MOTORCYCLE SAFETY CHECKLIST By Jeff Levine and Steve Karr Before you take your Check your front
suspension. With the front brake engaged, bounce the front end by pushing your weight down on the handlebars. It should resist and return smoothly. Inspect the front forks for signs of leaking fluid, as this can indicate worn seals, resulting in improper and dangerous handling. Be sure your chain is properly adjusted and that the sprockets are not worn or damaged. Ensure your side stand operates smoothly and the spring holds. Test your kill switch. Just about every modern bike will have a switch that will shut off the ignition system, stopping the engine. The best way to ensure it functions properly is to use it every time you turn off the bike rather than relying on the key. In the event of a throttle failure, this is the safety device that allows you to shut down the bike without having to remove your hands from the handlebars. Of course, you should always make sure your motorcycle gets regular maintenance. Check your owner’s manual for a maintenance schedule and follow your manufacturer’s instruction as to all maintenance and safety checks. For more safety tips and information about motorcycle law in Tennessee, visit TNmotorcyclehandbook.com or call us at 615- 255-2893 to request your free copy of our latest book, “ Tennessee Motorcycle Handbook . ”
motorcycle on the road, highway, or interstate, you should always do a pre-ride inspection. This only takes a few minutes and can be the best way to protect against an accident or injury.
Always check the following when preparing to ride: Check tire pressure and wheels. Improper pressure can lead to unanticipated handling difficulties. Make sure your front and rear brake are firm and hold the motorcycle when applied. Your clutch and throttle should always operate smoothly. The throttle should snap back to fully closed when released, and the clutch should feel tight and operate smoothly. Make sure the horn works. Make sure your mirrors are clean and properly adjusted. Check your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and hand signals. Check the oil and transmission fluid levels as well as brake fluid and coolant levels. Low fluid levels can lead to catastrophic failures that can cause the rear wheel to lock up. Oil could be released, which can coat the rear tire. Improper oil and fluid levels can cause a number of other problems that can make a day go from good to bad in a heartbeat. If your bike is equipped with a fuel petcock (a shutoff valve ), make sure it is open before starting your bike.
3 GENIUS SUMMER LIFE HACKS STAY COOL THIS S M ER WITH THESE THREE EASY TIPS: N S U R H
1. Keep your ice cream soft and
2. Avoid messy popsicle drips! Cut a slit in the bottom of a cupcake holder and poke the popsicle stick through the opening. It will catch the drips, keeping your kids’ hands (and everything else around them) clean!
3. Keep your steering wheel cool! When you park, turn the steering wheel as far as you can. This way, when you get back in, you can turn the wheel back and drive with your hands on the part that stayed out of the sun.
ready to scoop and serve! Just put the entire ice cream container in a gallon-size freezer bag and zip it closed before storing. This way, it stays soft and easy to serve; plus, you avoid freezer burn.
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