Harry’s Garage

Safe Riding Tips

Here are a couple of safe riding tip we all can practice up on no mader what we ride.

1. Cornerning. Cornering or turning the motorcycle is something in which many riders have some difficulty. There are four main principles involved in cornerning:
   • Slow – reduce speed appropriately for the upcoming turn and, if necessary, downshift before entering the turn;
   • Look – turn your head and eyes in the direction of the turn and to its endpoint. This endpoint keeps moving as you move around the turn;
   • Lean (or push) – Use push or counter steering to develop a lean angle appropriate to the turn. Remember: the motorcycle has to lean to turn effectively;
   • Roll – Gently roll on the throttle as you pass the apex (midpoint) of the turn and accelerate smoothly out and on your way.
2. Posture. Riders often don’t realize how important proper posture is to safer riding. For a safer and more enjoyable ride, the following should apply:

• Riders should be seated comfortably, with arms slightly bent but not locked;
• Both feet should be on the foot pegs (except when stopped, of course);
• The rider should have his/her head up, looking ahead;
• Knees should be tucked against the tank (or faux tank);
• All actions and input should be smooth and deliberate;
• Relax! Nervousness is transmitted to the motorcycle, leading to abrupt and jerky handling and a much less safe ride.

Relax and enjoy the ride!

 

This month’s topic: Rider safety checklist, the T-CLOCS system

 

 

Rider safety always starts with you in your garage “before” you get on your bike and ride.  Motorcyclists, like auto drivers, must always ensure that they are operating a safe vehicle. Here is a handy system that will help you to remember what’s important and what to check before saddling up for some 2 down or 3 down fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T- Tires and Wheels

C- Controls

L- Lights

O- Oil

C- Chassis

S- Sidestand

 

 

 

 

 

 

T- CLOCS ITEM	WHAT TO CHECK			WHAT TO LOOK FOR			CHECKOFF
T --- TIRES & WHEELS		Front				Rear
Tires		Condition				Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges, embedded objects.
Air Pressure	Check when cold, adjust to load/speed			Front			Rear
Wheels	Spokes		Bent, broken, missing, tension, check at top of wheel "ring" OK -- "thud", loose spoke		Front		Rear
Cast	Cracks, dents			Front			Rear
Rims	Out of round/true = 5 mm. Spin wheel, index against stationary pointer.			Front			Rear
Bearings	Grab top and bottom of tire and flex: No free play (click) between hub and axle, no growl when spinning.			Front			Rear
Seals	Cracked, cut or torn, excessive grease on outside, reddish-brown around outside.			Front			Rear
C --- CONTROLS		Front				Rear
Levers		Condition				Broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar lever.
Pivots				Lubricated
Cables		Condition				Fraying, kinks, lubrication: ends and length.
Routing				No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire looms in place.
Hoses		Condition				Cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chaffing, deterioration.
Routing				No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire looms in place.
Throttle		Operation				Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving.
L --- LIGHTS
Battery		Condition				Terminals clean and tight, electrolyte level, held down securely.
Vent Tube				Not kinked, routed properly, not plugged.
Lenses		Condition				Cracked, broken secure, mounted, excessive condensation
Reflectors		Condition				Cracked, broken securely mounted.
Wiring		Condition				Fraying, chaffing, insulation.
Routing				Pinched, no interference or pulling at steering head or suspension, wire looms and ties in place, connectors tight, clean.
Headlamp		Condition				Cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system.
Aim				Height and right/left.

 

T- CLOCS ITEM	WHAT TO CHECK		WHAT TO LOOK FOR			CHECKOFF
O --- OIL
Levels		Engine Oil			Check warm on center stand, dipstick, sight glass.
Hypoid Gear Oil			Transmission, rear drive, shaft.
Hydraulic Fluid			Brakes, clutch, reservoir or sight glass.
Coolant			Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank -- cool only.
Fuel			Tank or gauge.
Leaks		Engine Oil			Gaskets, housings, seals.
Hypoid Gear Oil			Gaskets, seals, breathers.
Hydraulic Fluid			Hoses, master cylinders, calipers.
Coolant			Radiators, hoses, tanks, fittings, pipes.
Fuel			Lines, fuel taps, carbs.
C --- CHASSIS
Frame		Condition			Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting.
Steering Head Bearings			No detente or tight spots thru full travel, raise fr. Wheel check for play by pulling/pushing forks.
Swing Arm Bushings / Bearings			Raise rear wheel, check for play by pushing/pulling swing arm.
Suspension	Forks	Smooth travel, equal air pressure/damping anti-dive settings.		Left		Right
Shock(s)	Smooth travel, equal pre-load/air pressure/ damper settings, linkage moves freely and is lubricated.		Left			Right
Chain or Belt		Tension			Check at tightest point.
Lubrication			Side plates when hot.
Sprockets			Teeth not hooked, securely mounted.
Fasteners		Threaded			Tight, missing bolts, nuts.
Clips			Broken, missing.
Cotter Pins			Broken, missing.
S --- SIDESTAND
Center stand		Condition			Cracks, bent.
Retention			Springs in place, tension to hold position.
Side stand		Condition			Cracks, bent. (Safety cut-out switch or pad if equipped)
Retention			Springs in place, tension to hold position.