Motorcycle Safety Tips

Series Summary

The first petroleum powered motorcycle was designed and built by German inventors in 1885. There was a steam powered, two wheeled vehicle that was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in 1867 in the eastern United States. Modern day motorcycles consist of a chassis, an engine, a transmission, wheels and tires, a brake system, suspension coils, and instruments to gauge speed, distance and other important variables. There are many types of motorcycles now, including pocket bikes, choppers, sport bikes, motocross bikes, mopeds, scooters, cruisers and touring motorcycles.

In this free do-it-yourself motorcycle maintenance course on video, learn how to fix and repair your hog, so that you can ride cross country without having to stop in at a mechanic. The ultimate riding experience is characterized by freedom and independence: to be in charge of your ride and in control of your bike. So get tips on tire and brake care, how to change motorcycle spark plugs, replace the air filter and change the oil, adjust the primary chain, and other common bike repairs you’ll need to do on the road.

The modern biker is the new cowboy, and the highways are the new Wild West. So watch this series and learn how to care for your iron horse; whether you're an easy rider, or born to be wild, it’s your ticket to freedom on the endless roads of America.

Video Transcript

"Hi! Today we are going to start out with a basic rider safety check you should do before you ride your bike. First thing you want to do is check the air in your tires. It is best to follow your service manual on a touring model such as this the Harley Davidson Road King. The touring model states anywhere from 36 to 42 pounds. I prefer to keep 40 in mind. Just any regular standard tire gage will work; do fine. You can pick them up at an automotive store. Another thing you want to make sure that your lights are working properly. You are going to turn on your ignition, check your left and right turn signals, front and rear, headlight and bright light and horn. After you have checked your headlight, you want to check your taillight and brake light. Make sure that your tail light is working. Depress your front brake and watch your brake light come on. Come around to the rear brake pedal, and you can press your rear brake pedal and watch your brake light come on. You want to check your rear tire as well as your front tire. Check under your bike and make sure there are no leaks of any kind of oil or any other lubricants. Sit on our bike and adjust your mirrors. Make sure your mirrors are in proper position, and that is pretty much your basic on the road safety check. "