How to take care of your bike in heavy rains?
“Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul”.
The above quote is a philosophy that bikers around the world choose to live by. For riders, their bike is a soulmate, a companion and their second self.
With the onset of the monsoon and easing of the lockdown, bikers all around are gearing up for a long monsoon road trip on their beloved motorbikes. But the benevolent rains bring with them their own set of problems. The onslaughts from the heavy downpour can have a damaging effect on any vehicle which is a cause of concern and anxiety for many bikers.
So if you are a biker reading this blog, we will take you through some tips and measures that will help you to safeguard your bikes and enjoy the monsoon rides to the fullest.
Tip 1. Fine Tuning
Getting the bike serviced just before the arrival of the monsoon is a wise thing to do. Why? Because servicing will help detect minor anomalies and take care of the wear and tear. Professional servicing executives may even suggest some repairs and preventive measures that can make a lot of difference to your ride quality and your overall safety.
Tip 2. Change Engine Oil
Engine oil facilitates the smooth functioning of the engine and prevents moisture from depositing in it. Therefore, it is a good practice to keep changing engine oil preferably as per OEM Recommendations.
Tip 3. Take season-specific measures
Season specific measures such as waxing, polishing, anti-rust treatment and ceramic coating will help the bike’s exterior ward off assaults from heavy rains and prevent it from rusting and corrosion. Other measures such as using a waterproof seat cover, a rubber grip for accelerators etc adds to the protection. When not in use, the bike must be parked underground or covered with a waterproof body cover.
Tip 4. Keep the chain lubricated
If not lubricated, your chain may get dry and give out an ear-piercing squeal while riding. If kept dry for long, the chain rusts and may even snap mid-ride. Keeping the chain lubricated with a quality chain lubricant will protect it from harsh weather and ensure its smooth functioning.
Tip 5. Ensure Breaking and Speed
Failure to inspect or check the braking mechanism before a ride can be fatal. Rainwater reduces the efficiency and reliability of the braking system as it impacts the friction mechanism. To keep the friction going, ensure that the level of the brake fluids is filled to the optimum and brake pads are not worn out.
Another thing to keep in mind is the breaking style. Breaking heavily on a wet road, especially when it is raining, may throw the bike off balance. To avoid mishaps, always drive slower than usual and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
Tip 6. Inspecting the tyres
Heavy downpour causes the roads to be wet and slippery. Driving on them with worn-out tyres and inadequate tyre pressure is an invitation to disaster. Replace them without delay.
Tyres with recommended air pressure have a better grip and ensure that the vehicle holds the road. Tyre treads help dispel water from beneath and prevent hydroplaning. A worn-out tread weakens the tyre’s grip, therefore, it must be checked. A tread check can be performed by inserting a coin in the groves.
Pro tip: A 2mm tread depth will give a decent grip on a wet road.
Tip 7. Moisture Check
During the monsoon, the amount of moisture in the air increases. This increases the moisture deposits in the air filters and other key components, thereby obstructing their smooth functioning. If you face any starting troubles or your engine stalls midway, then clean the moist areas to resolve the issues.
Tip 8. Stay Insured
As two-wheeler riding comes with its own sets of perils, being insured is of vital importance. A vehicle insurance policy provides financial cover against risks such as accidents, theft, etc. Therefore, before embarking on the journey, ensure that your insurance policy is active.
Monsoon rides are rewarding and blissful. Following safety protocols and performing safety checks will ensure that your trip is safe and comes off without a hitch.
Didn’t find a tip that you swear by? Tell us in the comments section below.