How to Prepare Your Bike for the New Season

The birds are singing, the sun is shining, you’re ready to hit the road… but is your bike ready? This spring, take the time to make sure your bike is road-worthy after the winter months. Whether you’re an old pro or a new rider, here is a quick acronym to remember what to check before you ride: T-CLOCK!

The acronym T-CLOCK is an easy way for riders to remember to inspect their bikes before each ride:

T = Tires
C = Controls
L = Lights
O = Oils
C = Chassis and chain
K = Kickstand

T – Check your tires, wheels, and brakes

• Visually inspect your tires for weathering, wear, bulges, cracks, and embedded objects.
• Check the wheels for cracks, bent spokes, and other damage.
• Make sure the rims are round.
• Check the bearings for free play in tires.
• Check the air pressure.
• Check tire tread depth.
• Make sure that each brake works well enough to keep the bike from rolling.

C – Controls

• Check your cables for damage and kinks.
• Check the levers and pedals. Look for damaged parts.
• Make sure all mounts are tight.
• Check your hoses for cracks, cuts, bulges, and leaks and make sure that they are positioned so they don’t interfere with steering.
• Check that the throttle moves freely and snaps closed.

L – Lights and Electrics

• Check the operation and aim of your high and low beams.
• Check that your taillight works with both front and rear brakes.
• Check left, right, front, and back turn signals.
• Check the connections at your battery terminals.
• Inspect wiring for pinched or damaged wires.

O – Oil and Other Fluids

• Check all fluid levels.
• Look for leaks.

C – Chassis and Chain

• Check frame for cracks and other damage.
• Make sure that all accessory mounts are secure.
• Check handlebar movement.
• Inspect your front forks.
• Check the tension in the chain or belt.

K – Kickstand

• Make sure that your kickstand is working properly and that it will stay up while riding.

Additionally, check for any loose items such as saddlebag guards, fender guards, flag attachments, and any other aftermarket accessories that may come fall off your motorcycle creating a hazard for those behind you. Remember, T-CLOCK before you go!

For more safety tips like this as well as the latest ride and community event info, tune into WPDH every Friday at 4:50PM through October 2021 to listen to Eddie and Ray from the Hudson Valley Biker Network.