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Safety first

Pre-ride checks

Regular commuters may of course, feel that with such frequent use, checking before every ride is unnecessary, and prefer to carry out the inspection once a week. The important point is that checking of vital systems is not left until the next interval in the service schedule.

The owner’s manual supplied with the machine will contain a list of pre-ride items. Often this is included with the instructions on how to operate the bike, rather than with the maintenance table, so you’ll need to leaf through the manual to find it. The list contains items which are essential to the health of the bike such as engine oil and coolant, and those which are important to ensure rider safety such as brake operation and controls.

The following items relate to Honda’s 125cc four-stroke Varadero and Shadow models.

Engine oil

Fig 1 Where the engine has an oil level window, check that the oil is between the upper and lower level lines on the window.

Fig 2 If the level is on or below the lower line, unscrew the oil filler cap at the top of the cover to top up the oil.

Fig 3 Where the oil level is measured using a dipstick attached to the filler cap, unscrew the dipstick and wipe its end clean.

Fig 4 Insert the dipstick back into its hole and rest the filler cap on the cover – do not screw it in.

Fig 5 Withdraw the dipstick – the oil level should lie between the upper and lower level lines on the dipstick.

Fig 6 Always top up with motorcycle oil. Never use oils designed for car engines.

Check in the handbook whether the level should be checked with the engine cold or after it has been run for a couple of minutes (and then turned off).

If the bike only has a sidestand, you’ll need to hold it upright to check the level. This is easier said than done on some bikes and the help of an assistant may be needed to steady the bike while you check the level.

Coolant

Fig 7 Bikes with water-cooled engines will have a coolant reservoir with upper and lower lines moulded into its side. Tank location will vary; on the Varadero it is visible from the left side of the fairing.

Fig 8 On the Shadow it is at the rear of the frame and visible from the right side. The coolant is visible through the white plastic body of the reservoir.

Fig 9 The reservoir cap will either be a screw top or pull top. Use pre-mix coolant if you need to top up and don’t exceed the upper line.

Again, check in the handbook whether the level should be checked with the engine hot or cold and hold the bike upright to get a true level reading.

Disc brakes

Fig 10 Check the fluid level in each master cylinder reservoir. This front brake reservoir has a sight window and lower level line. The fluid level must be above the lower line, but not too high. When correct, the fluid level should just be visible at the top of the window.

Fig 11 Rear brake fluid reservoirs are translucent allowing you to view the fluid level through the body of the reservoir. The fluid must be between the upper and lower lines.

Fig 12 Only ever use brake hydraulic fluid for topping up. DOT 4 grade is specified for most models and will be inscribed on the reservoir cap. Brake fluid will damage paintwork, so take care not to spill it.

As well as checking the fluid level, check that each brake is able to stop wheel rotation. It is also important that the brake frees off immediately the lever or pedal is released; road salt, dirt and corrosion can all lead to brake problems during the winter.

If the lever or pedal travel feels different from the last time you used the bike investigate why. It could be that a seal has failed or air has entered the hydraulic system.

Drum brakes

Some commuter bikes have a rear drum brake. There’s no fluid level to check, but it’s important that the brake is capable of stopping wheel rotation and frees off when the pedal is released.

Tyres

Low tyre pressures can easily go unnoticed, unless time is taken to check them regularly and if checks are neglected, you’ll eventually notice an adverse effect on the handling and uneven tyre wear.

Air pressure will increase when the tyres are warm (ie if the bike has just been ridden), so it’s important to check them when cold.

Fig 13 Unscrew the dust cap and press the gauge head squarely onto the valve end. Note the pressure and compare it to that recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer. There will be a label (usually on the swinging arm) giving the pressure information. Use a footpump to increase pressure if necessary.

Fig 14 Always give the tyre tread area a quick visual check at the same time as checking the pressure. If you think the tread depth is approaching the limit, measure it at the centre with a gauge.

Controls

Check that the front and rear suspension operates smoothly without binding.
Check that the steering moves smoothly from lock-to-lock.
Check that the throttle grip rotates smoothly when opened and doesn’t stick when released.
Check that the brake lever and pedal, clutch lever and gearchange lever operate smoothly.
Check that the chain isn’t too loose or too tight.
Check that the lights, turn signals and horn all work correctly.
Check that the stand return springs hold the stand up securely when retracted.

This procedure was taken from the Haynes XL125V Varadero and VT125C Shadow manual (No 4899), due for publication in February, retailing at £16.99. visit www.haynes.co.uk for more information.