Controls and pre-ride checks
On a motorcycle your hands and feet share the work that pedals and a steering wheel do in a car. Knowing where every control is, without looking down, frees your eyes for the road.
A short check before each ride matters more on a bike than in a car, because a soft tyre or a slack chain can throw you off. The RSA's memory aid for this is POWDERS.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can name and use the main controls on a geared motorcycle.
- You can explain how a twist-and-go scooter differs.
- You can carry out a POWDERS check before riding.
- You can list the lights a motorcycle or moped must have.
- You can answer technical check questions on the driving test.
What you need to know and understand
- On most motorcycles the right twist grip is the throttle and the right hand lever works the front brake.
- The left hand lever is the clutch on a geared bike, and the left foot works the gear lever.
- The right foot pedal usually works the rear brake on a geared motorcycle.
- POWDERS stands for petrol, oil, water, damage, electrics, rubber (tyres) and security.
- Motorcycle tyres must have at least 1 mm of tread, but replace them before they get that worn.
- A motorcycle or moped must have a white or yellow headlamp, a red rear lamp, a red rear reflector and a rear number plate light.
Where your hands and feet go
- Right hand: throttle (twist towards you to speed up) and front brake lever.
- Left hand: clutch lever on a geared bike.
- Right foot: rear brake pedal on a geared bike.
- Left foot: gear lever, usually one click down for first and up for the higher gears.
- Switches: indicators, horn, dip and main beam, and an engine stop (kill) switch on the right bar.
- Twist-and-go scooters and most mopeds have no clutch or gear lever; the rear brake is usually the left hand lever. Check your own machine's handbook.
The POWDERS check before you ride
- Petrol: enough fuel for the trip, and no leaks.
- Oil: level correct when checked as the handbook says.
- Water: coolant level correct on liquid-cooled bikes.
- Damage: look over levers, mirrors, panels and the frame for cracks or anything loose.
- Electrics: headlight, tail light, brake light, indicators and horn all working.
- Rubber: tyre pressures right and tread well above the 1 mm legal minimum, with no cuts or bulges.
- Security: chain tension and lubrication, luggage strapped down, bike secure on its stand.
Paperwork and the law before every ride
Your bike must be taxed and insured before it goes on a public road. Carry your learner permit and your IBT certificate. Use dipped headlights at all times, and the brake light and indicators if fitted. If you are not sure your signals can be seen or are working, add a clear hand signal.
Common mistakes
- Grabbing the front brake lever in a panic. Squeeze it progressively; you will practise this in IBT.
- Riding off with the side stand down. Make raising the stand part of your moving-off routine.
- Checking tyre pressures only when they look flat. Check them cold, with a gauge, at least weekly.
- Ignoring a slack or dry chain. Check tension and lubrication as part of the security step.
Test yourself: Controls and pre-ride checks
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Rules of the Road, Section 16 Rules for motorcyclists, including the motorcyclist survival tactics (RSA, Revision 5); Rules of the Road, Section 4 Vehicle safety (RSA). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the RSA.