New Rider Resources: Practical Motorcycle Checklists and Worksheets from Coach Dave
You’re getting ready for a ride, shopping for your first motorcycle, or trying to remember when you last checked your tires. Having a simple checklist or a place to write things down can make those decisions easier.
That’s why I’ve been building a collection of downloadable rider resources here at The Road Taught Me.
The Resources page brings these documents together in one place. You’ll find practical checklists, planning worksheets, and reference sheets you can download, print, and use at your own pace.
As a RiderCoach, I want to help you build habits that carry beyond the classroom. These resources give you something useful to keep in the garage, bring along while shopping, or review before heading down the road.
Before You Head Out
A good ride starts before the engine does.
The Before You Ride: Motorcycle Safety Checklist follows the T-CLOCS format to help you work through your motorcycle’s pre-ride inspection.
The New Rider Gear Checklist covers essential protective equipment, fit considerations, and a shopping worksheet. It’s a starting point for riders putting together their first outfit or reviewing what they already own.
And if you’ve been away from riding for a while, the First Ride After a Long Break Checklist helps you consider bike condition, gear fit, refresher training, and a manageable return ride.
Buying a Motorcycle? Bring a Worksheet
It’s easy to get excited about a motorcycle sitting on a showroom floor or in somebody’s driveway. A little preparation helps you ask better questions before making a commitment.
The First Motorcycle Buying Worksheet walks through intended use, riding experience, fit, weight, and budget.
The Used Motorcycle Inspection Checklist gives you a place to review visible condition, maintenance records, and seller questions, with reminders to arrange a professional inspection.
The Real Cost of Owning a Motorcycle worksheet helps you look beyond the purchase price and account for insurance, gear, training, maintenance, tires, and storage.
You can find these together on the rider Resources page.
Keep Track of Your Motorcycle
“Pretty sure I checked that recently” isn’t much of a maintenance record.
The Motorcycle Maintenance Log gives you space to record dates, mileage, work performed, tire changes, and upcoming service.
The Tire Pressure & Condition Log lets you record your motorcycle manufacturer’s recommended cold pressures, actual readings, tread observations, and inspection dates.
There’s also a Motorcycle Tool Kit Checklist you can customize for your specific bike, including the tool sizes and supplies that make sense for your motorcycle and your abilities.
Make a Plan for Changing Conditions
Not every ride goes exactly as planned. Having a few decisions worked out ahead of time can help.
The Rain Ride Readiness Checklist covers gear, visibility, tire condition, route choices, and reasons to delay or stop.
The Group Ride Briefing Sheet helps riders discuss the route, stops, spacing, signals, expectations, and what to do if someone gets separated.
The Ride Your Own Ride: Personal Riding Limits Worksheet gives you a way to think through comfort levels, fatigue cues, weather limits, and situations where it’s time to call it a day.
You’ll also find a Motorcycle Emergency Information Card and a Roadside Breakdown Checklist to help organize important information and plan how to request assistance.
More Resources Are Coming
This collection will continue to grow. Upcoming topics include hot- and cold-weather preparation, passenger briefings, overnight trip planning, motorcycle storage, and riding practice.
My goal is to keep these resources practical: something you can pick up, understand, and put to use.
Choose the documents that fit where you are in your riding journey. Fill out a worksheet before shopping, keep a maintenance log in the garage, or review a checklist before your next trip. Use them alongside your motorcycle’s owner’s manual, proper training, and sound judgment.
Until next time… Ride safe. Ride smart. Trust God.
— Coach Dave
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