OFF THE WIRE
IS YOUR RIDE READY FOR THE ROAD ?
USING THE “T-CLOCK” MOTORCYCLE INSPECTION METHOD
T – TIRES AND WHEELS: (TIRES) Tread depth, wear, weathering, evenly seated, bulges, imbedded objects. (AIR PRESSURE) check when cold.. adjust to load/speed. (WHEELS) (SPOKES) bent, broken, missing, tension…check at top of wheel, “ring” means ok, “thud” means loose spoke. (CAST) cracks & dents. (RIMS) out of round/true =5 mm… spin wheel, index against stationary pointer. (BEARINGS) grab top and bottom of tire and flex: no freeplay (click) between hub and axle, no growl when spinning. (SEALS) cracked, cut and torn, excessive grease on outside, reddish-brown around outside.________________________________________________________________________-
C - CONTROLS: ( LEVERS) broken, bent, cracked, mounts tight, ball ends on handlebar lever. (PIVOTS) lubricated. (CABLES) fraying, kinks, lubrication, ends & length. ROUTING: no interference or pulling at steering head, suspension, no sharp angles, wire looms in place. (THROTTLE) moves freely, snaps closed, no revving._____________________________________________________________
L – LIGHTS: (BATTERY) Terminals clean & tight, electrolyte level ok, held down securely. Vent tube not kinked, routed properly, not plugged. (LENSES) cracked, broken, clean, securely mounted, excessive condensation. (REFLECTORS) cracked, broken, securely mounted..(WIRING) fraying, chafing, insulation, routing ok, pinched, no interference or pulling at steering head or suspension, wire looms and ties in place, connectors tight, clean. (HEADLAMP) cracks, reflector, mounting and adjustment system, aimed properly._______________________________________________________________
O - OIL: (ENGINE OIL)… Check warm on centerstand, dipstick, sight glass. (HYPOID GEAR OIL)…Transmission, rear driver, shaft. (HYDRAULIC FLUID)…Brakes, clutch, reservoir or sight glass.
(FUEL)…tank or gauge. (COOLANT)…Reservoir and/or coolant recovery tank, check when cool only.
(CHECK FOR LEAKS AT:) ENGINE OIL: gaskets, housing, & seals. HYPOID GEAR: gaskets, seals and breathers. HYDRAULIC FLUID: hoses, master cylinders, calipers. COOLANT: radiator, hoses, tanks, fittings, pipes. FUEL: lines, fueltaps, carbs.____________________________________________
C – CHASSIS: (FRAME) Cracks at gussets, accessory mounts, look for paint lifting. STEERING HEAD BEARINGS: No detent or tight spots through full travel, raise front wheel and check for play by pulling/
Pushing forks. SWINGARM BUSHINGS/ BEARINGS. Rise rear wheel, check for play by pushing/pulling swingarm. (SUSPENSION): FORKS: Smooth travel, equal air pressure or damping, anti-dive settings.
SHOCK/(S): Smooth travel, equal preload/air pressure/damping settings, linkage moves freely and is lubricated. CHAIN OR BELT TENSION: Check at tightest point.. Lubrication of belt/chain sprockets, check side-plates when hot..(don’t let lubrication get on belts.) SPROCKETS: Teeth not hooked, securely mounted. (FASTNERS) THREADED, Tight, missing bolts, nuts. CLIPS: broken, missing. COTTER PINS: broken, missing.___________________________________________________
K – KICKSTAND: CENTERSTAND cracked, bent. Springs in place, tension to hold position. SIDESTAND cracked, bent (safety cut-out switch or pad if equipped). Springs in place, tension to hold position.__________________________________________________________________________
