T – Tyres and wheels

  • Pressure: measure with the tyres cold, using the values on the sticker or in the owner’s manual. Low pressure changes steering and braking.
  • Tread and wear: check the wear indicators in the tread and look for uneven wear.
  • Damage: cuts, bulges, nails or cracks in the sidewall.
  • Spokes and rims: dents, cracks or loose spokes.

C – Controls

  • The throttle snaps back fully when released, at every handlebar position.
  • Clutch and brake levers move freely and do not pull back to the bar.
  • Cables without fraying, kinks or rubbing, and steering that moves freely from lock to lock.

L – Lights and electrics

  • Headlight on low and high beam, tail light, and brake light from both brakes.
  • All four indicators and the horn.
  • Battery: clean, tight terminals. A slow start is an early sign of trouble.

O – Oil and fluids

  • Engine oil level, using the method in the owner’s manual (warm or cold, on the side stand or upright).
  • Brake fluid between the marks, and coolant on liquid-cooled bikes.
  • A look under the bike for oil, fuel or coolant on the ground.

C – Chassis

  • Chain: slack within the manual’s range, lubricated, and sprockets without hooked teeth.
  • Suspension: push down on the bars and the seat and check that it rebounds smoothly, without knocks or leaking fork seals.
  • Loose bolts and fittings, especially mirrors, luggage racks and the number plate.

S – Stands

  • The side stand and centre stand spring back fully and the return spring is intact.
  • The side stand safety switch (if fitted) stops the engine when you select a gear with the stand down.

How long it takes

Once you have done it a few times, the check takes about five minutes. Check tyre pressure, oil and chain at least once a week and before every long ride. Anything unusual is a reason to look closer before you ride, not after.

This list is a general starting point. Tyre pressures, chain slack and fluid levels come from the owner’s manual for your model. Source: Motorcycle Safety Foundation, T-CLOCS inspection checklist.

Sources: Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Links do not imply that these organisations endorse MotoCircleX.