What to Know Before the Accident

When mounting a motorcycle, be sure that you are prepared to take on the related responsibilities. These responsibilities include not only the rules of the road and any related defensive driving, but also the responsibility of any passengers. These responsibilities rest on your shoulders at all times when you are behind any wheel, and adhering to them may save a life later on.

Always practice the safe basic riding habits. This includes wearing a helmet and other protective gear such as gloves. Wear the proper bike attire when on your motorcycle. When taking on a passenger, be sure to have an extra helmet prepared for them. This will keep them safe in the long run, should anything happen. Utilize defensive driving techniques and try to keep out of the blind spots of surrounding vehicles. Be sure to have the best motorcycle insurance available to you, and ensure that you know every detail in your insurance policy, particularly what it states about passengers.

Every time you embark on the road, no matter how short the trip is planned to be, there are specific items you should bring to ensure a safe and precautions driving experience. Always bring your cell phone, a camera, and a card. Carrying these three “C’s” now may save a life later. The cell phone will enable you or others to call for help if necessary, and the camera will allow for pictures to be taken should you get into an accident and you need proof of damage for your insurance company. If you do not have a camera handy, the camera on your cell phone or a disposable camera will do the job just as efficiently. On the card should be your name, information, and emergency contact information should you or anyone else become unresponsive. This card will help your passenger or officials contact the people that need to know of any given event should an accident occur.

Are You Liable?

Motorcycle accident liability can be found in anyone, depending on the factors involved and who in fact is the negligent party. In general, the part that is proven to be negligent, inattentive, or violating the traffic laws is the party that is liable. In most cases, the driver of a vehicle may not always see the motorcycle, and is thus the cause of an accident. The liability in these situations thus rests on the driver of the vehicle, for the rules of the road state that any driver must be aware of their surroundings at all times. If they are not aware of any vehicles, including motorcycles, in the area, then they are not being attentive and thus they are negligent. In other cases, a motorcycle defect may have been the cause of the accident. Unique factors of the accident may determine who exactly is the liable party.

If you have been wronged, by the negligent party or an insurance company, speak with a personal injury attorney for details on how to begin a lawsuit.

How Will Your Insurance Work?

Your insurance experience all begins with your insurance policy. Knowing your exact policy beforehand is a great way to be prepared before heading out on the road. Most insurance policies cover the individual who is an injured passenger in an accident. Every insurance policy works differently, and it all depends on which one you choose when buying the insurance itself. Various aspects are based on the factors surrounding your insurance, such as the type of vehicle or the state you live in.

On the other side of the same coin, the handling of the post-accident experience also depends on what kind of insurance the other vehicle or motorcycle has. Motorcycle insurance usually helps with one of three options. The first option is paying you or a family member if a claim exists. It may also pay for an attorney to defend you in legal defense, or they can also help you in terms of indemnification, or when you pay what you owe when a claim is against you personally.

The coverage you receive depends on your specific policy. Coverage that is available are liability, medical payments, uninsured and underinsured coverage, and damage coverage. Each policy has its own limitations so be sure to ask about every detail.

 Tips for a Passenger

When you are the passenger on a motorcycle, you feel the wind at your sides like a bird. You put all of your trust into the driver of the bike, and while the responsibility of driving with a passenger rests on them, you can do your part as a passenger to ensure that the experience is a safe one. When both the driver and the passenger are safe, the driving experience is as safe as it can be. The passenger’s safety can be collected in three categories: clothing, mounting the bike, and riding the motorcycle as a passenger.

Clothing is the first category, for even the most basic covering can mean the difference between minor and major injuries. Find protective clothing that can help you in the event of an accident. Hiking boots can protect your feet and ankles, and durable pants of leather or thick denim will protect your legs. Leather jackets also make for a good protectant. Always wear a helmet.

The second category is mounting and dismounting the motorcycle. Before getting on the bike, make sure the passenger footpegs are down and stable. Always know where the exhaust pipes are, as they can get hot and can cause severe burns. Always mount and dismount the motorcycle from the left side, and wait for the rider to let you know when it is safe to do so.

Once mounted on the motorcycle, it is important to know how to ride as a passenger. It is your responsibility to not throw off the balance of the bike. Lock your feet into place on the passenger footpegs and place your hands on the rider’s hips. When turning, position yourself according to the turn. When steering left, look over the rider’s left shoulder. When steering right, look over the rider’s right shoulder. Be sure to hold yourself steady and in place in the event of a sudden stop.

Whether you are a rider or a passenger, knowing these tips now can give you a safer riding experience later. Know the rules of the road, your position’s responsibilities, and how to tell the liable part in the event of an accident. Know every nook of your insurance policy, and practice defensive and safe driving. An accident can unfortunately happen in any moment, and preparing yourself now can minimize any potential damage or confusion.

The post Involved in a Motorcycle Accident with a Passenger? appeared first on Chopper Law.

1.) Keep Your Own Perception Aware

When driving in any vehicle, the primary controller of the car or motorcycle is yourself. Your perception determines the quality of your time on the road and can mean the difference between a safe drive to your destination or a dent in your vehicle, or worse. As you already know, a motorcycle is more vulnerable in an accident than a heavier car, so the quality of the perception of its driver is of top importance.

Alcohol can be one of the ways that any drivers’ perception is drastically lowered in quality. Drinking and driving is a practice that can prove fatal to those driving in vehicles; driving impaired on a motorcycle is almost a death sentence. Understand that while your own limit may be three beers, the limit of perception on the road is barely on drink. Any intoxication is intoxication.

Medication can make you drowsy, which can cause deadly circumstances. When taking new medication, always discuss with your doctor the possible side effects that may affect your driving, and always read the labels of your medication or vitamins. When beginning any new medication or vitamin regimen, be sure to understand every aspect of exactly what it will do to you personally. Protecting yourself and your perception is the first way to defend yourself on the road.

2.) Adhere to the Rules of the Road and Then Some

Defensive driving is safe driving, and driving safely begins with yourself and continues with adherence to the rules of the road. Aside from the basics of the stop signs and yielding turns, taking extra precautions can go far and can save your life. Defend yourself with precautions, not assumptions. Do not assume that other drivers will see you. Motorcycles are substantially smaller than all other vehicles, and are thus susceptible to being in the blind spots of their neighbors. As you do this, avoid driving in the blind spots of those around you. Assumptions are also dangerous at intersections. Do not assume that other drivers will give you the right of way, even when you do have the right of way.

Traffic lanes are also deserving of extra cautionary attention. When riding in a lane, be sure to avoid riding in the center. By adhering to the side, you allow for extra room in the event of aggressive or impatient drivers to pass you.

Florida has specific regulations in regards to splitting and sharing lanes. In Florida, splitting, or riding between lanes, is illegal with the exceptions of police officers and firefighters. While sharing a lane is legal in our state, it is illegal to pass a vehicle in the same lane.

3.) Defense Other Than Defensive Driving

While defensive driving usually entails the proper maneuvering of your vehicle or motorcycle in various roadway situations, sometimes the “defense” in defensive driving should be taken literally. Wearing the proper safety gear now can protect you not only against the weather, but possible accidents on the road as well. When protecting yourself with safety gear, do so from the head, down. Start with a helmet that fits all regulations. Always wear it, even for the shortest trip. Never taken any chances with your safety. Wear proper eye and face protection that can protect against rain, especially during Florida’s rainy season. Optional safety gear includes vests and armor. Wear gloves that give you a good and safe grip with every grab of the handlebars. Choose shoes that you can trust when leaning while stopped. Increase your visibility with brightly colored gear or reflective tape.

Defend yourself while taking turns as well. At any possible opportunity when turning at an intersection, position yourself so you are shielded by a car turning the same direction as you. You can always switch lanes after. When on the road, any protection is good protection.

4.) Be Aware of Your Environment

Defensive driving also includes the quality of the environment you drive in. Florida, known for its sunny days and rainy seasons, is home to many afternoons of wet and slippery roads. Knowing how to drive in various environments can help you avoid accidents.

Floridian roads can become covered with nearby beach sands, oil spills, wet leaves, or watery puddles. Avoid driving on roads that are blanketed with sand, wet leaves, or oil. Any one of these things can become a danger to the traction of your tires. If possible, avoid driving right after rain. Rain makes roads slippery, which can throw your bike out of control. Plan ahead accordingly in case of bad weather before a ride.

The condition of the road is also something to watch for. Defensive driving is not just about defending yourself about other drivers, but also the road you’re driving on as well. Avoid roadway debris such as old rubber from tires or glass from a previous accident. Avoid construction sites; nails are more hazardous to motorcycles than to cars.

In any weather, be sure to pay attention to the traffic around you. Is anyone swaying or swerving? How close is everyone else in proximity to you? Are there bicycles, animals, or children in the area? How close are you driving to your neighbors? These are all questions to be asking yourself every time you get on your motorcycle, or any vehicle in general.

5.) Your Motorcycle is an Extension of Yourself On the Road

Just as you should keep your own perception aware while on the road, your motorcycle should be in top shape as well. Better quality means a safer riding experience, and there are plenty of ways to ensure that your motorcycle rides with the best quality. Every time you ride, be sure to increase visibility by riding with your lights on, at any time of day or night. You want people to see you and your awesome ride!

When taking turns, be careful. Many accidents that involve motorcycles happen on curves and turns. Know how your bike handles on the roads in your riding area, and figure in its weight while you prepare to turn. The handling of your motorcycle also includes maintenance. Maintain your bike on a regular basis and turn safety checks into a routine.

While on the road, and highways in particular, keep in mind that the safest lane is to the far left. Driving on the far right lane can make you vulnerable to the cars merging onto the highway.

Every time you drive on the road, be cautious, but be assertive as well. Self-doubt while on the road can lead to hazardous results. Make all driving decisions with confidence.

Final Thoughts

By adhering to these defensive driving strategies, you will feel much safer, as you will be doing your part to keep the road safe. There are two halves involved in driving: your own driving and the driving of everyone else around you. While you can’t control the driving of those around you, you do have control over aspects about your personal half of the road: the maintenance of your bike, your own safety gear, and your awareness. When all of these aspects are fused together, your riding experience can be fun, safe, and freeing.

The post 5 Defensive Driving Strategies to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident appeared first on Chopper Law.

The Motorcycle and the Car

A motorcycle is much different than a car. While at first that may seem like an obvious statement, it is true. In a motorcycle, the rider must be attentive at all times, and does not have the same amount of distractions as a car. In a motorcycle, you can’t drink coffee or be on your phone. When mounting a motorcycle, you agree to face head on whatever obstacles and dangers await you. Riding a motorcycle is a feat that requires time and risk management. It is important to understand this before riding away on that steel horse into the sunset.

Considerations

When buying your first motorcycle, it is important to weigh some considerations. Making these decisions now can impact your growth and overall motorcycle experience.

• The Weight. Many new riders will not anticipate the weight of the bike itself, and will drop it. This is common among new riders; every great rider was once a novice at some point. Weight becomes less of an issue the more you are in motion. When looking at your potential first bike, ask how much it weighs.
• The Trips. Will you be touring across the country or feeling the freedom of your county? Whether you are staying in town or exploring the purple mountains’ majesty, the style of bike can affect your comfort during various trips. A position with your wrists slanted downwards will lead to your wrists supporting more of your body weight. A more upright riding position provides the most comfort. Ask yourself what type of trips you want to take with this bike.
• The Height. When you are stopped while on your bike, you will need to put both feet on the ground to safely keep your bike upright. Be sure to buy in accordance to your height. Some manufacturers offer low seat options for various bikes.
• Used versus new. Your first motorcycle will be learning you while you are learning it. Throughout this relationship, your bike may get scratched, dented, or even knocked over. Buying a used motorcycle first is a great way to get used to the world of motorcycling, and leaves you more room for trial and error.
• Security. Be sure you have a safe space for your motorcycle waiting to protect your bike. A recommended space is the garage. Be sure to make the correct safety measures when bringing your bike home.
• Protection. When riding your bike, be sure to wear clothing that is both comfortable and that offers protection. Buy a helmet that is up to standard.
• Ride before you buy. Before making that purchase, give that bike a test run. Does it feel like it could become an extension of yourself? Is it comfortable? Only you are the judge.

Contact Us Today

Your first motorcycle is a memory you will carry with you forever. With correct maintenance and repairs, attention to the laws of the road, and an adherence to safety, the relationship between you and your motorcycle can be long term. Be sure to take precautions while riding your motorcycle, and if you are riding in a car, remember to be on the lookout for motorcycles. If you or your loved one have become injured in a car accident while on a motorcycle, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to represent you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Buying Your First Motorcycle appeared first on Chopper Law.

Engine

Always use good oil and change it every three to five thousand miles. The lubricants, brake fluid, and coolants need to be replaced about every other year, but it can be done every year as well. Never use pure antifreeze. Your fuel filter should be changed every year.

Suspension

Always maintain your wheel alignment, wheel and steering neck bearings, swim arm bearings, shock linkage bushings, and suspension tuning. Proper maintenance will ensure that your bike is always feeling its best while transporting you.

Drive Chain

Drive chains are the parts of the bike that will require the most attention. Never buy the cheaper alternative for drive chains. Keep them clean and lubricated; a chain that has been properly maintained should last between fifteen to twenty thousand miles.

Always replace both sprockets when replacing the chain, and always buy steel, as it is the safest option. Do not forget to lubricate. Keep your tires properly inflated, change your oil every two years at the very least, and do not let your brake pads get too worn out.

The Battery

The battery needs to have a steady electrolyte level and filled often. Never use tap water; distilled water is much safer because it does not contain minerals and other contaminants that is in tap water.

5 Tips for Motorcycle Maintenance

It is always a good idea to keep the basics in mind while maintaining your motorcycle. Basic reminders refresh the foundation of an enjoyable riding experience. Here are some things to remembering while performing motorcycle maintenance:

• Maintain your motorcycle during standard maintenance intervals. Regularly maintaining your bike ensures that every part of your motorcycle is working as it should. Apply the standard maintenance according to the weather of your area, the model of your bike, and standard bike care.
• Get the right parts. As obvious as it may seem, getting the right parts means better riding quality. Use parts of high quality.
• Revive your bike properly after a long winter. Before storing it away for the winter, add a fuel stabilizer to save on fuel. Check the b rakes and clutch, and make sure all fluid levels are standard. Before your post-winter ride, allow your bike to run for several minutes to warm up.
• Keep a constant eye out for any issues that may arise. Oil leaks, dry rot, and other minor issues can become problematic if left alone.
• Receive professional maintenance. Always choose a mechanic that is familiar with your bike’s style or brand for the best service.

Chopper Lawyer is Here for You

If one aspect of the bike is not in the best state, then the quality of your riding experience is not in the best state. One thing can lead to another and it is always good to replace a problem as soon as it occurs. When your bike is maintained and healthy, you have done your part to ensure that your chances of an accident lessen. It is always better to be on the safe side, and maintaining your bike is the first and most important way to be safe while on the road. If you or someone you know has been injured or involved in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.

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Preparations

This may not be a concrete thing to fit in your saddlebag, but the preparation of your bike is just as important as your toothbrush. Your motorcycle is your steel horse, and horses need to be healthy before they can be ridden. The following elements need to be checked and as good as new before a long distance ride:

• Oil and filter
• Air and fuel filters
• Fluid levels
• Throttle and brake cables
• Adjust and lube drive chain
• Tire pressure and tread
• Gauges, lights, horns, and signals
• Visual check

Do not add any complicated accessories or make any drastic changes right before a long trip; give your bike time (between two to three weeks) to adjust to any new changes. By the time of your trip, your bike will be comfortable with itself and ready to take you anywhere.

1.) Money

Make sure you leave for your trip with enough money for the two most important details: food for yourself and food for your motorcycle. Having enough money for three meals a day plus gas can become expensive, but worth it. Be prepared to carry extra spending money on your person for any other items.

2.) Medicine and Vitamins

It is always a good idea to take a one-a-day vitamin to stay healthy. Pack some medicine in case you begin to feel unwell. Aspirin is always a good idea to take along as well, but keep in mind that some side effects of aspirin include a lower body temperature and acting as an anti-coagulant.

3.) Motorcycle Luggage Racks and Saddlebags

Backpacks, while they may seem to be a good idea, will get in the way during a long ride. They will kill your posture and hurt your back, and the wind will catch them and cause distracting sounds. If you do not want your shoulders to get pinched as you are riding, invest in a motorcycle luggage rack. It is a great way to carry your luggage, cooler, or any other group of items! For the smaller articles, a saddlebag is a great way to keep things close to you and organized.4.) Toiletries

4.) Toiletries

Always bring the toiletries you usually use on a daily basis, or items that you think you may need. This includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, and deodorant. Chapstick is always a good article to bring along, and artificial tears can save the lubrication of your eyes.

5.) Water

It is always a good idea to hydrate. Pack your saddlebags or luggage with some water for the road to avoid dehydration in an unfamiliar area. Be sure to replenish the water during rest stops. Being hydrated gives you one less thing to be worried about while you are on the road.

Always Prioritize Safety

If you feel like you need to shut your eyes for a second, pull off the road, find a campground, and get lots of shut-eye. Make sure your gear and bike are always up to standard and check the variety of road changes as you cross county and state lines. Always remember that if you run into some trouble on the road and are a part of an accident, at Chopper Lawyer we are here to assist you with the law; contact us today.

The post 5 Must-Haves for a Long Distance Motorcycle Trip appeared first on Chopper Law.

Because of the major liability associated with motorcycle riding, sometimes these types of cases are more difficult to represent. What makes a motorcycle accident case even more difficult to fight, is if the rider was not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred.

Failure to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle shows negligent behavior on the part of the rider, and sometimes makes it more difficult to bring about a good compensation for the motorcycle accident injuries. Still, in countless motorcycle accident lawsuits, a distracted or negligent car or truck driver is often at fault.

Whatever the case may be, motorcycle recalls also happen every once in a while, too. In this circumstance, the manufacturer is to blame for a motorcycle accident, due to faulty parts or construction. In 2005, 87,000 riders were injured, while more than 4,500 were killed. This was a 14 percent and 13 percent increase, from the prior year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers service bulletins and posts recall information on its site. Let’s take a look at some recent motorcycle safety recalls.

2013 BMW R1200 GS

Problem: Front Suspension

BMW is recalling their 2013 R1200 GS motorcycles that were manufactured January 9th 2013 to February 8th 2013. The front fork tube may loosen, because of an insufficient torque of a locking bolt.

2012 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX

Problem: license plate bracket mounting screw

Harley-Davidson is recalling their 2012 VRSCDX, as the license plate bracket assembly’s mounting screws might loosen and the assembly may separate from the rear fender. This defect might cause contact with the rear tire, which could cause the license plate bracket to rotate, possibly damaging the rear brake line.

2013 Triumph Speed Triple

Problem: turn signal

The 2013 Triumph Speed triple is undergoing a motorcycle safety recall, too – model year 2012-2013 Daytona 675, Street Triple, Speed Triple, and Tiger 800 motorcycles, specifically. Because of an error in manufacturing, the turn signal stems on the front and rear of the motorcycle may break easily.

2009-2012 Can-Am Spyder (three-wheeler and other models)

Problem: leaking vapors / fuel cap

The popular three-wheeler is being recalled because its fuel vapor canister vent hose has been leaking vapors. These vapors could get trapped in the enclosed engine compartment. It’s possible that they could ignite and catch fire.

Also, the 2009 Can-Am Spyder GS, 2009-2012 Spyder RS, and 2010-2012 Spyder RT models are being recaled. The fuel caps on these models may not fit properly onto the fuel tank filler neck. If the caps don’t seal like they should, there is the possibility for fuel vapors to leak, again, offering the threat of igniting and burning.

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale

Problem: exhaust butterfly valve, uniball bearing, loose screws, swingarm shaft pivots, cylinder reservoir hose.

The first recall concerns a problem with the exhaust butterfly valve bowden cable cover, which has the potential to melt or burn because of excess heat of the catalytic converter, and could result in smoke or fire.

The next recall concerns an incorrect assembly of a uniball bearing on the damper rod eyelet. In turn, this could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Another recall of the Ducati has to do with the screws that secure the steering damper to the steering head. Apparently, they could call out, because an insufficient amount of Loctite was applied to the threads, upon assembly.

The fourth motorcycle safety recall concerns the right and left swingarm shaft pivots. These can loosen, and can cause the driver to lose control.

Lastly, the master cylinder reservoir hose might interfere with the threading end of the reservoir retaining screw.

Reach Out To A Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured to due the negligence of these motorcycle manufacturers, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, today!

The post Motorcycle Safety Recalls appeared first on Chopper Law.

Motorcycle insurance makes sure that you’re covered against the very real possibility of accidents that can happen while operating your vehicle.

Like generic auto insurance, many states require motorcyclists to purchase motorcycle insurance, but Florida is not one of them. Still, it’s extremely important that you take the initiative to purchase it. Not doing so, would be a serious risk to you.

Of Course You Should Carry Motorcycle Insurance

As a motorcycle rider in Florida, you should at least carry some basic insurance for riding your bike. Many insurance agencies will probably recommend a more comprehensive plan to you though, due to the risk factor involved. Motorcycle insurance premiums are generally determined by your age, your driving record, and the type of bike you own.

If you’re stubborn and elect not to carry the insurance, the motorcycle must be completely paid for, and you must have a vehicle policy on another vehicle registered in your name (your regular car, for example).

Failing to equip yourself with motorcycle insurance won’t only affect your safety – it’ll also affect your ability to legally ride outside of Florida. After all, what fun is owning a motorcycle if you can’t use it for lengthy cross-country road trips?

In order to even legally ride a motorcycle in Florida, you have to meet a few qualifications: You must have a Class E license or higher or meet the requirements for a Class E license; and you must complete a motorcycle safety course, BRC, or provide an out-of-state license with a motorcycle endorsement.

What Florida Motorcycle Insurance Can Cover…

Motorcycle insurance can come equipped with all types of coverage. Here’s a comprehensive list:

Bodily injury – This pays the other party’s medical bills, if you injury them in an accident.

Property damage – If you damage someone else’s vehicle or property while operating your bike, this type of coverage will pay for the repairs.

Medical payments – If you or a passenger is injured on your motorcycle, the medical payments will respond with (usually) $10,000 in coverage.

Uninsured motorist -  If you, or your passenger are injured by someone who doesn’t have Florida motorcyclist insurance, or does not have enough insurance, the uninsured motorist coverage will kick in.

Collision – When you’ve been involved in an accident, collision coverage can help pay for damages to your motorcycle itself. Sometimes “towing and labor” coverage is under collision coverage. Towing and labor helps pay for the costs of towing your vehicle away and fixing it, post-accident.

Gap – In the event that your motorcycle is completely ruined, and you owe more on your motorcycle than its worth, gap coverage is there to make up the difference.

Comprehensive – This type of coverage pays for damages to your motorcycle that happen outside of an accident; theft, vandalism, natural disasters, etc. would be examples of this.

Seek Legal Help If You’ve Been Injured By Someone Else’s Negligence

So, if you want the simple answer, no, you don’t legally need motorcycle insurance if you live in Florida, but it wouldn’t be very smart not to have it.

In the event that you’ve been injured in a motorcycle related accident, and you feel as though it was another party’s fault, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. They’ll offer you a free consultation and put you on the fast track to getting the compensation you deserve.

The post Is Motorcycle Insurance Required By Florida Law And Should Your Carry It? appeared first on Chopper Law.

Whether your bike is just making some ugly sounds while you ride, or you’re certain that it’s acting in less than its regular prime condition, it doesn’t take a mechanical engineer to tell you that you should probably pull over and check for defects. Now, in these circumstances, it’s always best to take your motorcycle to a seasoned mechanic, but if that’s not an option for you, there are some easy things you can do to locate the problem. Maybe your bike is showing no signs whatsoever of being defective. Great, but a regular inspection is still key to safe riding.

Recent statistics show that around 178,000 injuries a year are motorcycle-related. To avoid being a contributor to this statistic, it’s vital that you check for defective motorcycle parts.

Check the Starter

No matter what types of problems your motorcycle is experiencing, if you’re embarking on a full-inspection, the most logical place to begin is with the starter. Even if the starter seems to be working fine, it’s good to do a visual inspection of the fuse for signs of damage. If your motorcycle isn’t starting up properly though, you might need to perform a simple test. Connect a black jumper wire from the negative battery post, to the green or red wire of the starter relay terminal.

Fasten the red jumper wire from the positive battery post, to the yellow or red wire terminal on the starter relay. Then, make sure to pay attention for a clicking noise – this is the contact inside the starter relay. If you don’t end up hearing this clicking noise, the starter might be malfunctioning.

Inspect the Master Cylinder

A malfunctioning master cylinder is another major element with which to be concern, as it is inescapably linked to your brakes. To test the master cylinder, ride the motorcycle for a few feet, and then stop. Next, drive it for a few feet, and hold down the brakes for a few seconds to observe how it reacts. If your brake offers no pressure, and simply goes in with no give, this is a sign of air in the brake line, and it’s actually a common reason why a master cylinder will become defective.

Maintain the Tires

Unless you have a flat tire, chances are, you’re not going to notice tire issues that may be detrimental to your safety, and the safety of others. It’s important to get in the habit of checking your tire pressure on a monthly basis – they ought to be inflated per the manufacturer’s specifications, which can be found in your owner’s manual. And, the best time to check them is when your tires are cool – not after you’ve just gone for a ride.

Checking your tires’ tread is also extremely important to remaining safe, especially on wet roads. Be sure that the tread isn’t lower than the top of Washington’s head, when the quarter is inserted all the way into the tread groove.

We Want To Help You Avoid Motorcycle Injury

Although we’ve only scratched the surface of inspecting possibly defective motorcycle parts, we’ve given you some tips on how to address some of your bike’s most vital components. Being a good rider, wearing a helmet, and following the rules of the road, are all key factors in your safety as a motorcyclist. But, even if all those things are in place, they won’t do any good if your motorcycle is about to malfunction.

So, do everything in your power not to be a part of motorcycle injury statistics. If you’ve been injured in a related accident though, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

The post How To Check For Defective Motorcycle Parts appeared first on Chopper Law.