): Low? Top it off. Leaking? Find the problem before you overheat.
• Brake/Clutch Fluid: Cloudy or low? Time for some TLC.

7. Chassis & Frame: Keep It All Together

A wobbly bike is a scary bike.

• Frame & Welds: Cracks or stress marks? Big red flag—get it checked.
• Footpegs & Body Panels: Tighten anything loose before it vibrates off mid-ride.

8. Suspension: Because Potholes Happen

If your suspension’s shot, every bump will feel like a betrayal.

• Forks & Shock: Leaking oil? Bouncy like a trampoline? Time for service.
• Swingarm & Linkage: Any weird play? Bearings might be waving the white flag.

9. Chain or Belt: Don’t Let It Snap on You

A neglected chain is a ticking time bomb.

• Chain Slack: Too tight? Too loose? Adjust it to spec—your transmission will thank you.
• Lubrication: Dry and rusty? Lube it up before it starts screaming.

10. Lastly, Bolts & Fasteners: Tighten Up Before They Bail

Vibrations love loosening bolts—fight back.

• Critical Bolts: Axle nuts, handlebar clamps, engine mounts—give ‘em a twist to make sure they’re snug.
• Fairing Screws: Tighten any that are trying to escape.

A smooth ride starts with the right maintenance. Get premium synthetic oil at Mainstreet Performance LLC in Katy, TX. For expert advice, call (281) 746-8893. Need more supplies? Restock everything for your motorcycle pre-ride inspection at AMSOIL’s online store!