9. Daily checks VOLTS

USE THE MNEMONIC VOLTS

You should learn how to check your motorcycle on a daily basis. Because basic checks only take a minute or so, there is no excuse not to.  Confidence in a motorcycle’s road worthiness, equals increased rider safety and less chance of a dangerous (poor maintenance related) situation occurring when riding.  If higher mileage routes and journeys are planned, then more extensive checks would be required. Daily motorcycle checks are to ensure you are happy to ride the motorcycle at the given time.

DAILY CHECKS 

VOLTS is a useful mnemonic to remember the essential daily checks, to be carried out at the beginning of every journey. V – Visual O – Oil L – Lights T – Tyres and brakes S – Steering and suspension There are a number of commonly used mnemonics used to reference daily motorcycle checks, VOLTS being just one of them.  You are advised to check with your local training provider, who may have a good alternative that they use and will pass onto you.  

IT SHOULD NOT TAKE LONG

• A basic daily check should take less than 1 minute
• Always have a visual check
• Get to know your own motorcycle and its characteristics
• Don’t take it for granted that it always ok to ride
• Never run out of fuel