Engine Fluids

· Check levels. If engine/trans. oil is very dark or black, smells burnt, change oil & filter.
· Inspect fuel filter & screens for crud and check lines for chafe and dry rot.
· Water cooled Engines:
· Check coolant/anti-freeze level, and check flow/pump/hoses.

Brakes

· Check and adjust lever & pedal travel. Refer to your owners/shop manual for specs.
· Check master cylinders for clean brake fluid & proper fluid levels.
· Irregular or "jerky" stopping may mean a warped rotor or drum.
· Inspect pads/liners and replace if needed. Don't let a front brake grab on wet pavement.
· Brakes are possibly the most important component on a bike. Don't bet your life on worn brakes!

Tires & Wheels

· Inspect tires for even wear, tread depth and dry rot (cracking) or cuts in side walls.
· Inspect valve stems for dry rot (and rim cuts on tube stems).
· Check air pressure. Do not over inflate especially in Hot conditions/climate.
· Inspect rims for dents, cracks (alloy) and Carefully tighten loose spokes.
· Check axles, axle nuts & hardware for tightness & wear and lube the bearings.
· Inspect drive chain(& lube) or belt for excessive wear and adjust/replace as needed.

Engine & Transmission

· Check spark plugs. Brown to grayish-tan is good. Black is probably from burning oil or a rich fuel/air mix., light gray or whitish can mean a lean fuel/air mix or an intake leak.
· Check carb(s), adjust float level(s) & idle/fuel/air. Clean carbs are happy carbs... Aerosol Carb/Injector cleaner can work wonders on carburetor or fuel injected motors.
· Inspect/adjust ignition components & replace old spark plugs & wires.
· About every 500 miles, check nuts, bolts & screws for tightness.
· Inspect oil lines for leaks, cracks or chafe & look for oil leaks from the engine/trans. case(s).
· Inspect air filter(s) and if dirty, replace or clean depending on type.
· Inspect exhaust for leaks (especially at the manifold) and check mounting brackets. · Adjust clutch, replace plates if slipping or dragging. Check primary drive chain/belt.

Frame & Suspension

· Check/tighten/torque all nuts & bolts, & engine/trans. mounting hardware.
· Look for hair line cracks around engine/transmission mounting brackets.
· Check steering head/fork assembly for looseness/tightness and adjust if needed.
· Lube steering(tree) bearings.
· Check fork fluid level (refer to owners manual, use only approved hydraulic fluid).
· Inspect rear shock(s), (replace if worn or soft) and check fender mounting brackets/hardware.
· Inspect handle bars for cracks, check mounts and oil all cables.

Highway Tool Kit & Spares

· Wrench set.
· Sockets with ratchet, extensions, U-swivel.
· Screw drivers.
· Pliers (needle nose, vice grip & slip joint).
· Crescent wrench.
· Hex wrenches.
· Small utility knife.
· Small hammer & punch.
· Hack saw blades.
· File.
· Thickness gauge.
· 12v test lamp.
· Fuses.
· Assorted nuts, bolts, cotter pins, etc.
· Chain mast. link & spare links.
· Spark plugs.
· Ign. points or module.
· Hose clamp.
· Bulbs.
· Spoke wrench.
· Elect. Tape.
· Elect. wire.
· 1 Can Flat Fix.
· Flat tire plug kit.
· Sm. tube silicon/gasket maker.
· Picture (braided)wire.
· 1 Qt. Oil.
· Shop rag.
· Small flash light.
· 8'x10' poly plastic rain sheet.
· CEL PHONE...