A two-minute walk-round can be the difference between an epic day out and a stranded bike on the hard shoulder. Whether you’re commuting or loading the panniers for the Alps, performing regular maintenance and a quick motorcycle pre-ride inspection keeps you safe, protects your BMW and saves money in the long run.
Why Pre-Ride Checks Matter
- Spot worn tyres before they lose traction on a wet bend.
- Catch low brake fluid or oil levels that could cause expensive damage.
- Ensure lights and mirrors work so you can ride defensively and be seen.
If you travel in a group, hold a pre-ride meeting and stagger your riding formation—you’ll share spares, knowledge and space on the road.
The T-CLOCS System: Your Five-Step Walk-Round
Most trainers use the mnemonic T-CLOCS (Tyres, Controls, Lights & Electrics, Oil & Fluids, Chassis, Stands). It works for any bike, but the examples below are tailored to BMW adventure machines.
1. Tyres & Wheels
|
Check |
What to Do |
Why |
|
Tyre pressures |
Use a gauge while the tyres are cool. Refer to the handbook for solo vs luggage settings. |
Correct air pressure keeps the contact patch stable on gravel and tarmac. |
|
Tread depth |
Look for the motorcycle tyre wear indicator bars; replace at 1.6 mm or sooner for off-road trips. |
Worn tread can cause aquaplaning. |
|
Damage & loose spokes |
Spin each wheel, feeling for cuts, bulges or side-to-side wobble. Tighten loose spokes gently. |
Prevents punctures and rim cracks. |
2. Controls
-
Clutch and throttle cables—ensure they move freely and snap back.
-
Brake levers—smooth action, no sticking.
- Bars & mirrors—tight bolts, mirrors set for a full rear view.
For more workshop pointers, see our detailed maintenance tips for your BMW motorcycle.
3. Lights & Electrics
-
Turn signals and brake lights—press each switch and observe both front and rear.
-
Headlamp high/low beam—essential for early starts or Alpine tunnels.
- Horn—a quick blast confirms the circuit.
If a bulb fails regularly, check earth connections; vibration can loosen them on long-travel bikes.
4. Oil & Fluids
|
Fluid |
Where to Look |
Minimum Safe Level |
|
Engine oil |
Sight-glass or dipstick on a level surface. |
Top of the lower mark. |
|
Coolant |
Expansion tank behind the fairing. |
Between min–max lines. |
|
Brake & clutch fluid |
Master-cylinder windows. |
Above the ‘LOW’ line; replace if cloudy. |
|
Fuel |
Glance at the gauge—but open the cap before a long run; sensors can lie on gradients. |
Top up with the grade BMW specifies, and wipe spills to protect paintwork.
5. Chassis & Drive Line
- Chain adjustment (or shaft drive play) at the tightest spot; lube after every wet ride.
- Check front forks and rear shock for leaks.
- Look over the frame for cracks or flaking paint that might hide corrosion.
6. Stands
- Side stand and centre stand should swing up and stay up.
- Grease pivots yearly; a seized stand can drop mid-corner.
Quick-Reference Pre-Ride Checklist
☐ Tyre pressure and tread
☐ Oil, coolant and brake fluid level
☐ Chain clean and adjusted / shaft free play
☐ Clutch, throttle and brake levers move smoothly
☐ Lights, indicators, horn all working
☐ Mirrors adjusted
☐ Stands retract fully
Tape the list under your seat or on your tank-bag window for easy recall.
FAQs
What do you check before starting a motorcycle?
Run through T-CLOCS: tyres, controls, lights, oil & fluids, chassis and stands, plus fuel. A glance can save a ride.
How do you check your motorcycle?
Work methodically front-to-back—inspect your motorcycle on level ground, use a torch for dark recesses and keep a rag handy to feel for loose bolts or leaks.
Going Further
Planning a tour? Our guide on how to prepare your BMW motorcycle for a long ride covers luggage, suspension and spares so you leave nothing to chance.
Equip Your BMW for Trouble-Free Miles
From easy-read tyre-pressure gauges to quick-release pannier racks, Wunderlich Australia makes the world’s largest range of accessories for BMW motorcycles. Every part is engineered in Germany, tested in the outback and backed by a two-year warranty.
Visit Wunderlich Australia to transform a standard bike into your BMW—ready for any road, any season.
We have the core parts to complete your BMW, and like you, we live to ride.