Safety First, Adventure Always: Our Pre-Rental Motorcycle Inspection

Updated 12/02/2025
a local mechanic removing the rear tyre from a Honda XR 150

That feeling of the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the open road stretching out before you – pure freedom! Renting a motorbike is the perfect way to experience this, but at Rentabike Vietnam, we believe that freedom shouldn’t come at the expense of safety. That’s why we go the extra mile with meticulous checks before every single rental, ensuring your ride is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We want you to focus on the adventure, not the mechanics.

So, what exactly goes into our comprehensive pre-rental inspection? We’re glad you asked! Here’s a peek behind the scenes at the rigorous process our team follows:

Contents

Hit the Open Road with Confidence

So, what exactly goes into our comprehensive pre-rental inspection? We’re glad you asked! Here’s a peek behind the scenes at the rigorous process our team follows:

The Foundation of Your Ride: Tires and Brakes

Your tires are your connection to the road, and your brakes are crucial for control. We meticulously inspect both:

Tire Pressure: Correct tire pressure is vital for handling and safety. We inflate each tire to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, accounting for typical rider weight.

Tread Depth: We check the tread depth to ensure it meets legal requirements and provides optimal grip, even in varying conditions.

Tire Condition: Cuts, bulges, or embedded objects? We catch them all. Any tire deemed unsafe is immediately replaced.

Brake Pads and Discs: We thoroughly inspect brake pad thickness and discs for warping or damage. Worn pads are replaced without hesitation.

Brake Levers: We ensure proper lever function and adjust them for comfortable and responsive braking.

Keeping You Moving: Engine and Drivetrain

A smooth-running engine is essential for an enjoyable ride. Our checks include:

Fluid Levels: Engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid are all checked and topped up as needed. We also inspect for any leaks.

Chain/Belt: For chain-driven bikes, we clean and lubricate the chain. For belt drives, we check for wear and proper tension.

Throttle and Clutch: We ensure smooth throttle operation and return, as well as proper clutch lever adjustment and free play.

Illuminating the Way: Lights and Electrics

Rentabike Vietnam Honda CB500x front close (2)

Visibility is key, both for you and for other road users. We verify:

Headlight: High and low beams are tested for proper function and alignment.

Taillight and Brake Light: We ensure both are working correctly.

Turn Signals: All signals are checked for proper operation.

Battery: We check the battery’s charge and connections.

The Rider's Touch: Controls and Comfort

Your comfort and control are paramount. We check:

Mirrors: Mirrors are cleaned and adjusted for optimal visibility.

Handlebars: We ensure they are securely mounted and aligned.

Suspension: We inspect the forks and shocks for leaks or unusual wear.

Fasteners: We check and tighten any loose bolts, especially on critical components.

The Final Touch: A Test Ride

The Honda CB500x in Hoang Su Phi rice terraces

After all these checks, a member of our team takes the bike for a short test ride to ensure everything is working perfectly. This real-world test helps us catch anything that might have been missed during the static inspection.

The Cherry on Top: Your Inspection

We insist that every renter takes their intended rental for a quick spin up and down the alley. Many renters try to decline this opportunity as they have faith in our service. However, we feel it is essential and that by doing so you are able to let us know if there are any minor adjustments that need to be made. For example, you might find there is too much play in the brake lever, or the mirror is not adjusted correctly for your riding position.

These adjustments can be made quickly and easily and can prevent annoyance and sometimes even accidents. It is no small matter so we insist that you just go for a quick spin and report back to us.

FAQ

Yes, of course. We check all the bikes when they come back so that any issues can be dealt with. We then carry out the pre-ride safety checks shortly before they go out on the next rental.
Yes, we do the same safety checks both before and after the rentals. We also suggest that you come into the shop to pay rent so that we can inspect the bike frequently.
Absolutely! We ask you to pop into the shop at regular intervals so that we can service and check the bikes. On top of this, you are free to pop in the shop any time you feel there is anything out of the ordinary. We are even happy to just pump up the tyres :)
No. So long as this is general wear and tear. Our policy is that we are responsible for general maintenance to the bike. This includes things like oil changes, new tyres, new brake pads.
Well, no. We are not the law and certainly not your mother, so if you really insist on not doing this, there is nothing we can do. However, why wouldn’t you as it only takes a minute and can really improve your experience?
BMW 1250 GS

Engine Type

air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine

Displacement

1255 cc

Bore X Stroke

102.5 mm x 76 mm

Ignition

FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm

Rear Suspension

single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever

Front Brakes

dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers

Rear Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper

Front Tyres

120/70 R19

Rear Tyres

170/60 R17

Wheelbase

1514 mm

Seat Height

850 mm

Ground Clearance

790 mm

Kerb Weight

249 kg

Fuel Capacity

20 litres

Dimensions

2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

air cooled, OHC, single cylinder

Displacement

149 cc

Bore X Stroke

57.3 mm x 57.8 mm

Ignition

CDI

Fuel System

20 mm piston valve carburettor

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric with kick starter backup

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel

Rear Suspension

single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel

Front Brakes

dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Rear Brakes

mechanical drum

Front Tyres

90/90 19

Rear Tyres

110/90 17

Wheelbase

1362 mm

Seat Height

825 mm

Ground Clearance

243 mm

Kerb Weight

129 kg

Fuel Capacity

12 litres

Dimensions

2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)

Honda CB 500X motorcycle rental

Engine Type

liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke

Displacement

470 cc

Bore X Stroke

67 mm x 66.8 mm

Ignition

PGMI – FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS

Rear Brakes

240 mm disc; ABS

Front Tyres

110/80R19M/C (59H)

Rear Tyres

160/60R17M/C

Wheelbase

1445 mm

Seat Height

830 mm

Ground Clearance

180 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

17.7 litres

Dimensions

2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled

Displacement

286 cc

Bore X Stroke

76 mm x 63 mm

Ignition

Full Transistor Digital

Fuel System

PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

43 mm telescopic upside down

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

220 mm disc, single piston caliper

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

120/80 18

Wheelbase

1455 mm

Seat Height

880 mm

Ground Clearance

285 mm

Kerb Weight

142 kg

Fuel Capacity

7.8 litres

Dimensions

2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)