Before you head out on the first ride of the year, it’s important to ensure your bike, and you, are ready to go.

Motorcycle Safety Checklist

Use this motorcycle safety checklist to make sure you have considered all safety precautions:

Check your helmet fit: New Jersey law requires all motorcyclists to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet. Make sure your helmet fits and that it’s comfortable to wear for long rides.
Inspect the brakes: The brakes are an important part of your motorcycle. Before heading out on any ride, check that they’re working. Test the front and rear brakes separately, ensuring that they’re firm enough.
Check the motorcycle’s lights: Your brake lights are also important so other drivers on the road know that you plan on braking, giving them time to slow down. Your headlights are also crucial when night riding so other drivers are able to notice you.
Check the condition of your tires: Tires are an important part of safety when it comes to riding a motorcycle. Make sure your tires have sufficient treading and that they don’t have any tears or punctures. Also, check the tire pressure.
Make sure the horn works: Your horn helps you alert other drivers of your location. It’s always a good idea to test out your horn from time to time.
Check and fill fluids: A pre-ride inspection is a great time to check your motorcycle’s fluid levels. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to know exactly how much, and how to add fluids.
Try on safety gear: In addition to a helmet, good safety gear is also a must when riding a motorcycle. Check the condition of your gear including, how well it fits.
Inspect mirrors: Inspecting your mirrors can ensure that you’re able to make safe lane changes. Make sure your mirrors are held tightly and that they have a clear view.
Check fuel: Leftover fuel can break down over time and clog the injectors and jets of the motorcycle. If your motorcycle has been sitting for many months, you may want to check this.
Look for rust on the suspension system: Over time, rust can build up on the suspension system. Do an evaluation of your motorcycle for any rust before riding.

Some people may choose to drop their motorcycle off for a professional inspection before the first ride of the year. A motorcycle technician can review other important parts of the motorcycle, like the engine or transmission. Ensuring the mechanical parts of your motorcycle are in good shape can not only improve safety but can also prevent you from untimely breakdowns on the side of the road. It can also be helpful to check that all parts are present. Some people may put their motorcycles in storage and begin a project for the winter, only to forget about that project later.

A pre-ride inspection is just one step in safe riding. Make sure you’re also driving defensively, which means driving in a way that is continually aware of other drivers on the road. While it is both the motorcyclists and other drivers on the road’s responsibility to drive in a safe manner, it is the motorcyclist that is usually subject to worse injuries.

Contact a Clark Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain injuries due to a motorcycle accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. Attorney Andrew Prince Esq. represents clients injured because of a motorcycle accident in Hoboken, Vineland, East Orange, Bayonne, and throughout New Jersey. Call (908) 304-9187 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 136 Central Ave Suite 301, Clark, NJ 07066, as well as an office in West New York, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.