In the spirit of motorcycle safety awareness month, we are posting a series of motorcycle safety blogs. Our last blog discussed the most basic and efficient safety measure to which every biker should adhere: wear a helmet. This post will discuss some important safety precautions you can follow before you hit the open road.
Safety Step Two: proper motorcycle maintenance.
Motorcycles are complex machines that require faithful maintenance from their owners. Every rider has a different level of mechanical expertise. Keeping your motorcycle properly maintained will help ensure it runs smoothly on the road. It is a simple way to help avoid an accident resulting from mechanical failure. If you are not an expert mechanic, make sure you take your bike in to a nearby motorcycle mechanic or dealer for regular tune-ups. Here are a few basic maintenance procedures you can do from home:
Keep your tires in good order. Low tire pressure is not only bad for gas mileage, but also make it more difficult to control your bike. Keep your tires at the proper air-pressure to help with your steering. This is especially important in cold weather. Regularly inspect the surface of your tires for tread wear. Worn-down tread will reduce the grip of the tire and can potentially lead to an accident. Replace your tire when the tread is worn off.
Make sure your throttle is working properly. If your throttle is not properly maintained, it can lead to unintentional speed burst when you’re on the road. This is an obvious safety hazard, so regularly check on your throttle to ensure that it is operating correctly. It should move freely and snap closed. Make sure it is not revving when you turn the handlebars, as that often leads to speed bursts when you’re navigating a curve. If your throttle is not working properly, immediately take your bike into a skilled mechanic.
Check the oil regularly. This is a simple maintenance step that we often forget. Remember to check that your oil level is appropriate. Keep an eye on the level of your hydraulic fluid and coolant as well. While you’re checking your fluid levels, examine your bike for gasket or seal leaks, as they can pose serious dangers if left unfixed.
Check back on our blog for more motorcycle safety tips in the coming weeks. For more information on Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorneys and statistics, insurance information, and safety articles, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s motorcycle website at www.utahmotorcylelawyers.com