Your Motorcycle Pre-Ride Checklist

Riding your motorcycle is fun and convenient, but you have to be safe about it. Inspecting your bike before every ride can help ensure that it’s in good shape for riding; a thorough inspection can also help you spot any maintenance issues that need to be addressed. As your Pennsylvania motorcycle dealer, we’ve assembled this quick guide to help you make sure your motorcycle is in good working order and safe to ride.

Check Tire Pressure & Condition

Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire on your bike. Air up tires according to the psi levels printed on the sidewall or indicated in your owner’s manual. While you’re down there, make sure that each tire is in good condition and that there are no leaks, balding treads, or objects embedded in the rubber.

Replenish Fluids

Always ensure you have at least a half-tank full of gas before each ride. Additionally, you should check your engine oil and your coolant to make sure these fluids are clean and replenished. You don’t want to ride your motorcycle if the oil is sludgy or the coolant is low.

Do a Test Ride 

Finally, it’s a smart idea to take your bike around the block so that you can try the brakes, lights, and signals. Listen for any strange noises and watch for any unusual smoke coming from the exhaust. Test all lights and signals and apply your brakes softly, then more firmly, as you approach a stop sign. If your bike passes the test, you can go about your day!

When you’re ready to check out motorcycles for sale in Pennsylvania, visit our dealership in Washington, PA, to see what we have in stock. Steel City Harley-Davidson® is proud to be your Pennsylvania motorcycle sales expert, serving our customers in greater Pittsburgh.