Motorcycle Care After Monsoon
Dhaka is one of the most congested cities in the world. Navigating Dhaka’s overcrowded and vehicular roads is a daunting task. However, motorcycle is a very popular vehicle to save time everywhere including Dhaka. Apart from this, Bangladesh is one of the most flood-prone countries in the world, and the monsoon season is a nightmare for motorcycle owners. Water can always cause damage to motorbikes, be it low or high.
The dilapidated roads of Dhaka city are full of potholes, and during the monsoon season these roads are like death traps. There is no substitute for awareness to protect the hobby bike from numerous potholes and uncovered manholes. Protecting your bike from rainwater is a difficult task even if you reach your destination on a relatively safe route. In such a situation, the maintenance of the beloved bike needs extra care, from today’s discussion, let’s learn some simple and effective tips for motorcycle maintenance.
Not starting the bike
The relationship between water and machinery has always been entwined. Car engines generally help to move by converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. Hence, the heat generation performance of the engine decreases when exposed to water. t
In this case, if water enters your bike’s exhaust pipe and engine, then there is a possibility of water entering the engine’s combustion chamber, spark plug and electrical system. Starting the bike then can cause a lot of damage to the engine due to electrical short circuit. Apart from this, the bike’s water hammer and connecting rod can also be bent as a result. In this condition it would be wise not to start the bike.
Disconnect the battery
It is also a good idea to disconnect the battery at the terminals to prevent electrical grounding. If the bike is new then the bike is likely to be full of auxiliary systems and sensors. So, disconnecting the battery of a wet new bike becomes a very important task. Because such systems and sensors of the new bike can continue to supply power even when they are switched off Therefore, it is best to remove the entire battery and have it checked by a professional mechanic if possible.
Replace or clean the spark plug
Bike spark plugs help the engine run by burning fuel and producing sparks. So, the better the spark plug is, the longer the performance of the bike engine will be. But, if the bike gets wet, the spark plugs can corrode. And if the bike is left in this wet condition for a long time or driven in the rain, the spark plugs can become hardened with mud. Which will become more difficult to remove. So it is very important to remove and clean the spark plugs and let them dry as soon as possible. If any damage is noticed earlier then the damaged plugs should be replaced and new spark plugs should be installed. Electrical connection is very important for motorcycles. It is best to kick-start the bike without spark plug if necessary to avoid electrical damage. At least until it can be repaired or replaced. Again, make sure the running coil is properly seated before installing the new spark plug.
braking system
Braking system is very important for any vehicle. Which is more useful for 2 wheelers. But water ingress can lock the bike’s brake-king system, especially on motorbikes with drum brakes. Then there is a sharp noise from the bike when braking or during ride which indicates that the brake system is locked.
To fix the problem dry the bike, remove the drum and brake system. Then lubricating the backing plate may solve the problem. However, it is very important to check the drum pads, as the drum pads will dry out and become ineffective.
On the other hand, for motorcycles with disc brakes, immediate cleaning and drying is essential to avoid further problems. Apart from this it is important to check the brake cable, brake lever, master cylinder and brake fluid. It is best to test the effectiveness of the generated heat by repeatedly pumping the bike’s brakes and draining or evaporating the water after it stops raining or comes out of contact with water.
Oil replacement
The unfortunate flood-damaged bike needs to have its oil checked as it may have mixed with dirty water from the flooded roads. Which increases the risk of internal damage to the hobby bike. In this case the color of the oil can be checked. If the color of the oil looks milky or cloudy, then it should be assumed that water has mixed with the oil.
Oil diluted with water will not lubricate properly, which can damage the engine and engine components. In this condition, the oil must be drained or flushed. Afterwards it is better to use the bike with completely new oil.
Air filter
The engine of any vehicle, including a bike, has a type of filter for air flow, called an air filter. The function of this device is to keep the engine cool by cleaning the dusty air outside. If water enters these parts including the engine, it will affect all other parts including the engine.
Therefore, it is recommended to use the air filter completely dry. Otherwise, air may cause water to enter the combustion chamber, causing internal engine damage. So, the best thing to do is to replace the bike’s air filter after such a disaster.
Taking the assistance of a motor mechanic
Even after using these tips to take care of your beloved bike, the best thing to do is to visit a professional mechanic or service center to get the bike fully serviced. Such problems are very common among professional mechanics in the country, especially those located in the capital.
As a result, professionals are the most reliable port of call when it comes to thorough inspection and maintenance of your favorite flood-affected 2-wheeler. However, if these opportunities are not available in adverse conditions, maintaining your beloved bike by following the above tips will provide relative long-term benefits.
