This Basic Pre-Ride Checklist Should Be Performed Before Every Ride
Just like a pilot performs a pre-flight check to ensure that his airplane is in proper running condition and doesn't show any signs of mechanical problems or issues that could cause a life threatening problem once off the ground every safety minded dual sport or adventure rider, or any motorcycle rider for that matter, should always conduct a pre-ride check to be sure basic operating controls, drivetrain and electrical systems are ready to go for the very same reason. Your life could depend on it.
Years ago in another life I was a certified dirtbike instructor at the MSF Dirt Bike School campus at the Honda Rider Education Center in Alpharetta, GA and we taught our students a simple but effective checklist developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to make it easy for riders to remember the basics that really need to be checked before every ride. That checklist is known simply as TCLOCS which stands for:
T - TIRES & WHEELS
C - CONTROLS
L - LIGHTS & ELECTRICS
O - OIL & OTHER FLUIDS
C - CHASSIS
S - STANDS
Below is the official MSF explanation of the basic TCLOCS pre-ride checklist and the importance of each step.
T - TIRES & WHEELS
Tires
Condition: Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges, embedded objects.
Air Pressure: Check when cold, adjust to load.
Wheels
Spokes: Bent, broken, missing, tension, check at top of wheel: “ring” = OK — “thud” = loose spoke.
Cast: Cracks, dents.
Rims: Out of round/true = 5mm. Spin wheel, index against stationary pointer.
Bearings: Grab top and bottom of tire and flex: No freeplay (click) between hub and axle, no growl when spinning.
Seals: Cracked, cut or torn, excessive grease on outside, reddish-brown around outside.
Brakes
Function: Each brake alone keeps bike from rolling.
Condition: Check pads and discs for wear.
C - CONTROLS
Handlebars
Condition: Bars are straight, turn freely, handgrips and bar ends are secure.
Levers and Pedal
Condition: Broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar levers, proper adjustment.
Pivots: Lubricated.
Cables
Condition: Fraying, kinks, lubrication: ends and interior.
Routing: No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire supports in place.
Hoses
Condition: Cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, deterioration.
Routing: No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, hose supports in place.
Throttle
Operation: Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving when handlebars are turned.
L - LIGHTS & ELECTRICS
Battery
Condition: Terminals; clean and tight, electrolyte level, held down securely.
Vent Tube: Not kinked, routed properly, not plugged.
Headlamp
Condition: Cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system.
Aim: Height and right/left.
Tail lamp/brake lamp
Condition: Cracks, clean and tight.
Operation: Activates upon front brake/rear brake application.
Turn signals
Operation: Flashes correctly.
Switches
Operation: All switches function correctly: engine cut-off, hi/low beam, turn signal.
Mirrors
Condition: Cracks, clean, tight mounts and swivel joints.
Aim: Adjust when seated on bike.
Lenses & Reflectors
Condition: Cracked, broken, securely mounted, excessive condensation.
Wiring
Condition: Fraying, chafing, insulation.
Routing: Pinched, no interference or pulling at steering head or suspension, wire looms and ties in place, connectors tight, clean.
O - OIL & OTHER FLUIDS
Levels
Engine Oil: Check warm on center stand on level ground, dipstick, sight glass.
Gear Oil, Shaft Drive: Transmission, rear drive, shaft.
Hydraulic Fluid: Brakes, clutch, reservoir or sight glass.
Coolant: Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank — check only when cool.
Fuel: Tank or gauge.
Leaks
Engine Oil: Gaskets, housings, seals.
Gear Oil, Shaft Drive: Gaskets, seals, breathers.
Hydraulic Fluid: Hoses, master cylinders, calipers.
Coolant: Radiator, hoses, tanks, fittings, pipes.
Fuel: Lines, fuel valve, carbs.
C - CHASSIS
Frame
Condition: Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting.
Steering-Head Bearings: No detent or tight spots through full travel, raise front wheel, check for play by pulling/pushing forks.
Swingarm Bushings: Raise rear wheel, check for play by pushing/pulling swingarm.
Suspension
Front Forks: Smooth travel, equal air pressure/damping, anti-dive settings.
Rear Shock(s): Smooth travel, equal pre-load/air pressure/damping settings, linkage moves freely and is lubricated.
Chain or Belt
Tension: Check at tightest point.
Lubrication: Side plates when hot. Note: do not lubricate belts.
Sprockets: Teeth not hooked, securely mounted.
Fasteners
Threaded: Tight, missing bolts, nuts.
Clips & Cotter: Pins Broken, missing.
S - STANDS
Center stand
Condition: Cracks, bent.
Retention: Springs in place, tension to hold position.
Side stand
Condition: Cracks, bent (safety cut-out switch or pad equipped).
Retention: Springs in place, tension to hold position.
Thanks to the MSF for developing and sharing this valuable information for the safety of all riders.
For more information on training programs and materials available from the MSF and the Dirt Bike School visit their respective websites.
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