First safety blog of 2026

Licensing

Most of us have been riding for many years and enjoy the privileges that come with a full M endorsement. For those who may be newer to riding, it’s important to fully understand the rules for each license level.

M1 (Learner)

• No 400-series highways
• No passengers
• Must be off the road and parked ½ hour before sunset and ½ hour after sunrise
• Zero blood alcohol level

M2

• 400-series highways allowed
• Passengers permitted
• Can ride at any time of day
• Still a zero blood alcohol level

Full M License

• Full riding privileges
• Blood alcohol limits are the same as driving a car

That said, I still strongly encourage a zero-alcohol approach when riding.

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Insurance, Plates, and License Expiry

If you’ve recently upgraded your license, check the expiry date. It may not be valid for five years, and you may not automatically receive an email reminder—even if you’ve signed up for notifications.

Before the season starts, ask yourself:

• Is your insurance valid and up to date?
• Was your plate renewal completed automatically?
• Do you have any outstanding tickets that could stop an automatic renewal?

Remember: it’s your responsibility to ensure everything is current. The last thing you want is to be out riding when an ALPR system flags your plate and the whole group gets stopped.

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TCLOCKS – Your Pre-Ride Inspection

Have you ever heard of TCLOCKS? Each letter represents a part of the motorcycle you should check before riding.

T – Tires (Wheels & Brakes)

• Check tire pressure (when tires are cold)
• Inspect tread depth
• Look for bulges, cracks, or damage
• Check for bent spokes or wheel bearing play
• Ensure brake pads have material left and wear grooves are visible
• Brake lever and pedal should feel firm

C – Controls

• Levers, cables, and hoses move freely
• Throttle snaps back to the closed position
• No fraying, kinks, leaks, or binding
• Proper routing of cables and hoses

L – Lights & Electrical

• Headlight (high and low beam) working and aimed correctly
• Turn signals, brake lights, and running lights function properly
• Battery terminals clean and secure
• Wiring intact with no damage

O – Oils & Fluids

• Engine oil level and condition
• Brake fluid, coolant, transmission/gear oil
• Fuel level
• Check for any fluid leaks

C – Chassis

• Frame free of cracks
• Suspension moves freely
• Steering bearings have no play
• Chain or belt tension correct and properly lubricated

K – Kickstand (or Stands)

• Side stand and/or centre stand retract properly
• Springs and mounting points intact
• Stand does not hang down while riding

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Why This Matters

Before every ride, these checks can make the difference between:

• A great day riding
• Being stranded on the roadside
• Or something far worse

After winter storage—or any extended downtime—this inspection is especially important. The good news? TCLOCKS takes less than five minutes and can save you time, money, and headaches by catching small issues before they become big ones.

I’ll include a YouTube video that demonstrates this process.