What To Check On My Motorcycle Before A Ride
By Prathamesh Joshi
Before every ride, there’s one habit that decides how smooth your day will be — checking your motorcycle.
I’ve ridden across Zanskar, Umling La, the Rann, and done multiple Pune–Goa runs. Over the years, I’ve learned one simple truth:
Most roadside issues can be avoided with a calm, systematic check.
Here’s a clear, no-nonsense checklist you can follow before every ride.
Wheels
Tyre pressure
Check with a pressure gauge. Set it according to the load and the road conditions of the ride.
Check for punctures
Even if the pressure feels right, look closely for nails or sharp objects. Some punctures don’t leak air immediately.
Valve
Ensure the valve cap is present and there are no slow leaks.
Wobbling
Take a short spin with a few turns. Notice if either tyre feels unstable or wobbly.
Brakes
Brake pads
Check front and rear brake pad thickness.
Brake fluid
Ensure the brake fluid level is correct.
Brake discs
Discs should be clean, with no oil and no deep scratches.
Brake feel
Brake lever travel should feel normal — not spongy and without abnormal resistance.
ABS
Check that the ABS light behaves normally.
Engine
Engine oil
Ensure the oil level is as desired.
Coolant
Check that the coolant level is correct.
Leaks
Look closely for leaks on the engine body. Leaks are often hidden under dust.
Electricals & Electronics
Lights
Confirm all lights are working:
Headlight
Brake light
Indicators
Aux lights
Hazard lights
Horn
Ensure the horn is loud and clear.
Instrument cluster
Check that the brightness level is comfortable.
Charging port
If present, ensure it is working.
Levers, Cables & Controls
Throttle
Throttle should snap back smoothly and not stick.
Gear shifter
Movement should be clean and precise.
Clutch
Check that clutch free play is as desired.
Cables
Ensure clutch and throttle cables do not obstruct handle movement during U-turns.
Mirrors
Mirrors should be tight and positioned correctly.
Suspension
Front forks
Forks should be clean and not leaking.
Rear shock
Rear shock should not be leaking.
Preload
Adjust preload properly for luggage or a pillion.
Chain
Slack
Chain slack should be within spec.
Cleanliness
Chain should be clean and lubricated.
Vibration
There should be no unusual vibration from the drivetrain.
Fittings
Mounts
Ensure all mounts are sturdy and not loose or rattling:
Phone mounts
Aux light mounts
Action camera mounts
Footpegs
Footpegs should be secure.
Exhaust
Exhaust mounts should be secure.
Luggage
Luggage racks and top box mounts should be secure.
Readiness — if anything goes wrong
Carry these essentials:
Puncture kit + tyre inflator
Basic tool kit
Spare clutch lever, clutch cable, brake lever
Zip ties
Chain clean and lube (based on ride length)
Final word
This checklist doesn’t take long.
But it saves time, money, and stress on the road.
Make it a habit before every ride — short commute or long tour.
Because the best rides aren’t the ones with perfect roads.
They’re the ones where nothing goes wrong.