The Pre-Ride Walkaround Is Not Just For Learners

The pre-ride walkaround gets treated like learner advice, then experienced riders quietly skip it until something bites them. It does not need to be dramatic. Walk around the bike with your eyes switched on.

Tyres first. Then chain, lights, indicators, mirrors, number plate, fluid drips, loose luggage, and anything hanging where it should not be. Pull the brakes. Check the throttle snaps back. Make sure nothing obvious is waiting to ruin the first mile.

It takes less time than putting gloves on twice because one finger folded wrong. Do it often enough and it becomes automatic, which is exactly the point.