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T-CLOCS Pre-ride inspection checklist

T-CLOCS is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) acronym for, T-ires/Wheels, C-ontrols, L-ights/Electric, O-il/Fluids, C-hassis, and S-tands,, pre-ride inspection checklist. It ensures the motorcycle is safe and roadworthy by checking for wear, damage, and proper operation of key components.

The following link is to a great video showing you how to got about the following check list - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjfrZqkDXnA

T- TIRES & WHEELS

Tires

Condition: Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges, embedded objects.

Air Pressure: Check when cold, adjust to load.

Wheels

Spokes: Bent, broken, missing, tension, check at top of wheel: “ring” = OK — “thud” = loose spoke.

Cast: Cracks, dents.

Rims: Out of round/true = 5mm. Spin wheel, index against stationary pointer.

Bearings: Grab top and bottom of tire and flex: No freeplay (click) between hub and axle, no growl when spinning.

Seals: Cracked, cut or torn, excessive grease on outside, reddish-brown around outside.

Brakes

Function: Each brake alone keeps the bike from rolling.

Condition: Check pads and discs for wear.

C- CONTROLS

Handlebars

Condition: Bars are straight, turn freely, handgrips and bar ends are secure.

Levers and Pedal

Condition: Broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar levers, proper adjustment.

Pivots: Lubricated.

Cables

Condition: Fraying, kinks, lubrication: ends and interior.

Routing: No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire supports in place.

Hoses

Condition: Cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, deterioration.

Routing: No interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, hose supports in place.

Throttle

Operation: Moves freely, snaps closed, no revving when handlebars are turned.

L- LIGHTS & ELECTRICS

Battery

Condition: Terminals; clean and tight, electrolyte level, held down securely.

Vent Tube: Not kinked, routed properly, not plugged.

Headlamp

Condition: Cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system.

Aim: Height and right/left.

Tail lamp/brake lamp

Condition: Cracks, clean and tight.

Operation: Activates upon front brake/rear brake application.

Turn signals

Operation: Flashes correctly.

Switches

Operation: All switches function correctly: engine cut-off, hi/low beam, turn signal.

Mirrors

Condition: Cracks, clean, tight mounts and swivel joints.

Aim: Adjust when seated on the bike.

Lenses & Reflectors

Condition: Cracked, broken, securely mounted, excessive condensation.

Wiring

Condition: Fraying, chafing, insulation.

Routing: Pinched, no interference or pulling at steering head or suspension, wire looms and ties in place, connectors tight, clean.

O- OIL & OTHER FLUIDS

Levels

Engine Oil: Check warm on the center stand on level ground, dipstick, sight glass.

Gear Oil, Shaft Drive: Transmission, rear drive, shaft.

Hydraulic Fluid: Brakes, clutch, reservoir or sight glass.

Coolant: Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank — check only when cool.

Fuel: Tank or gauge.

Leaks

Engine Oil: Gaskets, housings, seals.

Gear Oil, Shaft Drive: Gaskets, seals, breathers.

Hydraulic Fluid: Hoses, master cylinders, calipers.

Coolant: Radiator, hoses, tanks, fittings, pipes.

Fuel: Lines, fuel valve, carbs.

C- CHASSIS

Frame

Condition: Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting.

Steering-Head Bearings: No detent or tight spots through full travel, raise front wheel, check for play by pulling/pushing forks.

Swingarm Bushings: Raise rear wheel, check for play by pushing/pulling swingarm.

Suspension

Front Forks: Smooth travel, equal air pressure/damping, anti-dive settings.

Rear Shock(s): Smooth travel, equal pre-load/air pressure/damping settings, linkage moves freely and is lubricated.

Chain or Belt

Tension: Check at tightest point.

Lubrication: Side plates when hot. Note: do not lubricate belts.

Sprockets: Teeth not hooked, securely mounted.

Fasteners

Threaded: Tight, missing bolts, nuts.

Clips & Cotter: Pins Broken, missing.

S- STANDS

Center stand

Condition: Cracks, bent.

Retention: Springs in place, tension to hold position.

Side stand

Condition: Cracks, bent (safety cut-out switch or pad equipped).

Retention: Springs in place, tension to hold position.