You might be the most attentive motorcyclist in the world, but you could be heading for a crash if you don’t maintain your bike correctly. Motorcycles with broken, faulty, or worn-out parts can affect the smooth functioning of your bike, leaving you especially vulnerable to accidents and severe injury.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends that all bikers review the acronym T-CLOCS every time before they ride: Tires, Controls, Lights and Electrics, Oil, Chassis, and Stands. Checking these parts and ensuring they’re in tip-top condition before you ride can help avoid life-threatening accidents. Of these parts, here are the three most likely to become damaged and cause a crash.
- Tires. According to a Federal Highway Administration report, poor tire condition often plays a major role in motorcycle accidents. Worn treads, low air, and hardened rubber can all affect the stability of your ride and increase the chance of a blowout or an accident. If your bike wobbles when you ride or feels less stable, there’s a good chance your tires are at fault. Give your tires–and wheels–a careful once-over every time you ride. Even if your treads seem in reasonably good condition, tire manufacturers recommend replacing your tires every 5-6 years.
- Brake Pads. Worn or defective brake pads are another common cause of motorcycle accidents and injuries. Poor brakes or incorrect brake installation can make it difficult for a bike to slow down, come to a complete stop, or gain leverage during a turn. If you hear a squeal when you apply the brakes, notice brake fluid leaking, or have trouble stopping, it’s probably time to change the brake pad. To reduce the risk of complete failure, change your brake pads every 20,000 miles or if they are less than 1/8-inch-thick.
- Motorcycle chain. Many riders overlook the motorcycle chain until there’s a problem–but it might be too late by then. A chain that’s too tight, loose, rusted, or has jumped a sprocket can affect your speed and the stability of your ride. A chain that snaps will abruptly stop your bike altogether, which can throw you off your bike or cause a severe accident. Check your bike chain regularly for irregularity, especially rust or looseness.
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If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to faulty parts, consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call the skilled personal injury attorneys of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. at 1-888-511-1010 today or contact us online for a free consultation. We are ready to help determine who was at fault and fight for your rights.