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Swansea Bay Advanced Motorists

Swansea Bay Group of Advanced Motorists (SBGAM) aims to promote the improvement of driving and the advancement of road safety.

SBGAM are entirely voluntary, preparing candidates for the IAM’s Advanced Driving Test.  We have an active membership who enjoy safe driving, and partake in a number of social activities throughout the year

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Pre-ride motorbike checks

From now until June, every motorcyclist in the UK is being offered the unique opportunity of a free 60 minute skills and safety riding assessment, courtesy of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Your bike may well have gone away for the winter, so before heading out ensure you’re both fit for the new season, with these tips on some basic preparation from the IAM’s director of standards Mark Lewis and a free ride check with #IAMRideFree.

  1. 1. Check your bike for any damage and defects such as a loose exhaust, wires hanging down or leaks from under the machine – if anything is wrong with your machine we advise you to get it fixed by a mechanic first.
  2. Check the condition and tread depth of your tyres. The tyre pressures should be checked with an accurate gauge when cold. The recommended pressure will be found in your handbook and also on the frame.
  3. While some bikes require you to check the oil levels using a dipstick, most modern bikes can be checked via a computer or sight glass. Take note of how yours should be checked so you don’t end up overfilling it.
  4. If the brake fluid is low, check to see if there is a leak near the reservoir. However, this could also be a sign that your brake pads are close to the wear limit – it’s best that you get your brake pads checked.
  5. Check all your lights are working properly. Remember, some lights will require the ignition to be active without the engine being started.
“It’s also worth checking the brake light operation from all brake levers and pedals. Some modern machines will check bulbs automatically and display a warning if any are faulty.

Just a few simple steps can ensure you’re ready for a long season of riding, whatever the weather throws at us. Stay safe, enjoy it and if you have a friend you think could do with a refresher, let them know how they could ride free too.

Notes to editors:

  1. Mark Lewis is the IAM’s director of standards.
  2. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving and motorcycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 90,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving and motorcycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

 

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777
press.office@iam.org.uk

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