Tips For Maintaining Your Two Wheeler

• Get quotes from multiple insurers
• Cashless garages available
• Buy/renew your policy online without hassles

Whether we buy it with our own savings or we receive it as a gift from a family member, a bike is the most prized possession for every bike enthusiast. Hence, it is very important to maintain it in a good condition and secure it with proper two wheeler insurance. However, for every minor mechanical problem, we cannot claim insurance and that is why every bike owner should know some of the tricks and tips to maintain the bike in good condition.

As mentioned above, one of the important aspects of maintaining the bike is to buy a proper two wheeler insurance policy like a comprehensive policy, which fulfills the requirement of the bike and protects it against uncertainties that may end up causing damage to the vehicle. If you want to further extend the coverage, then you can buy few additional add-on covers for the bike along with a comprehensive policy like zero depreciation cover, personal accident cover, No Claim Bonus cover, key replacement cover, pillion rider cover, anti-theft device cover, roadside assistance cover, and return to invoice cover. These optional add-on covers can be availed for extra premium.

Along with two wheeler insurance which provides financial security for your bike during distress times, here are few more tips that you can practice to maintain your motorcycle in good health:

Tyre pressure:

Although, nowadays two wheelers come with tubeless tyre option, it is important to regularly check tyre pressure. The tyre pressure should be as recommended by the manufacturer. At least weekly once, check for any nails or cuts on the tyre which can cause damage when you ride the vehicle. If you often go on long bike rides and off-road driving, check for wheel balancing and alignment. Instead of air, you can opt for nitrogen filling as well.

Engine or gear oil:

For a smoother ride and better performance, make sure that the engine is oiled at regular intervals. If the engine oil is not changed at regular intervals, the carbon deposits around the engine will bring down the engine performance as it leads to oil thickening. This will lead to more fuel consumption and smoke from the exhaustion pipes. So make sure that you keep a check on engine oil. If it is a bike, along with engine oil, refill gear oil whenever required.

Clutch:

Even though the bike is in running condition, if there is any problem with the clutch and it is not working properly, gear cannot be applied. Hence, the clutch wire should be tightened in a way where it has correct free play. If the wire is tightened too much, it will cause a problem in gear application and this will burn more fuel. Therefore, make sure that the clutch is adjusted properly.

Engine:

It is the working heart and brain of a motorcycle. Make sure that you service your vehicle regularly by oiling the engine as required. Clean your carburetor and the smoke exhaustion pipe to be sure that there is no blockage as it leads to high fuel consumption. The spark plug, which causes the ignition of the vehicle, has to be clean, and there should be a right amount of gap in between. Engine oil is typically changed for every 1000 kms, but this may vary for each model. Even though self-start option is available for your bike, kick-start your bike in the morning, as this will warm up the engine of the bike.

Battery:

To self-start, honk, and to have a working head light, especially for night rides, battery is important. The battery has to be periodically filled with distilled water for it to have a longer life. Ensure that there is no leakage in the battery and clean it weekly once. The battery is automatically charged when the vehicle is driven. But usually, the shelf life of a battery is 2-3 years.

Brakes:

To control your speed or to slow down the vehicle at humps, or even to save your life from accidents, brakes are the crucial parts of the vehicle. A brake is connected to both front and rear tyres and it should be tightened to the right amount for smooth application. If it’s too tight, it may break or if it is too loose, you may get hurt. So, make sure that you have tightened the brakes as recommended by the manufacturer. Brake oil has to be applied as and when required or if it causes any noise. You can replace the brake shoe after every 3 months or depending upon the usage of the bike.

Cleaning:

Do not wait until you give the vehicle for regular servicing to be washed, clean your bike at least weekly once. You can use soaps available especially for vehicle cleaning. For cleaning of carbon deposits, you can use paraffin wax. Cleaning your bike regularly will also provide an extra shine.

To enjoy bike rides for a longer period of time, practice the above-mentioned tips which will improve the health of the bike.