5.3 Motorcycle Controls, Pre-Ride Checks and Maintenance

Motorcycle Controls, Pre-Ride Checks and Maintenance

A rider must know the motorcycle’s controls without looking down and must start each trip with a roadworthy machine. The official Motorcycle Riders’ Guide describes the controls and its core safety check. Manufacturer specifications control values such as tyre pressure, chain slack, fluid type and service intervals.

Major controls

On a typical manual motorcycle:

• Mirrors are on the handlebars and show conditions behind, but do not eliminate blind spots.
• The throttle is the rotating right-hand grip and controls engine output.
• The front brake is the lever operated by the right hand.
• The rear brake is the right-foot pedal.
• The clutch is the left-hand lever and disconnects engine drive for starting, stopping and gear changes.
• The gear lever is operated by the left foot.

Minor controls include the ignition, engine-stop switch, starter, horn, indicators, headlight dip switch and warning lights. Some motorcycles use automatic transmissions, linked brakes, electronic controls or different parking-brake arrangements. Read the owner’s manual and locate every control before joining traffic.

Adjust mirrors and levers while stationary. Mirrors should provide the widest useful view with only a small reference to the rider or motorcycle. They supplement frequent observation and head checks.

Tyres and wheels

Check both tyres cold against the manufacturer’s pressure recommendation, adjusting for load where the manual requires it. Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, embedded objects, uneven wear and exposed structure. The rider guide specifies at least 1.5 mm tread depth across the tread surface. Check wheels and spokes or fasteners for visible damage and ensure nothing fouls rotation.

Pressure and tyre condition determine grip, steering and heat build-up. A tyre can have legal-looking tread and still be unsafe because it is damaged or incorrectly inflated.

Chain or final drive

For a chain drive, check lubrication, condition and tension. The correct free play varies with motorcycle design and suspension geometry, so use the owner’s manual—do not memorise a universal 20–30 mm figure. Inspect sprockets for abnormal wear and ensure the chain guard is present and secure. Belt and shaft drives have their own manufacturer checks.

Brakes

Test front and rear brakes separately at rest for normal feel and then at very low speed in a safe area. Inspect pad wear and fluid level where visible, and look for leaks or damaged hoses. Apply the front lever and rear pedal separately to confirm that each activates the brake light. Spongy feel, excessive travel, leakage or poor stopping action must be corrected before riding.

Lights, electrics and horn

Confirm the headlight, high and low beam, tail light, brake light, indicators, number-plate light and warning lamps work and are clean. Check that indicators flash correctly and cancel. Sound the horn. Make sure the battery is secure and there are no loose wires.

Fluids, steering, suspension and structure

Check engine oil, coolant and brake fluid according to the manual and on the surface or stand the manufacturer specifies. Look beneath and around the motorcycle for oil, fuel or coolant leakage. Check the throttle and clutch for smooth action and return. Turn the handlebars through their range to confirm free steering without cables tightening or controls striking accessories.

Inspect forks and shock absorbers for leaks or damage. Check stands and their springs, footrests, exhaust security and visible fasteners. Confirm the registration plate is attached, clean and legible and that the L or P plate, if required, remains visible. Secure luggage and keep it clear of wheels, chain, exhaust, lights and controls.

A practical order

Walk around the motorcycle in the same order each time: identity and leaks; tyres and wheels; controls and steering; chain or drive; brakes; lights and horn; fluids and suspension; plates and load. Then start the engine, listen for abnormal sounds and perform the low-speed brake check.

No acronym is made official merely because it is memorable. The useful habit is complete, repeatable coverage tied to the owner’s manual. If a safety-critical defect is found, do not “ride carefully” to compensate. Repair it or arrange transport.

After maintenance, confirm that tools, caps and fasteners are secure and that no fluid reached a tyre or brake disc. A workshop invoice does not replace the rider’s functional check. Record tyre pressures and service dates so gradual change is noticeable, and repeat the walk-around after any hard impact, deep pothole, long storage period or change of load.