The motorcycling gang here has been trading tags with moto-pals over the various ‘challenges’. We’ve played a dozen rounds of moto-bingo, washed our gear, cleaned our helmets and are trying to stay sane, one past-ride post at a time.

At the end of the day, when the head’s done spinning, I hope we realize, our motorcycles demand maintenance, just the way our loving partners do. In interest of self-preservation and future moto-nirvana, here is some motorcycle maintenance TLC to follow, so we can ride free after the lockdown ends.
1) Clean that chain:

Rusty chains make for dramatic snaps, but a clean, well-lubed chain is a sign of a healthy motorcycle. A brush, some rags, solvent & chain-lube are all that you need. So spend the time that you have and give the drive-chain the attention it deserves.

2) Tire Pressure & Tread:

When the motorcycle’s stationary, your tires bleed – air. Ignore and you’ll soon get familiar with terms like sag & painful post-lockdown flat-spot bumps. To save yourself the pain, move the motorcycle around in the parking lot. While you’re at it, check the tread wear & remove any debris in the grooves you find.

3) Juice things up:

Drained out batteries are guaranteed mood busters. After-all, who wants to be sitting all geared up with a drained-out battery and a motorcycle that’s going nowhere. Get smart and disconnect it totally till the end of the lockdown, or use a trickle charger to keep things juiced up.

4) Change the engine oil:
An idle-engine is a crud-magnet. It is best to flush the old oil out and get a new oil-filter in place. You’ll have a happier running motorcycle when it is time to hit the road at last.

5) Air-Filter:

We’ll all be breathing a bit easy, hopefully, after the lockdown ends. Change that air-filter & let the motorcycle breathe easy too.

6) Tighten up the loose ends:

There’s an old motorcycle saying: where there’s motorcycles, there’s always a few loose nuts. Haven’t heard it before? Ok, but it is still a good idea to bring the tools out and go over every nut, bolt and fastener carefully. Torque wrench and torque ratings might be stranger things, but let’s ensure everything that is meant to stay on the motorcycle, stays there – shall we…

7) Brakes:
Sticky brakes and worn out fluid, make for spongy brakes. Riding after this lockdown, the speeds are going to be a bit enthusiastic. You definitely want to stop in time when you want to. So check and replace, as necessary, before it is time to ride out!

8) Check the rubber:

Our motorcycles have a lot of rubber stuff apart from the tyres. So check them, fuel and air hoses, and carb-joints, check them all and replace as required when you can.

9) Shine it up:

The one thing in this #StayHome situation is that all of us have access to brushes, scrubbers and a bucket of water. So get on, get into the nooks and crannies, dust out those memories of rides past & get ready to make some new ones – whenever the situation’s better at last.

That’s it from me for now on motorcycle maintenance love in this lockdown situation. Time to hit the archives in search of the next #TripStory…

Stay Safe, #StayHome