The habit that catches problems early
Most mechanical failures give warning. The riders who get caught out are usually the ones who never look.
None of this requires tools. Two minutes, before you ride.
The routine
| Check | Looking for |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Pressure when cold, tread depth, cuts, embedded objects, uneven wear |
| Chain | Slack, lubrication, no obvious tight spots |
| Brakes | Lever and pedal feel, fluid level in the sight glass, pad thickness visible at the caliper |
| Lights | Headlight, tail, brake light on BOTH lever and pedal, indicators, horn |
| Fluids | Oil level per your manual's procedure, coolant level when cold |
| Underneath | Any drips or wet patches where it was parked |
| Controls | Throttle returns cleanly on its own, levers move freely |
The one people skip
Tyre pressure. It is the most consequential check and the one most often ignored because it needs a gauge. Underinflated tyres change how the bike steers, wear out faster, run hot and reduce grip.
Check them cold, at least weekly, to the figures in your manual. Buy your own gauge — forecourt gauges are frequently inaccurate.
Before a longer trip
Add: chain adjustment checked properly, brake pad thickness inspected rather than glanced at, tyre wear assessed against the distance you plan, and a look over fasteners on anything you have fitted yourself.
What has your pre-ride check caught? Real stories of things spotted before they became problems are the best argument for the habit.