T-CLOCS Break Down Part 3 - Lights

Today we will continue our in depth look at T-CLOCS with a look at the L.  The L stand for Lighting and Electrical.   On your normal Pre-ride check you can do a lot of this check at a glance but if you are not able to ride right now and want to go through a more in depth check the following is what you should check. 

Start with headlights.  Check for cracks in the lenses and that nothing is loose.  Then check that the light comes on and the both the High and low beams work.  I know that many riders ride with their Hi-Beams on all the time, but you still need to make sure your low beams work in case you need them. 

Check the Turn signals front and rear.  Check for cracks in the lenses and that nothing is loose.  Then check that the lights work and if you have hazards check them as well.  If your turn signals work but your hazards don’t you may have a blown fuse.

Check the tail light.  That includes the brake and license plate light. If they may be integrated into one or separate lights.  Again, check for cracks in the lenses and that nothing is loose.  Check that the tail light works and that it gets brighter or flashes (if you have that type of brake light) when you push on rear brake petal and also when you pull in on the front brake lever. 

If you have accessary lighting like spot lights or LED lights you should also check that they are in working condition.  They are not mandatory to have to ride but if you are not able to ride right now, it may be a good time to get them fixed.

Make sure all the switches work and are not sticking.  Check the Hi-low switch, horn, starter and kill switch.  Check that the turn signal switch or switches are working correctly.  Check the Cruise Control if you have it and any radio or other switches you may have on your bike.  A short in any of those on a ride can lead to a very bad day.

You need to check the wires for any breaks, bare spots, or places where the wires are pinched.  Check that any splices or connections are good and not in need or tightening or re-taping.

Check that your battery is in good condition and the cables are tight.   You can go as far as testing the batter with a Multi-meter to see if it is getting weak.  Look at the post and clean any corrosion.   

In this step also check that mirrors are not cracked or loose.  I had one come loose and fly off going down the road it is not fun.   Make sure they are set to where you need them to be.

Also check that your reflectors are not damaged or missing.

Be safe everyone.

https://msf-usa.org/downloads/T-CLOCS_Inspection_Checklist.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B8n9arZVyM

https://legalbeagle.com/7609073-laws-car-lights-wisconsin.html