It’s been a long winter for many across the country, and motorbikes have largely been put away. Nonetheless, the weather is now showing signs of changing and it’s time to think about gearing up for a ride on two wheels again in Charlotte.
While specialist repairs on your bike will need to be carried out by trained mechanics, there are still numerous basic safety checks you can perform at home. You want to focus on the fundamental aspects of your bike that ensure you can remain safe.
Checking the tires
Your tires are one of the key components that ensure you remain safe while riding. Any defect in your tires lessens the grip that your wheels have on the road, and when you only have two of them, this can be a serious problem. At home, you can check the entire tire wall for bulges, cracks and cuts. You can also check the amount of tread you have left on each tire. If it has gone below 3mm, then you really need to think about a replacement.
Next, you should think about the air pressure in the tires. If your air pressure is not optimal, then you run the risk of a tire blowout. If this happens at higher speeds, then you are at serious risk of injury. When you purchased the tires, they should have come with instructions that specify the recommended air pressures.
How are your brakes?
If you do run into any trouble on your bike, then you need to be able to stop safely. This makes checking your brake functions all the more important. You can do this by walking the bike forward and pulling the brake lever. If it brings the bike to a stop, then you know they are at least responsive. At the same time, your rear brake lever should be able to lock up the back wheel completely. You also want to check the brake discs and pads for any obvious signs of cracks or erosion. If you set off and hear scraping noises or notice that your brakes aren’t responsive, pull over at the safest spot. It is never worth risking riding a bike that is faulty.
Bike safety checks are important but they cannot prevent every collision. If you have been injured on the road, take note of your legal rights.
