Everything you should check on your motorcycle before starting a trip

Vacation! Surely after everything we are going through in 2020 you will take them more eagerly than ever. All the leisure, conciliation and fun time that was deprived of us during the confinement due to Covid-19, and later with the limitations inherent to the de-escalation of the pandemic, it seems that we are recovering it little by little. We want to make up for lost time and at the top of our wish list is surely a trip to some destination that all that unease burned into our memory: discover a new place, return to where you have always vacationed, go on a vacation. town to town... The options are very diverse, but, surely, if the motorcycle is your passion, there was no room on the list of means of transportation for anyone else. And, like any passion, you have to take care of it. So pay attention, we are going to review everything you should check on your motorcycle before starting your trip so that you do not encounter any unforeseen events on the road during this vacation.
There are matters that you must have completely under control regardless of whether you want to travel the entire Levante coast or whether you are going to take the motorcycle to go to your workplace, such as, for example, having all the documentation in order. However, in this article we are going to focus more on the technical aspects, so we go there with tires, lights, brakes and pads, fluids (oil and coolant), chain and transmission kit, battery and suspension.

Tires
When biker and motorcycle merge into one, they are the only thing that physically unites us to the asphalt, so our safety depends largely on their good condition. Thus, we are interested in checking its grip, which you will know is optimal if the rubber pattern is clear and does not show cracks or deformities. Make sure their pressure is correct and don't forget to check them periodically.

Lights
Remember that they are not only to see, but also to be seen, which is just as important. You must check that all the lights on your motorcycle are in good condition and turn on: front, rear, turn signals, emergency... all of them. We also include those of the plate and the board. Even if everything is correct, we recommend that you carry spare lights with you.

Brakes and pads
Don't forget to check your brakes from time to time, but more especially if you are going on a long trip. Check the level of wear of the pads, both front and rear, and that the brake pressure is optimal. How to know? It will be if they do not move when empty, if the panniers and rear pedal do not hesitate or make bubbles... any anomaly. It is equally important that the caliper locks and screws are well positioned.

Oil and antifreeze
With your motorcycle engine warm (when cold it is easy to present incorrect levels given the density of the oil), and with the maintenance manual at hand, it is time to check the oil level. Place your motorcycle vertically and this way you can find out if it has leaks or stains. Consider that motor oil cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing and reduces temperature.
Unlike oil, antifreeze or coolant fluid must be checked when cold. Always use the amount recommended by the manufacturer to avoid the build-up of scale, and remember that, if the level is lower than indicated, it is better not to remove the radiator pressure cap to add the missing antifreeze.

Chain and drive kit
It is the element of your motorcycle that requires the most inspection, as we already told you in our last post, which we recommend going to to know everything you need about the chain, as well as the entire transmission kit, which are sometimes used synonymously. .
Of course, keep in mind that if your trip is very long (or it is not, but adding round trip, or it has been a while since your last service), the chain must be lubricated every 500 kilometers.

Battery
If you use the motorcycle very often you probably don't need to spend too much time on your battery, since if it shows signs of weakness you would have already noticed it, but you will if you don't use it too often. It is something like the heart of the motorcycle, what gives it life, so if it is reaching its end it is better that you change it for a new one before going on vacation, since you do not want it to fail you in the middle of the trip. nothing and very far from home.

Suspension
The suspension takes us to the first point where we talked about tires as your direct contact with the road. Good anchoring of the suspension bolts is vital, so that the tires effectively remain in contact with the road and are able to absorb potholes, resist bumps, uneven terrain, etc.
Everything ready, biker? Rebesa wishes you a happy holiday!

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