MSF Basic eCourse
Motorcycle Fit - correct answerYour motorcycle should be one you can handle well. Two primary features to consider are Seat Height and overall Motorcycle Size.
The seat should be low enough so your feet can reach the ground and support the motorcycle.
Overall motorcycle size generally refers to engine size, which is referred to in cubic centimeters (cc's), or cubic inches. Motorcycles with larger engines are generally heavier and more powerful than those with smaller engines. Pick a size that is right for your strength and skill level so you can handle it well. Additionally, you may be able to adjust the controls or change the seat to fit you better.
Pre-Ride Inspection - correct answerA pre-ride inspection only takes a few minutes, and should be as routine as brushing your teeth. It's easy to check important parts, but each item should be checked before every ride. This helps you find problems before they become serious. Your best source of information is the motorcycle owner's manual. A good inspection method is called T-CLOCS. It stands for
Tires and Wheels, Controls, Lights and Electrics, Oil and other Fluids, Chassis, and Stands.
Tires and Wheels - correct answerIs your bike ready to ride? Will it perform the way it should? If not, it might leave you stranded, your repair or maintenance costs might go way up, or it might not even be safe to ride.
Do a pre-ride check. We call it T-CLOCS.
T, for tires and wheels.
Your tires provide the grip you need for accelerating, braking, and cornering. And because motorcycles lean, the tires experience tremendous stresses. Tires are very important parts of your motorcycle and you really need to maintain them to stay safe.
So, check the condition of your tires, inspecting tread depth and looking for uneven wear, and seeing if there's anything that could cause a flat.
Ideally, check air pressure before every ride.
Check the pressure when cool, before you ride, and set it to the numbers listed in your owner's manual or on the side of the bike, usually between 30 and 40 PSI. Don't use the maximum pressure listed on the tire's sidewall, which is probably not the correct pressure for your motorcycle. Having the incorrect tire pressure can cause a blowout, can cause poor handling and ride, and can even cost you money with bad fuel economy and shorter tire life.
Your wheels are important, too.
If your bike has spokes, make sure they're in good shape and properly tightened with a spoke wrench. You should hear a ping when you tap each one, not a thud.
Whichever type of wheels you have, look for any damage and spin them to see if they're bent in any way. You might need to visit a wheel-straightening service recommended by the manufacturer or a dealership.
Check the wheel seals for cracks or excessive grease. And make certain the bearings don't have free-
play. First, make sure the bike is stable, then grab the top and bottom of the tire and flex it back and forth. If you feel any free-play, take it in for service.
Next, check the brakes with a good squeeze and press while rolling the bike forward. If your brakes don't
work perfectly, get them serviced.
Controls - correct answerC, for controls.
The controls on your motorcycle are important for steering, accelerating, shifting, and braking. Making the motorcycle do what you want it to do.
Check the condition of your handlebars, making sure they're on tight, that they're straight, turn freely, and that the handgrips are secure. Operate all the levers and pedals, making sure they work smoothly. Adjust the position for the most comfort and control.
Check the cables for any fraying, and lubricate them, as recommended, for smooth action. Look at any hydraulic hoses for any cracks, leaks, bulges, or signs of age. Make sure the cables and hoses don't have any bad kinks or sharp angles.
It's very important to make sure the throttle moves freely and snaps fully closed, with the handlebar in any position. If it doesn't, there might be a problem with the throttle grip or the cable routing, which could lead to your throttle getting stuck in the wide-open position. Not fun, and certainly not safe.
Lights and Electrics - correct answerL, for lights and electrics.
On many motorcycles, electrical wiring and parts are more out in the open, not undercover like with a car, and therefore, they're more likely to suffer from wear, tear and rust.
So, inspect the battery terminals to make sure they're clean. If you don't have a sealed battery, check the electrolyte levels and add distilled water as needed.
Every so often, check the wiring for any fraying, chafing, or missing insulation. Wires shouldn't be pinched. Connectors should be tight and clean.
