Pre-Ride Inspection and Motorcycle Controls
Pre-Ride Inspection and Motorcycle Controls
This domain tests the pre-ride check and the location and function of controls. A missed inspection item is a common cause of breakdowns and crashes, and the exam asks you to identify both the item and the consequence.
T-CLOCS inspection
Use the T-CLOCS checklist:
- Tires and wheels: check pressure when cold, tread depth, cracks, spoke tension, and wheel bearings.
- Controls: clutch and brake levers, cables, throttle snap-back, and pedal movement.
- Lights and electrics: headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, horn, kill switch, and battery.
- Oil and fluids: engine oil, fuel level, brake fluid, coolant, and leaks.
- Chassis: frame, suspension, chain or belt tension, fasteners, and leaks.
- Stands: side stand and center stand springs and operation.
Control layout
Left hand: clutch. Right hand: throttle and front brake. Left foot: shift lever. Right foot: rear brake. The engine kill switch is on the right handlebar. Know these cold; the exam may describe an action and ask which control produces it.
Worked example
A rider finds the front tire at 20 psi when the manual specifies 28 psi. Because the reading was taken cold, it is valid. Low pressure makes steering heavy, reduces cornering grip, and can overheat the tire. The rider adds air, rechecks with a gauge, and inspects the tread and sidewall before riding.
Traps
- Checking pressure after a ride and accepting a false high reading.
- Ignoring chain slack or a frayed cable because the bike starts.
- Confusing the front brake lever with the clutch lever.
- Skipping the kill switch and brake-light check.