COL. DARIN SCHUSTER
Delaware Army National Guard
New Castle, Delaware

Being involved in a motorcycle mishap is something no rider likes to think about. Time and again we hear our commanders, safety officers or co-workers tell us to be careful, ride safely and use personal protective equipment (PPE), but do we listen? We may hear the words, but do we really believe we will be the Soldier who has an accident?

An important part of rider safety is conducting a pre-ride inspection on your motorcycle. Yet, how many times have you just hopped on your bike and took off without even a quick glance at its condition? The latest Army mishaps statistics provided by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center (USACRC) show there were 26 motorcycle fatalities in FY25. As an Army aviator, I would never think of going out on a mission without first conducting a pre-flight inspection of the helicopter. So why would I fail to conduct an inspection on my motorcycle?

Conducting a pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle before each ride is a smart thing to do, and it might just save you from becoming the next statistic in the USACRC’s mishap database. A good tool to use for your pre-ride inspection is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s T-CLOCS checklist. The checklist focuses on the most important parts of your motorcycle that should be inspected before each ride: Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis and Stand. A brief description of each of these areas follows, but for a complete description, be sure to use the entire T-CLOCS checklist.

• Tires – Always check your tires, wheels and brakes. These are some of the most critical items on a motorcycle. Pay specific attention to the condition and air pressure in your tires. Make sure the wheels are free of cracks and dents and that the wheel bearings are serviceable. Check the front and rear brake for proper operation.
• Controls – Check all levers, pedals, cables and hoses. Look for any items that may be bent, broken, frayed or cracked. Check the throttle to ensure proper operation. It should move smoothly and snap closed when released.
• Lights – Inspect the headlight, taillight, brake light and turn signals for proper operation. This is also a good time to check that all reflectors, lenses and mirrors are secure and serviceable.
• Oil – Always check the engine oil level. Also check other fluids, such as gear oil, engine coolant and fuel levels. Make sure there are no fluid leaks.
• Chassis – Check the motorcycle’s frame for any signs of cracks or other unsafe conditions. Ensure the suspension operates smoothly with the proper pre-load. Check the condition of the chain or belt. Make sure all fasteners are tight and free of corrosion.
• Stand – Inspect the side or center stand for any cracks or bends that can cause an unsafe condition.

Motorcycle safety should always be taken seriously. Riders are at a greater risk than other motorists while out on the road. Taking just a few minutes to conduct a pre-ride inspection can decrease the chances of mechanical failures and will ensure the proper performance of your motorcycle. This can help reduce some of the risks associated with riding and will improve your safety. Make a pre-ride inspection part of your normal routine.

Experience tells us that sometimes accidents happen when you least expect them. A motorcycle pre-ride inspection will help decrease the odds of you finding yourself in a mishap situation. Always remember to ride safely and arrive alive!

FYI

To print your own copy of a T-CLOCS inspection checklist, visit https://safety.army.mil/Portals/0/Documents/OFF-DUTY/PMV-2/PAMPHLETSCHECKLISTS/Standard/TCLOCS_2022.pdf. For additional information, visit https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/PMV-2-Motorcycles.