A Guide to Maintaining 15 Essential Parts of Your Two Wheeler

As the days get hotter, it becomes important to ensure the upkeep of your two-wheeled companion. In this guide, we present a list of the essential parts of a two-wheeler and share tips on their maintenance.

15 Essential Parts and Their Maintenance Tips

1. Engine

The engine of a motorcycle is considered its "heart". It is the driving element of your two-wheeler and is in charge of its performance. Any problem with the engine may cause the two-wheeler to come to a complete stop. 

To ensure that the engine is in its best condition, always keep the engine oil at its maximum levels, the air fins clean, and do not fit it with any external guard. Keep the spark plug gap as per the manufacturer's specifications and adjust it every 5000 km. 

2. Brakes

Brakes adjust and reduce the vehicle's speed according to traffic requirements. Disc brakes and drum brakes are the two types of brakes that come into play.

For the maintenance of different brakes, check the following:

• Disc Brakes - Check the amount of braking fluid left in the brake fluid reservoir. It is typically located near the handlebar for the front brakes, while it is behind the heel plate near the rider's foot peg for rear brakes. Make sure the brake fluid is constantly at the proper level.
• Brake Pads- You should inspect the brake pads at regular intervals. Change the brake pad immediately if it is thinner than 3mm.
• Drum Brakes -To keep the grip, drum brakes must be maintained regularly and the brake lines must be replaced. After a while, dust particles begin to accumulate in these brakes. Cleaning them will protect your motorcycle from harm.

3. Tyres

There are two types of tyres: tubeless and tube tyres. To maintain proper grip and friction with the road, different thread patterns are developed on the surface of a tyre.

To keep the tyres in good form for a long time, always keep the optimal tyre air pressure in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. Get the tyres washed every two weeks to avoid accumulating dirt and dust on them. Avoid riding your vehicle through potholes to protect the rims from wearing off. 

4. Clutch and Gear

Clutch and gear are components found only in motorbikes. Gears are in the form of a lever that riders may press with their left leg. The clutch is typically positioned on the left side of the handlebar. For maintenance: 

• Clutch: If you have a hydraulic clutch, replace the clutch fluid regularly. In case of a wet clutch that shares engine oil, use motorcycle-specific oil and change it at least as often as scheduled.
• Gear: Clean and grease the inner cable, front and rear mechanicals, and cassette to keep the gear lever in optimal condition.

5. Accelerator

Another key component in two-wheelers is the accelerator. It is in the shape of a throttle on the right side of the handlebar and is used to increase the vehicle's speed. For maintenance purposes, you should replace the cables, such as your clutch and throttle cables, every three years or every 15,000 km.

6. Fuel tank

A fuel tank stores the fuel in the vehicle. The volume of the gasoline tank varies per vehicle; however, it can range from 5 to 15 litres for a two-wheeler.

To maintain the fuel tank, after filling it with gasoline and ball bearings, you must seal the tanker's fuel intake hole. You must then correctly shake the tanker to eliminate the dirt from the tanker walls. 

7. Exhaust Pipe (Silencer)

The silencer/exhaust pipe serves as a funnel, channelling high-pressure exhaust gas and discharging it into the atmosphere.

Since exhaust pipes are generally made of mild steel and are subjected to high temperatures from the exhaust gas, as well as external causes such as dust and water, it results in the natural decolourization of the pipe. For maintenance purposes, you may use double-wall pipes, a layer of heat-protective shields, or fibreglass tape.

8. Battery

Your two-wheeler's battery is an important component in maintaining its electrical functionality. Make sure to fill the batteries with distilled water and check for leaks regularly. Always ensure that the terminals are clean and tightly fastened. 

9. Chain

The chain keeps the wheels of your two-wheeler connected, in sync with each other, and in motion. To maintain top performance and long life, lube the chain every 500-1000 km.

10. Air Filters

To maintain your bike's air filters:

• Remove as much debris as possible from the filter and wash it with a light soap or filter chemicals.
• Repeat the washing process twice or three until the filter is fully clean.
• Allow the filter to dry before saturating it with new filter oil and reinstalling it on your bike.

11. Pistons

Pistons help transmit energy from the engine to the other parts of the vehicle. This also contributes to the movement of the wheels. For smooth functioning of the pistons, clean and replace them from time to time. You should also clean the oil drain holes to prevent oil from clogging the grooves and holes of the pistons.

12. Headlamp and Tail Lamp

These lights help the rider and co-riders on the road navigate their vehicles while making left, right and roundabout turns. They also provide vision to the riders during the night or in foggy situations to provide a good view of the road and other vehicles. It is important to keep these lights clean and spotless. You can simply wipe off the light frames with either a wet or dry cloth to keep them neat and clean. 

13. Handlebars

While biking, handlebars aid in balance and changing directions. Polish them regularly to avoid rusting. Make sure your handlebars have a rubber coating for a comfortable grip and don't exert too much pressure. You must also change the rubber grip when necessary. 

14. Speedometer

Speedometers determine a vehicle's current speed and mileage. It consists of a cable that connects it to the transmission of bikes to calculate its speed. The rider can watch the speed, preventing himself from going too fast, thereby avoiding any severe accidents.

For maintenance of the speedometer, you should grease and lubricate the meter cable regularly to avoid any squealing noise in the front dashboard of the speedometer.

15. Frame

Last but not least is the frame, which is an important component of a motorcycle. It has a top tube and a down tube that support the motorcycle's chain and seat cushions.

It is important to grease the two-wheeler properly. Fit the new vehicle with fenders and frame protection for maintenance. Don't leave your bike outside in extreme heat, cold or rainy weather. Wash and clean your two-wheeler to avoid any accumulation of rust and junk in the body frame of the motorcycle.

Conclusion

Maintenance of two-wheelers can become expensive if not done regularly. Observe your two-wheeler during rides to see if it needs any repairs. And, if you want to cover your two-wheeler against unforeseen incidents, you can look for different two-wheeler insurance policies that cover all kinds of two-wheelers, including scooters and mopeds.

Also read - 

• Why Should I Purchase Two Wheeler Insurance?
• A Starter’s Guide to Know About Two Wheeler Insurance in India
• Importance of Two Wheeler Insurance