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We know it is tough to stay at home for so long, without being able to go out at all. This #lockdown is particularly tough for us motorcyclists as this is completely against our nature. But then as they say that sometimes you have to take a step back to go forward. So staying indoors is the best thing to do right now to #BreakTheChain. But then it doesn't mean you cease to be a motorcyclist. Think of yourself as your motorcycle which has its engine on but is in neutral gear and not moving forward, but the carburettor or fuel pump is still pushing the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber, the valves are still opening at closing as per their scheduled time, engine oil is still flowing through its veins to keep the engine cool while the piston is moving up and is ready for the moment when the rider will slot the gearbox into first gear. Similarly, there is a lot that you can do in anticipation of the normal life that will be back sooner or later. So here is a list of things you can do as a biker without defying the lockdown.
1. General inspection: Every day, take a couple of minutes to just slowly walk around your parked motorcycle and take a deep look at it, and admire it, remembering all the beautiful moments that you spent together. Also use this time to closely inspect your bike for any signs of aging or a potential malfunction like a cut wire, oil leakage from suspension, rusting, etc. A motorcycle, just like human beings, tends to age faster if it is lying idle for a prolonged period of time.
2. When a motorcycle is parked for a very long time, it becomes a potential habitat for bugs and rodents. Rodents especially can be really harmful as they may cut the wiring of your motorcycle. So remember to dust it at least once every 2-3 days to keep these harmful creatures away.
3. The motorcycle chain tends to get rusted when not in use for a prolonged period of time. Also, the grease between the chain links starts to dry up. So it is very important that you clean and lube your motorcycle chain at regular intervals. You can easily do it at home without having to go out. All you need is a good quality chain cleaner and lubricant. You can also use an old toothbrush and diesel to clean the chain, and SAE90 gear oil to lube it.
4. Where and how you park your motorcycle during this lockdown will play a big role in keeping it healthy when you come out of the lockdown. Too much moisture in your parking space can cause the metal parts of your bike to rust prematurely, and excess exposure to direct sunlight may cause the paint to lose the shine. So make sure that you park your motorcycle in a dry and shaded area, and if that is not possible for any reasons, cover it properly with a bike cover, and follow the steps mentioned above.
5. Just start the motorcycle once every couple of days and let idle for a minute or two, just to keep the innards of the engine in proper working order. This will also help you identify any problem in the engine that may pop up because of not being in use for a while.
1. General inspection: Every day, take a couple of minutes to just slowly walk around your parked motorcycle and take a deep look at it, and admire it, remembering all the beautiful moments that you spent together. Also use this time to closely inspect your bike for any signs of aging or a potential malfunction like a cut wire, oil leakage from suspension, rusting, etc. A motorcycle, just like human beings, tends to age faster if it is lying idle for a prolonged period of time.
2. When a motorcycle is parked for a very long time, it becomes a potential habitat for bugs and rodents. Rodents especially can be really harmful as they may cut the wiring of your motorcycle. So remember to dust it at least once every 2-3 days to keep these harmful creatures away.
3. The motorcycle chain tends to get rusted when not in use for a prolonged period of time. Also, the grease between the chain links starts to dry up. So it is very important that you clean and lube your motorcycle chain at regular intervals. You can easily do it at home without having to go out. All you need is a good quality chain cleaner and lubricant. You can also use an old toothbrush and diesel to clean the chain, and SAE90 gear oil to lube it.
4. Where and how you park your motorcycle during this lockdown will play a big role in keeping it healthy when you come out of the lockdown. Too much moisture in your parking space can cause the metal parts of your bike to rust prematurely, and excess exposure to direct sunlight may cause the paint to lose the shine. So make sure that you park your motorcycle in a dry and shaded area, and if that is not possible for any reasons, cover it properly with a bike cover, and follow the steps mentioned above.
5. Just start the motorcycle once every couple of days and let idle for a minute or two, just to keep the innards of the engine in proper working order. This will also help you identify any problem in the engine that may pop up because of not being in use for a while.
