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Motorcycle Safety Tips All Hudson Valley Bikers Need

Adobe Stock / Yakobchuk Olena

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There’s nothing like a motorcycle ride to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather in the Hudson Valley. Before that first ride though, it’s important to check that your bike is ready to hit the road after sitting in wait during the winter. To see whether your ride is good to go, use the T-CLOCK acronym. If your bike passes all six steps, it’s ready for a sunshine-filled cruise — and so are you.

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

T: Check Your Tires, Wheels, and Brakes

Step one of your motorcycle inspection involves making sure your tires are roadworthy. Here’s what to check:

  • Inspect tires for weathering, wear, bulges, cracks, and embedded objects.
  • Look at wheels for cracks, bent spokes, and damage.
  • Confirm that the rims are round.
  • Inspect bearings for free play in tires.
  • Check on the air pressure.
  • Confirm the tire tread depth is sufficient.
  • Ensure all breaks work well and will keep the bike from rolling.
Motorcycle inspection
Adobe Stock / ghazii

C: Review Your Controls

Controls keep your motorcycle running as you want it, so check to make sure they’re working as they should.

  • Check on cables for damage and kinks.
  • Inspect levers and pedals for damage.
  • Confirm that all mounts are tight.
  • Review hoses for cracks, cuts, bulges, and leaks and ensure that they are positioned so as not to interfere with steering.
  • Check the throttle to see if it moves freely and snaps closed.

L: Test Your Lights and Electrics

Proper lighting is essential for any motorcycle ride, so it’s important to test whether beams and signals are shining bright.

  • Review operation and aim of high and low beams.
  • Test to see if taillight works with front and rear breaks.
  • Check on the left, right, front, and back turn signals.
  • Confirm the connections to the battery terminals.
  • Inspect to see if wiring has any pinched or damaged sections.

O: Check Your Oil and Other Fluids

Ensure that your bike runs smoothly all season with the right oil and fluids.

  • Inspect all fluid levels.
  • Review the bike for any leaks.
Motorcycle
Adobe Stock / Kaponia Aliaksei

C: Take a Look at Your Chassis and Chain

Are these critical bike parts in good shape? Here’s what to inspect:

  • Review the frame for cracks and damage.
  • Ensure all accessory mounts are secure.
  • Check on the handlebar movement to make sure it’s smooth and functional.
  • Inspect the front forks.
  • Test the tension in the chain or belt.

K: Finish With the Kickstand

Before you end your review, test to see if your bike’s kickstand is working properly.

  • Confirm the kickstand works as it should and will stay up during riding.

On top of that, all riders should make sure that loose items like saddlebag guards, fender guards, and flag attachments that could fall off and create a hazard for other vehicles are properly secured. T-CLOCK is the acronym to remember to ensure that every motorcycle ride in the Hudson Valley is a fun, happy, and safe one.

Finkelstein & Partners, LLP is a personal injury law firm founded in Newburgh, NY over 60 years ago. The firm founded the Motorcycle Safety Advocates with the goal of preventing motorcycle crashes through driver education and awareness.  Our experienced motorcycle attorneys understand better than most how to help a biker who has suffered catastrophic injuries in a crash. Learn more at lawampm.com.

800-Law-AMPM
www.lawampm.com

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