10. Weekly checks POWDDERSS

USE THE MNEMONIC - POWDDERSS ROADWORTHY ALL THE TIME

You should learn how to fully check your motorcycle properly to ensure that it is roadworthy at all times. The road can be a dangerous place without adding further risk by not having a safe and roadworthy motorcycle.  

WEEKLY CHECKS (POWDDERSS)

To help you remember the essential weekly motorcycle checks, the mnemonic POWDDERSS is a good memory aid.  There are a number of other approaches for the best weekly routine for you to carry out your own weekly checks. These are usually carried out when cleaning the bike thoroughly when you have some spare time to delve a little bit deeper into the mechanical operation. You could check with your local training school to see what their preferred method is, as it may be a more simple way to remember. The following will help you recall what to check: P – Petrol O – Oil W – Water D – Drive D – Damage E – Electric R – Rubber S – Steering S – Suspension It is also important to consult your Motorcycle Owner’s Manual for specific checks and routine servicing requirements. Every motorcycle is slightly different and it is important to say that you should not attempt to make changes to the motorcycle if you do not have the knowledge or experience.

LONGER CHECKS HELP YOU IDENTIFY FAULTS

• Clean your motorcycle regularly
• Weekly checks can be done when you wash your bike
• Don’t fix your bike if you are unsure what you are doing
• Always ask for help and advice if you don’t know
• Read the owner's manual
• Get into a good habit of always checking things in order