This year we are launching the WMB Guide To Biking series where we’ll be bringing you some motorbike maintenance videos to show you at home exactly how we get the bikes in our care to pristine condition and in top working order, the WMB way.
With experts in motorbike mechanics, motorbike logistics and motorbike care you can trust our videos to give you all the hints, tips and help you need to treat your bike like it was a showroom-ready Harley-Davidson, Ducati, KTM, Suzuki or Triumph… well, the list goes on.
Whether you’re a new rider or an established bike enthusiast there will be something for everyone.
To kick-start the series, WMB Guide To Biking, we’re taking you back to basics and exploring what you should be checking before you even begin to think about getting on your bike and out onto the open road.
Check Before You Ride
2. Clean your lights. Again, this is both a safety measure and a legal requirement. You need to be visible to other vehicles on the road and you also need to be able to see where you’re going!
Again, we often use Pride Shine as it is quick and easy to use, it simply takes a spray and a wipe, but water and a plain tissue can work as well.
3. Test your lights. This is important and should be carried out daily, especially if you have a long journey planned. You need to make sure everything is working correctly in order to keep yourself and others on the road safe.
If anything was to happen and you happened to breakdown it is imperative that your hazards are also in working order, if your bike has them.
4. Check your oil and coolant levels. Some motorbikes will have an oil tank with a dipstick, others will have the oil in an enclosed tank with a small window.
Check your owner’s manual for what the correct oil type and level should be if you are unsure. Each bike’s coolant tank will be in a different place, but the bikes owner’s manual will tell you where it is located if you are unsure.
5. Check your fittings. Making sure everything is attached and where it should be on your motorbike is a pretty obvious step, but double checking everything is firmly attached is something you should be doing regularly, especially if you have a long journey planned.
Just go around your bike and hit the top spots, such as your panniers or top boxes.
6. Check tyre pressure. Before you check the pressure, you need to know what the correct pressure should be. If you are unsure of this information you can either refer to your owner’s manual or it can usually be found printed on a sticker that will be located either on the swing arm, or on the chain guard.
Most everyday riders tend to go to a garage and use the free pressure checkers, however, our top tip to you is to make an investment into getting your own personal pressure gauge as garage pressure checkers can be inaccurate. You can easily find pressure gauges online.
7. Check tyre depth. Your tyres need to be roadworthy, to comply with the law and also for grip! Before checking your tyre depth, make sure you give it a good wipe, so that your reading is accurate and not affected by any lingering dirt!
You’ll need a tyre depth gauge to correctly check your tyres; these can be found online or in any local motoring stores. Simply press the gauge down into the tyre tread and it will tell you the depth. Again, if you are unsure on what depth your tyre tread should be then refer to your owner’s manual.
8. Test chain tension. You can use your finger to check the slack of your chain. However, in severe cases you will be able to see an issue with your eyes. If the chain is no longer straight and is forming a curve your chain is too slack and needs attention. We will be showing you in a later video how to adjust your chain.
9. Check the weather conditions. Checking the weather means you are well prepared. If it’s due to rain, for example, you know that you’re going to have to take it more carefully on the road.
The grip of your tyres will be lessened and your visibility will be reduced. Also riding when wet or cold is miserable and may decrease the attention you pay to the road or traffic so better to be prepared with warmer clothing and waterproofs.
Knowing the conditions of the weather and roads before you ride can save a whole lot of heartache down the line.
10. Dress appropriately. Be visible, safe and warm. If it’s cold outside, wear an extra layer, if you’re riding at night, wear more reflective gear. It’s common sense.
Now you know you and your bike will be safe on the road, you can go out and ride with pride!
This is just the first in the WMB Guide To Biking series, and next up we’re going to show you exactly how you should be lubricating your chain. Keep your eyes peeled.
Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter and we’ll let you know when the next episode is ready!
