Basic Maintenance Tips for Two-Wheelers

Basic Tips to Maintain Two-Wheeler

Many of the basic bikes servicing jobs are easy enough that we can do them at home without requiring any help. With the below-mentioned tips to keep our two-wheelers in good shape, it is as well suggested to get it insured with a bike insurance policy. This is because an insurance policy for bikes protects you and your two-wheeler against any accident that may take place on the road.

• Change Engine Oil and Clean Oil Filter Regularly: You should change the engine oil of your bike on regular basis. Here is how you can do that:
  • Remove the plug for a drain from the sump and let the old oil drain into the tray provided for the drain. Do not forget to check the washer of the drain plug. If this plug is in good condition, then refit the plug for the drain.
  • Get the old oil filter out and put a new filter at its place. Dispose of the old oil filter.
• Check the Air Filter: The two-wheelers either have foam or paper type element of the air filter. If it is made up of the paper element, then you can easily tap it to get the dust-out. However, elements made up of foam should be washed in some solvent and after that, they are dried and reoiled. However, if the element is damaged or very dirty, then you should fit a new element.

• Adjustment of Drive Chain: There should be some amount of slack in the drive chain, generally it is about 30mm, however, it is recommended to check your bike’s handbook for the same. The chain gets stretched with use and you will have to take excess slack through an adjuster of chain at the swingarm end. Follow the below steps to do the same:
  • Measure the total slack amount in the drive chain from the point that is midway between the lower run chain and sprockets.
  • If you will have to adjust the tension of the chain, then slacken the nut of the rear axle.
  • Make use of the adjusters over the ends of the swingarms for adjusting the tension of the chain.
  • Check the marks for wheel alignment are the same for each side and after that tighten the nut for the rear axle.
• Spark Plugs: With time the spark plugs also start showing the sign of wear and tear as the gap between its electrodes goes out of adjustment. You must measure the gaps of the spark plug with the help of a feeler gauge and then try to do the gap adjustment by bending the electrodes that are on the side. There will as well be a build-up of the deposits on the firing ends because of the process of combustion. You may have to replace the plus if they are badly corroded or dirty.
• Pivots, Livers, and Oiling Cables: Since pivots, liver and cables are exposed elements, these should be regularly lubricated for ensuring smooth operation. To do the same, it is recommended to apply some drops of aerosol lubricant or light oil to those ends of the cable that are exposed, brake pedal, liver pivots of the handlebar, stand pivots, and lever pivots of a gear change.
• Adjustment of the Clutch: Adjusting the clutch correctly is necessary for ensuring smooth gear changing and preventing slip of clutch or its drag. Most of the clutches are operated by cable and will have an adjuster of thread and locknut at every end for setting the free-play.
• Correct Speed of the Engine Idles: Check that the idles of the engine are at the correct speed at the time it is completely warmed up. Most of the time there is a knob for adjusting the speed of idle, which is located at the carburetor's side.
• Check the Brake Pads: The material of the brake pad's friction wears down with time to a low level and at that time, you must renew the brake pads. To view the condition of the material of the pad you have to use the caliper's mouth. Most of the pads have a groove to indicate wear, some may have a line for indicating wear’s limit. If you are unable to see the material of the pad, then the pads must have removed.
• Check Tyres Regularly: Checking the tyres of your bike is as well necessary. Ensure that the air pressure on your bike’s tyres is maintained at the level that is recommended by the manufacturer of your bike. Do a thorough checking of the tyres for scrapes and possible cuts.
• Take a Comprehensive Bike Insurance Policy: A bike insurance policy does not provide any help to maintain your bike as this is your job. But, if you have to replace some parts of your bike or get it repaired because of an accident, then Hero Bike Insurance policy comes as a rescue.

Summing It Up!

Even though following the above tips keeps your bike in a good condition, but with time it wears and you cannot control the aging of your prized possession. However, if you have taken a new bike insurance policy, then you may claim for the replacement of some parts when they are damaged. So, keep the above tips in your mind and do the regular maintenance of your two-wheeler as it will help you to keep your bike smiling.