Today, we come to the last part of the in-depth coverage of T-CLOCS; the S in T-CLOCS is for stands.
Some bikes have center stands, and some have side stands. For both, you need to check for cracks or other damage. You also need to check the springs to ensure they are in place and not worn out. I have seen riders use bungee cords to hold the stand up while they get to someplace with a new spring.
You should also make sure the bolts holding the stand on are tight. I know of riders who lost their kickstands on a ride and did not know it until they stopped and it was not there.
You need to check the brackets where the stands attach. They are usually one of the low points on a motorcycle and can be damaged if hit, especially when loading or unloading off a trailer or truck.
Some bikes have a safety shut-off that is on the side stand. If you put the bike in gear with the kickstand down, it will shut the engine off. You should make sure that it is in working condition.
Now, we have covered all the parts of T-CLOCS. If you cannot ride right now, this in-depth check is a good idea so that when you get out on the road, you have gone over everything; remember, you still need to do checks before each ride. You can do a quicker version of T-CLOCS or ABCDEFG (air, bars, controls, drive, earth, fasteners, guy or gal); see the video below. The main thing is to check major areas before jumping on your bike and taking off. It can save you headaches, money, and embarrassment and may save your life.
Be safe everyone!!!
https://msf-usa.org/downloads/T-CLOCS_Inspection_Checklist.pdf
