For motorcyclists, planning and taking a ride is one of the most exciting and thrilling things to do. Heading out on the open road, discovering new territory, and feeling the wind in your face is what makes owning a motorcycle feel so liberating.

Before you take a ride on your motorcycle, it is important to do a pre-ride inspection to make sure everything is in good condition and working properly. Taking a little time to do this before you ride can save you more time, money and injury in the long run.

The following is a pre-ride checklist that may be helpful to use before your next ride.

• Tire Condition - tread depth, weathering, bulges, imbedded objects, uneven wear
• Air Pressure - check cold. Normal loss is a pound or two a week
• Spokes - check for bent, broken or missing ones
• Rims - out of round and out of true
• Wheel Bearing - no free play and no growl when spinning
• Cables and Controls - Throttle, clutch and brake cables - correct free play, smooth operation, no fraying
• Shifter - securely mounted, operates smoothly
• Brakes - operates smoothly, doesn't drag excessively, pads greater than minimum thickness
• Kill Switch - shuts off engine when moved to the off position
• Lights and Electronics - Battery-terminal tight and clean, water level ok, secured, proper routing of breather tube
• Wiring - not frayed or pinched. Especially important at steering head
• Switches - make sure all operate correctly (kill switch, brake lights, headlights, signals, horn)
• Lighting - check all light bulbs (headlights, tail, brake lights markers, turn signals, instruments)
• Oil and Fuel - leaks - visual check for leaks (coolant, hydraulic brakes, clutch, engine oil, forks)
• Oil levels - check oil level on center stand when cold
• Air filter - no blockage, clean not torn
• Fuel lines - not bent, leaking, cracked, properly secure with clamps, new hydraulic fluid, correct levels, no leakage, no hose deterioration
• Chain and Chassis - Chain belt wear and tension, proper adjustment, lubricated, check master link clip
• Sprockets - check for wear
• Chain Guard - securely mounted
• Foot Pegs - should fold up, securely mounted
• Swing Arm Bushings - check for movement at swing arm pivot
• Accessory mounts - secure, no missing bolts, no interference with steering suspension
• Cotter pins and clips - no missing clips, check where mechanical cables attach
• Frame - check for cracks, problems with accessory mounts, steering head, engine cradle
• Shocks and Forks - check for leaks, smooth operation, air pressure, alignment
• Kickstand - not bent, retracts fully, spring has tension, proper ground clearance
• Center Stand - not bent, retracts fully, spring has tension proper ground clearance

If you have been seriously injured in a Nevada motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, motorcycle product defect or unsafe roadways or hazards, you need to hire an experienced motorcycle injury attorney to protect your rights.

At Bisnar & Chase, we are experienced and accomplished personal injury lawyers handling motorcycle injury cases for clients in Nevada, Las Vegas, and those traveling to and from Las Vegas. Call today for your free consultation with one of our trusted attorneys.

Bisnar & Chase has been awarded the highest ranking a law firm can be awarded, signifying that the lawyers have reached the best heights of professional excellence and are recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.

*The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Icon is a service mark of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used under permission from Reed Elsevier Properties Inc. in accord with the terms and conditions established by Martindale-Hubbell.

Bisnar Chase, LLP
2300 West Sahara
Suite 650, Box 30
Las Vegas, NV 89102