Pre-flight Checks

Spring is finally here! The call of the road is loud and we are ready to go. Or are we?

Pat, our overworked and underpaid editor, and I were discussing the checks that should be made before and after each ride. He is a pilot and a very organized fellow. He flipped up his tankbag and showed his laminated pre-flight list. What a great idea! Then, he e-mailed me a copy so I produce it for this article, which I managed to loose (I am NOT a pilot!).

It is important to remember that our motorcycles need more care than we give our cars. Note that I did not say that they need more care than we should give our cars, but I know how we neglect those 4 wheeled transportation units, just like we do our refrigerators. Could have something to do with the fun quotient, I guess. If you car stops running or has a flat, it usually is just a nuisance; on the bikes it could be much more serious.

The following lists are what should be looked at every ride. It can be done in less than 5 minutes, even without coffee. This is not the list of preventative maintenance that gets performed every 6,000 miles or the annual services, just the list of inspection for things that can change from one ride to the next.

The list is in “Post Ride” and “Pre-Ride” checks. The “Post Ride” items are best done when the engine or related items are hot, or are things that will not change when the bike is sitting. If you find things on the “Post Ride” check that need attention, it is better to know it then, rather than wait until a “Pre-Ride” check the morning of departure and then have no time to take care of it!

Post Ride Checks:

Engine oil level On all BMW’s this should be done with the engine hot, after sitting between 3 and 15 minutes from turning it off.

Turn Signals Make sure all 4 work, as well as the indicator on the dash.

Brake Light Make sure it works with both hand and foot brake levers.

Taillight

Headlight Check that high and low beams function, and that the high beam indicator on the dash is working as well.

Horn

Chain Now is the time to lube the chain if you have an F650. Lubing it when it is hot allows the lube to penetrate better and the carriers to evaporate before the next ride. That way, more lube stays on the chain, less on your rear wheel and fender.

Check for leaks Look for leaks from the engine, transmission, rear drive unit, drive shaft housing, coolant system, and brake systems.

Road Damage Look for damage to the wheels and tires, or if anything on the bike is loose or cracked. This is particularly important if you rode over or hit anything on the ride.

Pre-Ride Check

Tire Pressure Tire pressure needs to be checked cold. Inflate to what is proper for your particular application.

Attitiude Adjust as needed for a safe and fun ride.