Technical - Useful Checks Before Departure

"Who wants to travel far, take care of your horse." When horses are mechanical, you can especially "prepare" your faithful horse so that hundreds of kilometers to be swallowed do not turn into so many galleys.

TYRES

Don't even think to go far if the wear indicator on your tires is limited. A loaded motorcycle will finish them off and put you in danger. Tire pressures vary according to the manufacturer's recommendations, a phone call to your dealer will provide you with the correct information, which usually applies to cold tires. The tubeless tires found on most motorcycles can be satisfied with a puncture spray to cover several tens of kilometers before getting to the workshop to change the tire. The instructions are simple, it is best to have a repair kit with pins… or a BMW whose toolbox contains a complete repair kit.

PRESSURE LEVELS

Then get into fluids: engine oil levels are easy to check, know that all modern oils mix with each other, in case you need to add something along the way (prefer synthesis). Adding new oil does not clean up old oil, so do not delay the oil change time. For liquid-cooled engines, the level in the expansion tank must be monitored to avoid overheating. Tap water will help in emergencies. Finally, the hydraulic clutches and brakes sometimes deserve a little pumping for those who know how to do it (don't go on an adventure the day before leaving).

CABLES

If a clutch cable breaks, you may be in trouble for a long time before you find a motorcyclist or bike or moped store that can help you (the ones for Vespas often do the trick). Better anticipate by installing a new cable or putting some liquid lubricant in the sheath. In the event that the gas cable breaks, which happens less often, the thin bike derailleur cables and their small clamps can help, just to cover several tens of kilometers.

BROADCAST

Therefore, in addition to lubricating the chain, as before every ride, it is important to assess the wear of the chain set. Sudden jerking of the transmission often requires only chain tension. Be careful not to stretch it too much (leave 3cm of travel) because it wears out faster and absorbs energy. The most stressed point will be used to adjust the tension (uneven wear, "runout" effect).

Planets

Without disassembling the brake caliper, you can visually check the pad wear.

If there is less than a millimeter of packing left, do not tempt the devil, because the disc will be damaged in contact with scrap metal.

If you do this yourself, be careful not to install the pads upside down (common) and be sure to clean the pistons before putting the pads back in, as dirt can trap the brakes.

IGNITION START

If your motorcycle battery is black, don't worry, it is maintenance-free. If the walls are transparent, check the liquid levels and top up with demineralized water. The more forward-thinking will also check the condition of their spark plugs (electrode spacing, wire brushing) with possible inlet timing for the most equipped (do you have a "low pressure gauge"?). Your rider can obviously take care of the valve clearance.

AND FOR THE MOST CONSCIOUS ...

Preparing for any contingency also means making sure your insurance covers breakdown assistance. A good cleaning of the motorcycle will ensure an impeccable view. The more forward-thinking will change all of the motorcycle's fuses before hitting the road, rather than taking a fuse box (less useful than a toilet bag) with them. The last straw is, of course, to drill a small hole at the end of each lever, so as not to be stranded in case of a small fall (the lever does not break completely, but only at the end weakened by the hole). In your luggage are your documents (license, registration card, insurance), your mobile phone (not to mention a recharge), but also a smoke screen (or a pair of sunglasses that fit comfortably in your helmet), as well as a road map ( GPS may fail...).

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