Show Me Tell Me
MOTORCYCLE AND PASSENGER QUESTIONS
- If they ask “show me” this requires a demonstration and explanation of what you are doing.
- If they ask “tell me” you give a verbal explanation.
Tell Me
Identify where to check level on your bike, i.e. dipstick or sight glass.
Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking.
Identify the reservoir, check brake fluid level against high/low markings.
Explanation only required: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation.
Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place.
Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner’s manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least 3/4 (75%) of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears.
Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner’s manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least 3/4 (75%) of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears.
Show Me
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Operate brakes, place hand over light or make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.
Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts.
Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake.
Check for excessive travel on the brake lever and the brake pedal and for unusual play or sponginess.
Operate switch, without the engine being started.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Passenger Questions
Tell me how carrying a pillion passenger or a heavy load would effect the handling of the machine generally
“CABS”
- Cornering would be harder to do also the passenger may not like it being done too fast
- Accelerating- you should not accelerate too fast as the pillion may fall off or the front wheel becomes light
- Braking – it would take longer to stop
- Steering would be effected when going fast or slow for example u-turns would be harder
Tell me what adjustments would you make to the machine if you are carrying a pillion or a heavy load
- Headlight needs dipping down
- Mirrors need adjusting
- Rear suspension needs adjusting -firming up
- Putting down rear footpegs
- Adjusting rear tyre pressure according to the owners manual
- Adjusting the chain as it would tighten with more weight
Tell me what would you tell a pillion passenger before they get on the back of your bike
- Sit facing forward and wear all the proper equipment
- Keep feet up on foot pegs
- Hold onto me or the grab rail
- Sit still especially when going slowly
- Lean forward when accelerating
- Backwards when braking and brace yourself a bit
- Lean with me in bends
- Get on and off the bike only when told to