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•
Tires
— Check the air pressure, general wear, and tread.
•
Fluids
— Oil and fluid levels. At a minimum, check hydraulic fluids and
coolants weekly. Look under the motorcycle for signs of fluid leaks.
•
Headlights and Taillight
— Check them both. Test your switch to make
sure both high and low beams are working.
•
Turn Signals
— Turn on both right and left turn signals. Make sure all
four lights are working properly.
•
Brake Light
— Try both brake controls, and make sure each one turns
on the brake light.
Once you have mounted the motorcycle, complete the following checks before
starting out:
•
Clutch and Throttle
— Make sure they work smoothly. The throttle
should snap back to the idle position when you let go. The clutch should
feel tight and operate smoothly.
•
Mirrors
— Clean and adjust both mirrors before starting. It’s difficult to
ride with one hand while you try to adjust a mirror. Adjust each mirror
so you can see the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to
you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm
or shoulder — but what’s more important is seeing the road behind and
to the side of you.
•
Brakes
— Try the front and rear brake levers one at a time. Make sure
each one feels firm and holds the motorcycle when the brake is fully
applied.
•
Horn
— Try the horn. Make sure it works.
•
Fuel Supply Valve
— If your motorcycle has one, make sure the valve is
open. Your motorcycle may start with the fuel still in the lines, but will
stall after the lines are empty.
In addition to the checks you should make before every trip, check the wheels,
cables, and fasteners at least once a week.
2. More than half of all crashes:
A. Occur at speeds greater than 35 m.p.h.
B. Happen at night.
C. Are caused by worn tires.
D. Involve riders who have ridden their motorcycles less than six months.
1. A plastic shatter-resistant face shield:
A. Is not necessary if you have a windshield.
B. Only protects your eyes.
C. Helps protect your whole face.
D. Does not protect your face as well as goggles.
Answers to sample questions are located on last page.
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