There are no bones about it. Driving a motorbike can be a tough ask. Not only can weather conditions take their toll, but you’ve got to look out for dangerous drivers. The road presents many hazards to a rider and many can call themselves veterans after only a few months on the road because of the difficulties presented to them.
A well-used motorbike is going to be battered and bruised come the end of the year and like a car, it’s important to care for your motorbike. This is a priority because of the hazards that riders face and how some can be avoided with the right care.
First off, your bike should be cleaned often. There’s no excuse for allowing dirt and oil to build up on the paintwork and surface of your bike. There is more exposed metal on a bike than a car so a motorcycle is more susceptible to rust and corrosion than a standard car. Clean your bike whenever it is dirty. You can also take the step of waxing the paint-job of your motorbike to ensure that it not only looks great, but is protected from the elements.
Remember that there are parts and mechanics of your bike that will need changing. The oil needs a swap-out often to ensure grime isn’t building up in the lubrication of your engine. The spark plugs ignite your fuel, so you’ll need to ensure they haven’t been worn or damaged, and replaced if they are. Your bike will need a new air filter every so often to make sure it is still breathing and not running on toxins. Finally, never ride with worn tyres. Tyres are the only thing keeping you in touch with the road, so make sure they are always in great condition. It’s not worth the consequences. Not only will your risk an accident, but if you don’t take care of your bike’s mechanics, you’re running the risk of a mechanical fault.
Another thing to note is that your bike is going to be a lot more easier to steal than a car. Lock it up and throw a cover over it. Keep your motorbike secured and stored well when you aren’t using it. There are plenty of theft deterrents on the market, but the best one of all is to keep your bike secure and out of sight. If you want to invest in a secure option, you could install a ground anchor (see http://www.bikersbasics.com/ground-anchor-reviews for reviews) to keep your bike locked to the floor. Of course, you could opt for wheel locks and handlebar locks or all of the methods described above combined. The important thing here is to just keep your bike out of the hands of others. Plus, if you know another rider and have a spare - it could make a great Christmas gift.
Take care of your bike when it’s off of the road, and it will look after you when you’re on the road.