What should you check before every motorcycle ride?

Prior to every motorcycle ride, it is essential to conduct a thorough safety check of the tires, brakes, lights, and controls. This pre-ride inspection ensures that the motorcycle is in optimal working condition and can significantly reduce the risk of accidents or mechanical failures while on the road.

Checking the tires helps to ensure proper inflation and tread depth, which affects traction and handling. Inspecting the brakes is crucial for ensuring stopping power and preventing accidents. A light check is important for visibility in traffic, while ensuring all controls are functioning properly gives the rider confidence in maneuvering the motorcycle.

While the weather and traffic conditions, personal protective gear, and previous maintenance records are also important, they do not directly affect the immediate operation of the motorcycle in the same critical way that the condition of tires, brakes, lights, and controls does. Prioritizing these checks helps establish a safe riding environment before hitting the road.