Rider safety walk-around: a 10-minute pre-ride motorcycle checklist
Check your motorcycle before every long ride in about 10 minutes: tyres and wheels, brakes and controls, lights and electrics, oil and fuel, chain and suspension, then stands and luggage. Fix or avoid riding with any fault in tyres, brakes, steering or lights.
Tyres and wheels
Start with the tyres, because they are the only part of the bike touching the road.
- Check pressure cold, against the figure on the swingarm sticker or in the owner's manual. Add pillion and luggage load if the manual says so.
- Look for cuts, bulges, embedded nails or stones, and cracking on the sidewalls.
- Check tread depth. If the wear bars are level with the tread, replace the tyre.
- Spin each wheel and look for wobble. Check that spokes are tight and rims are not bent.
Brakes and controls
Brakes and controls must feel firm and return fully before you move.
- Squeeze the front brake and press the rear: both should feel firm, not spongy, and release fully.
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition. Replace pads at the minimum mark in the manual.
- Check the brake fluid level between the min and max marks.
- Throttle must snap back on its own. Clutch and brake levers should move smoothly with no fraying cables.
- Turn the handlebar lock to lock to confirm nothing snags.
Lights and electrics
Every light must work, because other drivers read them to judge your speed and intent.
- Test headlight (low and high beam), tail light, brake light on both levers, and all four indicators.
- Sound the horn.
- Check mirrors are tight and show the road behind you.
- Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.
Oil, fuel and coolant
Check fluids on level ground with the engine cold unless your manual says otherwise.
- Engine oil: level between the marks on the dipstick or sight glass, and no leaks under the bike.
- Coolant (liquid-cooled bikes): level between min and max in the reservoir.
- Fuel: enough to reach the next fuel stop with a margin, especially on remote routes.
Chain, suspension and frame
A dry or loose chain and leaking forks are the most common faults found on this step.
- Chain: lubricated, with slack within the manual's range, and no stiff or rusted links.
- Fork seals and rear shock: no oil film or leaks.
- Look over the frame, footpegs and bolts for anything loose. Check the sprocket teeth for hooking or wear.
Stands, luggage and rider
Finish by checking what you carry, and yourself.
- Side stand springs back and the kill switch works.
- Luggage is strapped low and centred, with nothing hanging near the chain or rear wheel.
- Documents are with you: licence, registration certificate, insurance and pollution certificate.
- Helmet is ISI-marked, fits snugly, and the strap is sound. Wear gloves, boots and a jacket.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should I do a motorcycle walk-around?
- Before every long ride, and a quick version (tyres, brakes, lights, chain) before daily rides. A full check takes about 10 minutes once you know the order.
- What is the most important thing to check before a ride?
- Tyres and brakes. Under-inflated or worn tyres and weak brakes cause the most serious failures. Never ride with a brake that feels spongy or does not release.
- What should tyre pressure be on a motorcycle?
- Use the figure printed on the swingarm sticker or in the owner's manual, measured with the tyres cold. It differs for front and rear, and for solo versus loaded riding.