Roadworthiness / Pre-checks

MOTORCYCLE

Roadworthiness / Pre-riding Check 

Before you start to ride a motorcycle for the first time each day you should ensure that it is roadworthy. Carry out the following pre-riding checks

Identify the type of motorcycle you are going to ride.

  • General Patrol / Surveillance / Specialist (Escort Group) / Light Weight (3 wheels)
  • Gearbox type (Manual / Automatic) – number of gears and position
  • Safety Features – ABS / CBS / Electronic Stability / Traction Control
  • Position of controls and auxiliaries
  • Glass / Plastic – mirrors and lenses are clean.
  • Security of carried items – panniers (weight restrictions / balance)

Petrol
Sufficient fuel for your journey

  • Visual check
  • Fuel gauge  (if fitted)
  • Re-set trip meter

Oil
Oil levels / type – follow manufacturer’s recommendations

  • Engine Oil
  • Dipstick / sight glass – secured / clean
  • Secure oil filler cap – top up if required
  • Brake / Clutch Fluid
  • Levels and colour correct
  • No water intrusion / bubbles
  • Visual check for leaks on reservoir, hoses and connectors

Water Radiator
water level including coolant / antifreeze mixture.

  • Visual check for damage to radiator fins / top and bottom hoses

Damage/Drive

  • Visual examination of machine
  • insecure panels and/or damage
  • Panniers / luggage – secured and balanced
  • Visual examination of drive mechanism
  • Chain – oiled and correct tension.
  • Sprockets – no hooked or missing teeth
  • Shaft – no leaks – gators in place and not damaged

Electrics

  • Verify operation of electrical systems
  • Lights – Mandatory running lights (main and dipped beam)
  • Brake lights
  • Indicators and hazard warning lights
  • High intensity lights front/rear (if fitted)
  • Number plate light
  • Emergency warning lights (Blue, Headlight flash, Rear red)
  • Instrument warning lights
  • Audible warning systems (horn / Two-tone horns)
  • Ancillary systems (heated grips / windscreen position)

Rubber
Wheels

  • free rotation
  • Tyres – tread depth / free from cuts, bulges, tears / pressure / compatibility
  • Valves – caps in place and free from damage
  • Handlebar grips – secure. Throttle (twist and release)
  • Footrest rubbers – rider / pillion
  • Steering / Suspension
  • Headrace bearings – free movement lock to lock and self centering
  • Trapped cables (engine tone increase)

Suspension

  • Set for weight – damping / rebound
  • Pillion / luggage adjustments
  • Fork seals – clean and no leaks

Switch on the ignition. Note the warning lights. Ensure gear is neutral. Neutral light illuminated

  • Depress the clutch. Start the engine. Release the clutch slowly.
  • If any checks could not be completed prior to ignition or start up, do them now
  • Carry out a static brake check – front and rear brakes (see page xxxx)
  • Visual check of brake discs and pads
  • Adjust seat – if required
  • Adjust mirrors – when seated
  • Visual inspection of all gauges and warning lights
  • Remove machine from centre stand – ensure full retraction
  • Check operation of side stand
  • Emergency engine cut off switch – check and re-set

As soon as possible after moving off and in a safe place, carry out a moving brake test (see Testing your brakes).

Check gauges and warning lights at intervals during all subsequent journeys taking action if necessary.

CAR

Roadworthiness / Pre-driving Check

Before you start to drive a vehicle for the first time each day you should ensure that it is roadworthy. Carry out the following pre-driving checks

Identify the type of vehicle you are going to drive.

  • Front / Rear / Four wheel drive
  • Fuel type – Petrol / Diesel
  • Gearbox type (Manual / Automatic) / Position of gear selector
  • Safety Features – ABS / Electronic Stability / Traction Control /  Adaptive Suspension systems
  • Handbrake operation
  • Position of controls and auxiliaries
  • Window glass – mirrors and lenses are clean.
  • Security of carried items – rear seat / boot space

Petrol
Ensure that you have sufficient fuel for your journey

Oil
Oil level. Secure oil filler cap and dipstick

Water
Radiator water level including coolant / antifreeze mixture.

  • Include washer fluid levels (front and rear)

Damage
Visual examination of exterior looking for insecure items and/or damage

Electrics
Verify operation of electrical systems

  • Lights – Mandatory running lights (main and dipped beam)
  • Brake and Reversing lights
  • Indicators and hazard warning lights
  • Number plate light (rear)
  • High intensity lights
  • Emergency warning lights (Blue, Headlight flash, Rear red)
  • Interior – Instrument warning lights
  • Audible warning systems (horn / Two-tone horns)
  • Windscreen wipers (front / rear)

Rubber
Wheels – secured (wheel nuts)

  • Tyres – tread depth / free from cuts, bulges, tears / pressure / compatibility

Inside the vehicle: 

  • Switch on the ignition. Note the warning lights. Start the engine
  • After systems become operational check instruments
  • If any checks could not be completed prior to ignition or start up, do them now
  • Carry out a static brake check.
  • Adjust seat / head restraint / steering wheel
  • Adjust mirrors – inside and out
  • Visual inspection of all gauges and warning lights
  • Seat belt – not frayed, twisted, locks when tugged, fastens and releases freely

As soon as possible after moving off and in a safe place, carry out a moving brake test.

Check gauges and warning lights at intervals during all subsequent journeys taking action if necessary.