Bike check

I'm used to riding with my ex husband and have to admit that I've never taken the responsibility of checking my own bike before each ride. He always did that for me. Now that we're separated I need to do these things myself. I apologize in advance for the really basic questions posed here but want to do the right thing before I end up killing myself for not checking tire pressure, etc.

Here's what I have read that should be done but I'm wondering if there's anything else I should be doing before each ride:

Check tire pressure (if possible, is there somewhere I can find proper pressure for road/weather conditions?) Also can anyone recommend a good tire gauge? I need one.

Check fluids - I assume I just check to make sure brake fluid is in the brake reserve and that the oil level looks good but if you have any other tips that would be great.

Make sure lights are in proper working order and check to make sure clutch and throttle are working properly.

Also check lines to ensure none are loose or disconnected.

If there's anything else I should be doing before each ride, please advise. I will check the service manual for the timelines for any regularly scheduled maintenance such as oil changes, etc. but I'm more concerned with the everyday stuff.

TIA. Susan

05 Honda? Can't imagine you'd need to do much more than check tire pressure every month or so...maybe oil at the same time.

as a habit (or ritual) i check tire pressure before every ride.

Susan-

Check the tires on a weekly basis and before any major ride. (Check not only tire pressure, but condition: tread wear and or impaled foreign objects).

Check the fluids before any major ride and AT least monthly;
Front and rear brake reservoirs, oil and coolant. Don't worry about the blinker fluid.

Lights and electrical once a month: Ensure not just working lights but all switches function.

The best way to check lines? Keep the bike clean and you'll notice things as you wash if you pay attention.

I'm not real familiar with the VTX, but you may want to ensure all bolts are properly tightened- Vtwins tend to rattle a lil bit.

No matter what tire gauge you get, make sure you can get it calibrated or at least have an idea if it's 1 or 2 PSI off. Radio Shack has some decent digital gauges.

Thanks so much for the replies. I will feel much better riding by myself (which I haven't done very often) if I know that the bike is in good working order/condition.

Susan

Cyclesuzy said:

Thanks so much for the replies. I will feel much better riding by myself (which I haven't done very often) if I know that the bike is in good working order/condition.

Susan

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May I make a suggestion if you are riding solo? Leave a note at home where you are going, route and the time you plan to be back home-

Wowsa - never thought about that. Good suggestion. I once went riding with my ex and we got separated. I ran out of gas, flipped it to reserve, got off the freeway and realized he was out of sight. That's when I realized I did not bring a cell phone with me. Last time I did that.

Of course, when I got home 10 minutes or so after he did and asked if he was worried, he said "nah, I figured you're out getting gas or something" I always thought you should stay with your riding partner and at least circle back to find out what happened. Maybe that's not the case. Hmmmmm......

Cyclesuzy said:

Wowsa - never thought about that. Good suggestion. I once went riding with my ex and we got separated. I ran out of gas, flipped it to reserve, got off the freeway and realized he was out of sight. That's when I realized I did not bring a cell phone with me. Last time I did that.

Of course, when I got home 10 minutes or so after he did and asked if he was worried, he said "nah, I figured you're out getting gas or something" I always thought you should stay with your riding partner and at least circle back to find out what happened. Maybe that's not the case. Hmmmmm......

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I wouldn't be happy if that was done to me- yeah chances are you were getting gas, but you could have had a flat or been in a ditch. :|

When I ride with someone who is at a slower pace- I usually leave no more than a mile between us.

I like the idea of everyone getting home in one piece

Cyclesuzy said:

I always thought you should stay with your riding partner and at least circle back to find out what happened. Maybe that's not the case. Hmmmmm......

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probably a good thing he's an ex..