T-CLOCK Inspection for Motorcycles

 

THE T-CLOCK INSPECTION 

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation created the T-CLOCK as a memory and organization ad for a pre-ride safety check of a typical motorcycle. Each letter represents a particular inspection category, as follows:

T - Tires & Wheels

C - Controls

L - Lights & Electrics

O - Oil

C - Chassis

K - Kickstand

TIRES AND WHEELS

Tires: Pressure correct (cold), tread condition. No cuts, bulges or punctures of foreign objects.
Wheels: Spokes tight and intact; rims true; no free play when flexed; bearing seals intact; spin freely.
Brakes: Firm feel; sufficient pad depth, no leaks or links in hoses or cables.

CONTROLS

Levers: Pivot bolt and nut; action and position correct; pivots lubed.
Cables: Ends and shafts lubed; no fraying or kinks; no binding when handlebar turned; proper adjustment.
Hoses: Check for damage or leaks, proper routing.
Throttle: Snaps closed freely when released; no excess play.

LIGHTS

Brake and Taillight(s): All filaments work; both levers actuate brake light.
Headlight: All filaments work; properly aimed; no damage.
Lenses: Clean; no condensation; tight.
Reflectors: Clean; intact.

Battery: Fluid level; terminals clean and tight; held down securely; vent tube not kinked or miss-routed.

Wiring: Check for pinching or fraying; properly routed; no corrosion.

OIL AND FLUIDS

Levels: Brake fluid, oil, final drive, transmission, coolant, fuel.
Leaks: Check all systems for leaks.
Condition: Check color of brake fluid & coolant.

CHASSIS

Frame: Paint lifting or peeling may indicate cracking.
Steering head & Swing-arm bearings: Lift wheels off floor, grab lower fork legs and pull and push to feel for play; repeat at rear. Turn fork to feel for detents in bearings.
Suspension: Smooth movement; proper adjustment; no leaks.
Chain or belt: Tension; lube, look for wear.
Fasteners: Look for missing or loose threaded fasteners, clips, pins.

KICKSTAND

Side Stand: Retracts firmly; no bending or damage; cut-out switch operates; spring intact.
Center Stand: Retracts firmly, no damage.

 

What to Check	Check for...
Steering	Smoothness, no restriction of movement, no play or looseness.
Throttle	Correct play in the throttle cable, smooth operation and positive return of the throttle grip to the closed position.
Clutch	Fluid level in the reservoir to be above “LOWER” line, No fluid leakage, Smooth & sure action of clutch lever.
Suspensions	Smooth Movement
Fuel	Enough fuel for the planned distance.
Tires	Correct Pressure, Adequate tread depth, No cracks or cuts
Engine Oil	Correct Level
Gear Oil	Correct Level
Horn	Correct Function
Engine Stop Switch	Correct Function
Lighting	Operation of all lights & indicators. Make sure they all work.
Side Stand / Ignition interlock switch	Proper Operation

 

Clare's Cycle & Sports and Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara.

Happy Travels!

Lisa Taché
Marketing / Advertising Manager