Is your bike monsoon ready?

Here are a few tips and things to look out for to ensure that your bike is ride ready before and during the monsoons.

Photograph: Vir Nakai/Creative Commons

If you don't ride in the rains, you don't ride at all. It's a saying that holds value for a lot of bikers throughout the world, and with good reason. The joy of riding your motorcycle through lashing rains and strong crosswinds with the thunder as your background score is something that can't be put into words. However, the fact is, the monsoons make for very dangerous riding conditions. Low grip, poor visibility and damaged roads mean your bike needs to be in the best possible condition to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

So, how should bike enthusiasts take care of their bikes?

Tyres and wheel alignment

Your tyres are the only point of contact between you and the road. Ignoring them is a direct invitation for trouble. Ensure that your tyres are in a good condition and offer enough grip. If you've used your tyres for about 25,000 to 30,000km, or if they're around 5 years old, it's best to have a new set put in. Even if your tyres haven't been used much, if they're too old, the rubber has hardened and you don't get the best grip level. You also need to see to it that your wheels are aligned right so the bike is properly balanced and stable to ride.

Electricals

Ensure that any exposed wiring is wrapped in electric tape. During the rains, there's always some amount of water that gets near your wiring, which can lead to short circuits. It's also wise to keep a few fuses handy in case they need to be changed.

Also, BEFORE the rains start, make sure all your lights are working. Being visible to other motorists is as important as your safety gear.

Brakes

Goes without saying that you need to ensure your brakes are working perfectly. Get your brake pads and liners checked and replaced if needed. A lot of dirt and grime gets into the brakes, so get the brakes cleaned as well to make sure they're working efficiently.

Chain cleaning and lubrication

Even if you have a chain guard, your bike's chain gets dirty quite easily and any dust that touches it solidifies and severely increases wear and tear. This also damages vital parts of your transmission and reduces your fuel efficiency. A badly worn chain also runs the risk of snapping, so watch for rust as well. Use a good chain cleaner and lubricant to keep your chain in the healthiest condition.

Other tips:

• Be sure to keep your mirrors and helmet visor clean so nothing obscures your view of your surroundings
• Clean your bike properly and don't let water stagnate. Rains result in a lot of muck getting stuck around parts like the mudguards, air filter and spark plugs which can create problems if ignored
• Get a full system service including an oil and oil filter change before the monsoons and then again after the monsoons
• Give your bike the anti-rust treatment