Daily tips for your motorcycles

Always check tyre pressure with the tyres cold – never after riding – because the pressure increases when hot.

Give the tyre a quick visual check for any damage or wear of the tread. Then use a tyre pressure gauge to measure the pressure in each tyre and compare this with the specified pressure (usually on a label attached to the chain guard or rear mudguard). Use a pump to increase the pressure if necessary.

Check that all lights, brake lights and turn signals work. Check that the horn works – you might really need it in a critical moment.

Check the brakes individually. Their application must be firm and they must be fully applied without the lever (front) or pedal (rear) reaching its full travel. They must also free off completely when the lever or pedal is released and allow the wheels to turn freely without drag.

Check the fluid level of hydraulic brakes by viewing the level in relation to the lines on the master cylinder reservoir. If it is below the lower line, top up the fluid.

Use the fluid type marked on the reservoir cap (usually DOT 4) and top up to the level line inside the reservoir.

Most bikes have chain drive to the rear wheel. The chain needs to be well lubricated and shouldn’t have too much freeplay. If the chain looks dry give it a squirt of aerosol chain lube. If it looks too slack, adjust its tension.