Spring is nearly here and with warmer weather and clear roads ahead, it’s time for riders to dust off those motorcycles and hit the pavement. After months in storage, every rider is feeling that itch to get back out on the road, but before you hop on your bike, it’s crucial to make sure your motorcycle is ready to roll.
That’s where T-CLOCK comes in, a simple checklist to help you cover and inspect all the essential parts of your motorcycle before your first ride and it’s a smart habit to run through it before every ride. What does T-CLOCK stand for?
T = Tires
Start from the ground up. Make sure your tires have enough tread and are inflated to the correct pressure. Give your wheels a once-over for any dents, cracks or bent spokes that might need fixing. Don’t forget to check out the brakes! There should be no excessive wear and they should be in top condition to keep you at a safe stopping distance.
C = Controls
Check those very important controls like brake pedals, levers and your clutch. If anything feels off, it could lead to serious trouble on the road. Inspect cables and hoses for damage, leaks or any weird bulges. They should be securely mounted and damage-free. Lastly, your throttle should snap back smoothly without sticking -- if it doesn’t, that’s a red flag to get it checked out or replaced.
L = Lights & Electrical
Visibility is key to staying safe on a motorcycle. Make sure your headlights, both high and low beams, are working and aimed properly. Taillights should light up when you hit either the front or rear brakes. Don’t forget turn signals! The front and back signals need to be in working order. Check the battery and wiring for solid connections, damage-free lines, corrosion and ensure your battery holds a charge so you’re not left stranded out on the road.
O = Oils & Fluids
Oil, coolant and brake fluid should all be topped off to the correct levels. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, make sure you give it a fresh change before your first ride of the season. Look around your engine for any leaks, that’s something much better to catch now than on the road.
C = Chassis & Chain
Inspect the frame for cracks, bends or any signs of damage. Everything should be tight and secure. Your handlebars should move smoothly from side to side without any wobbling. Forks need to be straight and damage-free. Make sure the chain is properly lubed and tensioned according to your bike’s manual.
K = Kickstand
Your kickstand should be free of damage or bends and hold the bike up properly. Make sure it retracts fully when riding because no one wants a surprise scrape midride.
Running through T-CLOCK before your first ride, and regularly after that, can save you from unexpected issues and help keep you safe on the road. A little prep goes a long way toward making your riding season both fun and worry-free.
Want a quick video guide? Check out our “Behind the Handlebars” video series that will walk you through each step of T-CLOCK.
At Hupy and Abraham, we’re committed to keeping riders safe. Over the last 50 years, our Watch for Motorcycles campaign has promoted biker awareness and helps riders stay safe on the road. Unfortunately, as a rider you can do everything right, but still be involved in a crash, due to no fault of your own. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, we’re here to help. Call 800-800-5678 or visit hupy.com. Our team is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
