Two Wheelers are favourites with most Indians. With cars not as accessible as they are abroad, two-wheelers have become almost a lifeline of India, especially in small towns and cities. Again, it is the younger generation, just-got-their-licence variety, who cherish dreams of their own two-wheelers. Maintaining your motor cycleis important for it to be your constant and untiring companion, for a long time.
Preventive Maintenance
Regular servicing or check-up is vital as a preventive measure for your two-wheeler. You wouldn't want it to break down in the middle of the road when you are running late for a movie, would you?
• Check your tyre treads once a week. Have the wheels balanced and the alignment checked if the wear is uneven.
• Check your tyres for cuts and scrapes on your tires, which could cause a blowout. Add air pressure as required. Many blowouts are the result of low air pressure.
• Examine both of your wheels for missing or loose spokes. Check the rims for cracks or dents.
• Lift the wheel off the ground and spin it. If it makes a noise, maybe it is loose.
• Inspect the controls, any kinks or broken strands in your cables need to be watched for. Also, lubricate the control mechanisms at each end of the cables.
• Oil the chain and check the sprockets for worn teeth.
• If your motorcycle bounces several times after you ride over a bump, and makes a "clank" like sound, it is time to adjust or replace the shock absorbers.
• Keep a tab on both the brakes for any leaks or pad wear, Monitor the brake fluid level in the reservoir and always keep it filled to the upper level mark.
• Make sure you do not have any missing nuts, bolts or cotter pins.
• Adjust your brakes so they lock the wheel when fully applied. If the wheel does not lock, or if you hear a scraping sound when you're trying to stop have the lining checked. 10. Do not keep things pending for tomorrow, if you suspect any problem with your motor cycle, get it fixed right away.
• Before you position yourself on the bike, check the tyres for any damage and the inflation pressure. Improper air pressure will hinder stability, riding comfort and tyre life as much as it plays with safety.
Cleaning The Motor Cycle
Pamper your bike and keep it sparkling clean, at all times. It not only gives you better service, it also looks good and impresses people!
• Before you clean the motor cycle, ensure that the ignition switch unit, H.T. Coil and silencer are covered using plastic sheets.
• Clean the motor cycle using low-pressure water.
• All painted surfaces should be washed only with water, as kerosene or detergent will damage the paint.
• Take care not to apply water on the electrical parts
• For cleaning the engine externally, brush it with kerosene and wipe it dry with a clean rag.
• Dry the motor cycle and lubricate it after you wash it
• At times, water may enter on the brake liners during washing, leading to brake slippage. Make it a point to dry the liners by applying brakes frequently till the brake starts to work effectively.
After You've Cleaned The Motor Cycle
• Replace or top up engine/ Gear box oil
• Clean the air filter
• Clean the spark plug, and seal the electrode gap
• Overhaul the carburettor
• Adjust the control cable
• Tighten nuts, bolts and fasteners · Clean and adjust front and rear brakes
• Check and adjust steering column play
• Check for proper functioning of lights, switches and horn
• Check battery electrolyte level and top up with distilled water
• Check and adjust drive chain tension
• Check and adjust spoke tightness / rim run-out
• Check and clean inline fuel filter
Lubricating Your Motor Cycle
For a smooth and easy ride, it is important to lubricate your motor cycle from time to time.
Parts needing lubrication:
• Rider seat pivot
• Control cables
• Brake lever, pedal and clutch lever
• Front suspension
• Speedo gear / pinion / cable
• Steering races
• Stand pivot
• Front wheel bearing
• Gear shifter assembly
• Brake actuating shaft
• Dive chain
Things To Do
If even after following the above maintenance tips your motor cycle continues to give you problems, you should take it to an authorised dealer. You can also check for these small things yourself: In case of starting trouble
• Check fuel in fuel tank / fuel cock position / fuel tank cap vent hole
• Check fuel pipe for pinched / twisted
• Check and clean air filter element
• Check and clean spark plug and adjust electrode gap
• Check ignition switch / engine kill switch position
In case of high fuel consumption:
• Check for fuel leakage from fuel pipe, petrol tank cap, and petrol cock
• Check tyre pressure
• Check and clean air filter element
• Check and clean spark plug and adjust electrode gap
• Check whether brakes are dragging
Tyres, wheels and windshields:
A constant degradation of tyres, wheels and windshields takes place causing poor performance level of the motor cycle or at times causing mishaps. Wear and tear is the chief reason for the degradation. Friction or unfavourable driving conditions like uneven roads, road grease, insects; brake dust etc. can be slowed down by taking few simple steps.
Tyres:
• Always in good condition.
• Right air pressure.
• Less rash driving, sudden skids and turns etc.
• Clean with good tyre cleaner.
• Keep friction away by driving smoothly, and no harsh breaking please!
Windshield:
• Clean with soap and water.
• Damp for a while before cleaning, it removes bugs easily.
• Use scratch-removing products.
Wheels:
• Wash and wax every week.
• Do not wet excessively, as it may affect the brake shoes and discs.
• Your cleaner should not include chlorine or silicon, as chlorine rusts and silicon makes the brake discs slick, both conditions are bad for safe driving.
After The Initial 500 Miles(APP 800 KMS)
So, you have travelled over 800 kms with your motor cycle? Great, you and your motor cycle are now companions. So, your bike now needs some special care.
Remind yourself:
• Your engine needs an oil change.
• It also needs a new oil filter.
• Is the air cleaner ok? Or does it need servicing?
• Check brake pad linings and discs for wear.
• Make sure the oil lines and brake system does not leak.
• Are the front brake hand lever, the throttle control cables and the clutch control cable lubricated?
• Engine idle speed needs checking.
• Are all the electrical equipment and switches operating well?
• Make sure all fasteners are tight, except engine head bolts.
• Check rear drive belt.
• The transmission lubricant needs to be changed and the magnetic drain plug needs cleaning.
• Inspect fuel valve lines and fittings for leaks.
• Check brake fluid reservoir levels and condition.
• Check stabiliser links and engine mounts. Check primary chain-case, lubricate and clean magnetic drain plug.
• Check wheel spoke tightness.
• Check cruise control/disengage switch.
• Check rear fork pivot nut.
• Check air suspension for correct operation and leakage. And now, your bike needs a road test. It also needs a visit to your dealer, to ensure that it is in perfect working condition. It is? Congratulations! You have managed to perfectly maintain your bike, now go ahead and enjoy the joyride.
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