what's a good checklist of things to inspect before every ride? i'm thinking:
chain tension[/list:u]
tire pressure[/list:u]
... can't think of any more ...
ALSO
what tools do you carry onboard? is it cheaper to build up my own toolkit, or go with a premade one like this one at tricktape.com??
(http://www.tricktape.com/images/products/tools/toolskit1.jpg)
http://www.tricktape.com/product.asp?0=234&1=337&3=2244
Quote from: rideLIKEjehuwhat's a good checklist of things to inspect before every ride? i'm thinking:
chain tension[/list:u]
tire pressure[/list:u]
EVERY ride? OK, add to the list:
Look under under, around & on bike for any obvious leaks, trouble spots.
Check brake fluid level in window on handlebar/activate both brakes,
be sure they grab.
Lights/turn signals.
Mirrors.
Estimate your fuel level and the distance you'll be riding.
Don't ride off without buckling the helmet. (ashamed to say, did that once)
I do a quick "clean-up" of the bike after a ride, both to remove road grime, but also to get "hands-on"...you never know what you'll discover by just touching the bike all over and looking closely.
Happy riding! :cheers:
While you're checking your tire pressure it's also a good time to just have a look at the tires for wear,cuts, or damage that may have happened on your last ride. Plus you can glance at your rims themselves for damage too while you're down there.
I also make a habit of just checking all the lights, signals and horn to make sure they're working...plus all the controls to make sure they're all ok and not out of whack.
I also like to just do a walkaround...just have a look at things. Look for signs of leaky fork seals and such. Grab things and give em a shake while you're looking at it to make sure they're not coming loose (I discovered my chainguard was REALLY loose by doing that little bit one day). I like to check my cables too..ever since my tach cable fell out on me one day. :oops:
It may sound like alot, but you can do most of it while your bike is warming up (cept for the tire and chain part..not a great idea while it's running). By the time I finish my little walkaround inspection, my bike is usually warmed up and ready to go. May as well do something while you wait. :)
:cheers:
John
I was once advised to walk slowly around the bike and look for the obvious, sounds odd but does make sense. Mr Suzuki kindly gives a list in the handbook as well. As for tools, you won't get much under the seat, there was a recent thread about the kit provided and how to enhance it. I use a topbox and carry some extra bits in there, small set of spanners (wrenches) including an adjustable, multi-bit screwdriver, spare fuse and one of the Aerosol puncture repair tyre-inflator gismos. Permanently in my bike jacket I carry a 2 x AA cell Maglite, a Swiss army knife and on one sleeve a velcro wallet containing surgeons gloves and a rescusiade, a lesson learned after one bad experience (not bike related) I normally carry a cell-phone which is probably the best tool of all except for that funny thing on the end of each arm with the five flexible digits.
That set of tools you illustrate looks fine, you have to accept the you are not going to be doing major engineering at the kerbside, most likely a temp or "first aid" get-u-home job. Some people recomend carry a bit of wire as well, comes in handy if you don't carry a fuse or want to create some kind of lash-up or electrical repair.
TCLOCKS from msf
tires, something, lights, something, something something i dunno
Tires
Cables
Lights
Oil
Clutch
Start
if i got it wrong i do apologise :oops: