Maintenance
Simply stated, keep your ride maintained. Every motorcycle comes with a manufacturer’s recommendation for services, service intervals, etc. Don't skimp on this. If you are a do-it-yourself type of person, make sure you have the necessary skillset, tools, manuals, and knowledge of the particular motorcycle you are working on; otherwise find someone else who does.
It is a good idea to carry a small tool kit with you. Depending on your motorcycle wll determine exacxtly what you need. Besides those special tools your bike requires, it is always a good idea to have a few things on every trip:
- Flashlight
- Zip Ties/Tape
- Knife
- Wrenches
Additionally, consider the following items. Maybe not tools per se but may be just what you need if you break-down in the middle of nowhere.
- Cell Phone
- Phone List of POCs you can call if you need help. Remember the CVMA takes care of each other. See your chain of command for more information
- Cash; you never know when you will need the green stuff
- Water (for that dehydration)
TCLOCS
The Pre-Ride Check. The PMCS. Whatever you want to call it, it is an important thing to add to your routine.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has a great checklist you can download to assist you in performing TCLOCS on your motorcycle.
Your owners manual will also provide you with specific How-To's. For example, on some brands or years of motorcycles, to check the oil you may need to have the bike staight up-and-down while other models you perform the same checks
while the bike is using the stands.
Recommended Links
Once again, so many resources on the internet. You just have to look.
John Maxwell YouTube Page (all things Harley Davidson by a certified mechanic)
Perform a TCLOCS on a motorcycle
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