6 Tips For Bike Maintenance During Monsoon Straight From Premium Bike Owners

• To continue riding worry-free, let’s quickly check some quick insights for vital motorbike components – starting from brakes to tyres. We bet you won’t find these bike tyre care tips and bike maintenance tricks anywhere, as they come right from the seasoned adventure bike riders and premium motorcycle enthusiasts.

• 1) Change the air filter:

  Owners of high capacity adventure motorcycles recommend changing the air-filter after every 15000 kilometers. This is when your riding style and conditions are really aggressive. A quick check-up after every 2500-3500 kilometer or after a long adventurous rain ride, is highly suggested. A similar approach can be followed with premium motorcycles too.

• 2) Tyre tread

  Tyres are critical for a smooth and safe ride. During the monsoons, the tyre grip can make or break your performance. Be it any category bike - adventure, or premium, sufficient tyre tread is essential for a stable ride.

  Enthusiasts recommend a tyre change, even if the adequate tread is left, to attain that ideal performance under unfavorable conditions. During off-roading rides, the road conditions are quite adverse, leading to more wear and tear.  

  After summer, the chances of tyres being worn out are high due to the intense heat. And weary tyres compromise on traction, resulting in underperformance of your machine. But unlike the summer, in the monsoons, the roads are wet. For an enhanced grip during this season, experts vouch for specific bike tyres for the rainy season. Some of the best monsoon bike tyres come from CEAT. You can easily buy them online or visit any  CEAT authorized tyre shop.

• 3) Tyre pressure

  To enjoy an uninterrupted performance, always keep the PSI levels in your tyres as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Remember, be it off-roading or speed biking, there’s no alternative to maintaining optimum tyre pressure for excellent ride quality and comfort. The weather is usually cooler during rains. However, there are chances it gets humid and hot on some days. So you can keep the pressure 1-2 PSI less than the recommended limit to enjoy the ride without hampering your performance.

  You can also get your wheel alignment checked to ensure smooth rides during wet weather.

• 4) Chain and lube

  Think rain, think slush splattering all over your bike. In both the bike types (adventure and premium), water can enter any bike component, but the chainset is the most vulnerable. High-performance bike chains are more prone to rust or damage due to mud deposits and the lube being washed away. Therefore, most owners call for chain cleaning and lube check after every 500 km. Wheel bearings should also be checked if you off-road more during rainy season. 

• 5) Disc brakes

  Ensure that your brakes are responsive enough in any season, especially during the rains. Inspect the brake pad or brake disc for wear. If you hear a screeching sound when braking or find scratches on the disc brake, get new brake pads. Moreover, you can also look closely for any rust on the front or rear disc brake.

• 6) Fuel cap and drain pipe

  In the rainy season, there’s always a possibility of water seeping into the fuel tank and affecting the engine. Thus, bike enthusiasts suggest you lock the fuel cap tightly, especially after refilling, to avoid rainwater seeping into the tank.

  There is a drainpipe to channel excess fuel and water in case that happens despite your best efforts. However, make sure the drain pipe is clear. Water seepage may also occur when you park your bike in the open, without bike covers, during the rains. 

• Some more tips...

  ●        Under city conditions, avoid riding on the lane separators (white markings/strips) and zebra crossings. These are slippery and may result in your bike skidding.

  ●        Check all the electric connections and connecters of your adventure/premium bike and clean them regularly, especially after every adventure ride.

• Safety should be your priority. Be it the tyres or the tank, ensure that every part of your bike’s body is in shape and ready to roar to give you a smooth, stable ride. So go on and ride the rains this monsoon!