ANSBACH, Germany (March 12, 2014) -- Spring approaches, which for many means bringing out the motorcycle and riding great distances. Before you jump on your motorcycle, take a few minutes to ensure you and your bike are ready for the ride. You will only enjoy the riding season by staying safe and accident-free, so start the season with your ride in peak operating condition.
After winter storage, the first inspection is the one that will ensure your riding season starts in the right gear. Doing so will extend the life of your bike and result in a safer more enjoyable ride for you. Not sure what to look for? The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's T-CLOCS (T for tires and wheels, C for controls, L for lights, O for oil, C for chassis and S for stands) inspection checklist is an excellent tool, but more importantly it's free. To download the checklist, visit MSF website (http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/) or type in this website address in your URL (www.msf-usa.org/downloads/t-clocsinspectionchecklist.pdf). If you have a smart phone, consider downloading a copy of the checklist to your phone so that it is always handy.
If you're mechanically inclined and you have the owner's manual or the shop manual for your motorcycle use them to repair any deficiencies you noted before you ride. If your not comfortable making the repairs, take it to a dealer or an authorized motorcycle mechanic. The important thing is that you make sure it is prepped and ready to ride.
How about you, are you ready to ride? Check your personal protective equipment to ensure it is in good condition. Replace any worn or suspected riding gear (especially those that irritate you) -- and make it a habit for life to wear all the gear all the time (ATGATT) whenever you ride, no exceptions. The bike is ready and you are dressed, but there is one last thing you should do: Warm up your skills.
If you haven't ridden in a couple of months, take some time to warm up to riding again. Take it slow and practice maneuvering your bike in a secure area such as a parking lot or low-traffic area to get the kinks out of the bike and freshen up your riding skills.
For Soldiers, consider taking a motorcycle safety class to sharpen your riding skills. The training is free, and your insurance company may offer a discount in your premiums. To sign up, visit https://apps.imcom.army.mil/AIRS/default.aspx and register for the next available training class that matches your skill set and motorcycle type and which meets your work and training schedule.
As a reminder, Soldiers must have a valid Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) completion card to ride a motorcycle and retain registration of their vehicle. MSF completion cards expire every three years.
Exception: The Basic Rider Card expires one year from date of issuance. Riders must complete the MSF Experienced Rider Course/Basic Rider Course 2 or the Sport Bike Rider Course/Advanced Rider Course within 12 months of completing the Basic Rider Course. Check your wallet or purse today to ensure your MSF completion card is valid before you ride.
If you have any questions about riding requirements, call your garrison safety office at 09802-183-1670 or DSN 468-1670.
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