The Pre-Ride Check (T-CLOCS)

A quick walk-around before you ride can catch a soft tire, a dead brake light, or a loose chain while you're still parked. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation built an easy way to remember it: T-CLOCS.

• T: Tires and wheels. Pressure (checked cold, set to your owner's manual), tread, cuts, bulges, or anything stuck in the tire. Check wheels for damage, and make sure each brake works on its own.
• C: Controls. Levers and pedals move smoothly and aren't bent or cracked. Cables and hoses aren't frayed, kinked, or leaking. The throttle snaps closed on its own, even with the bars turned.
• L: Lights and electrics. Headlight (high and low), tail and brake light from both brakes, turn signals, horn, switches, and mirrors that are clean and set while you're seated.
• O: Oil and other fluids. Engine oil level, brake and clutch fluid, coolant (only when the engine is cool), and fuel. Look under the bike for drips.
• C: Chassis. Suspension that moves smoothly, chain or belt tension and condition, and no loose or missing bolts.
• S: Stands. Side stand and center stand aren't cracked or bent, and their springs hold them up.

You don't have to do the full inspection before every short ride. A quick look at tires, lights, brakes, and leaks takes a minute, and the deeper check fits a weekly or pre-trip routine. Your owner's manual has the exact specs for your bike.

The MSF publishes its full T-CLOCS checklist at msf-usa.org. Our printable Pre-Ride Checklist below follows the same order so you can keep it in the garage. If something doesn't look right and you're not sure how to fix it, don't ride it. Get it to a shop or a rider who knows.

This course is for education. It doesn't replace a state-approved rider course or motorcycle licensing.