Everyone wants to get the maximum utility from their two-wheelers like greater mileage, best riding comfort and enhanced lifespan. But, only a few can achieve all of them from their motorbike, and it’s not due to the built quality or type of bike they own. It’s because they follow the regular servicing schedule and take good care of their two-wheelers.
Designed to run on every type of road and climatic condition, two-wheelers are subject to much faster wear and tear than cars. And, if not properly maintained, they are rendered useless and become highly inefficient.
The following are 5 important tips that will help you to maintain your two-wheeler in good condition and prolong its life.
1. Keep Your Bike Clean
Dirt and mud are the biggest enemies of your two-wheeler. They heavily corrode the exposed metal parts, and if it finds a way into the engine compartment, it affects the engine’s working and can also damage the engine parts.
Clean your bike using some soap and water to wash away the dirt and oil that attracts dust onto the surface. If you have been through a muddy track or ridden on wet roads, put some extra effort to clean the underside of your two-wheeler. Also, clean the air filter regularly to let more air enter the combustion chamber that will help you to achieve the right fuel economy.
You can also use anti-corrosion and dust resistant spray to make your bike last longer and keep the bike’s aesthetics pretty as new. Try to park your bike under the shadow, as exposing it to direct sunlight takes the shine away.
2. Undertake Regular Servicing
Regular servicing ensures your bike performs as per its potential and is not prone to mechanical breakdowns. It reduces the rate of wear and tear of engine parts and provides a jerk-free and safe riding experience.
Through timely servicing, you will know the mechanical condition of the bike and can undertake preventive repairs to minimise the damage, if any. The other positive side for undertaking timely servicing is, you can keep the bike’s emission level under check and keep the air clean.
You should follow the manufacturer’s approved servicing schedule or can speak to a trusted mechanic to figure out the servicing cycle based on your bike’s age and usage.
3. Practice Safe Driving Habits
Your driving habits also affect the performance and lifespan of your two-wheeler. The following driving habits you should avoid to enhance the life of your two-wheeler:
- Do not overload as it puts pressure on the engine and can damage it
- Avoid frequent quick acceleration and deceleration
- Mismatch of gears and speed puts extra load on the engine and can also stall it
- Ensure engaging bike’s gear in the neutral position when stopped
Be gentle to your bike, shift the gears properly and maintain a stable driving speed while riding. If you follow the steps and make a concentrated effort towards developing good riding habits, you can not only prolong the life of the engine but also reduce the costs of maintenance.
4. Maintain Tyres and Brakes
Check the tyres thoroughly for any cuts and scrapes every week and replace them when treads are fully worn out or when it is no longer providing the necessary grip on the road. Also, check the tyre air pressure, wheel balance and alignment regularly.
Apart from tyres, check the brake pads, whole braking system and replace and upgrade any braking parts if necessary. Do not keep the brake cable too loose or tight, as it can be very dangerous to your life. Make sure the brakes are adjusted as per your riding style.
5. Buy Bike Insurance
No matter how safely you ride, the chances of an accident remain, which can endanger your life and damage your motorcycle too. Therefore, having bike insurance helps to protect you from the monetary losses caused by such risks. Also, insurance for 2 wheelers is a must under the Indian Motor Vehicles Act.
With so many two-wheeler insurance providers available in the market, you can check and compare the cost of insurance for bikes online. Never let your bike insurance policy lapse and always try for renewal of bike insurance within the due date.
With the help of a comprehensive bike insurance policy, you can keep your bike in top shape, in case of major damage, without a significant dent in your pocket.
Bottom Line
Improving the useful life of your two-wheeler is not rocket-science and involves heavy technical understanding. It needs a little bit of extra care, being a good biker, sensible driving and becoming proactive in fixing problems as soon as they appear.
Maintenance helps you to keep your bike safe, reliable, save fuel, save money, get a better resale value and most importantly, have peace of mind.
