Riding a two-wheeler in the monsoon is a challenging task, however, when done right, it can be joyful as well. Before just heading out in the rain, the motorcycle has to be ready and prepared. So here’s a useful guide on how to prepare your motorcycle for the monsoon season. One useful tip to keep in mind is if you have a tail tidy, swapping it back for the original fender will keep the muck off you.
Monsoon motorcycle maintenance
Check lights
One of the biggest issues two-wheelers face is the lack of visibility, and that’s where headlights help. Run a thorough check with all the lights to ensure they work well, including both headlight beams. Most motorcycles have DRLs, so ensure that they work as well, along with the brake lights.
If you are not just looking to be seen but also to see better, swapping out white headlights for a slightly yellow one can make a huge difference, as lights are around 4300 Kelvin light up the roads better. If not, aftermarket yellow auxiliary lights are a good idea, but check with local laws if they are allowed.
Tyres
Tyres play a crucial role as they are the only contact patch between you and the tarmac. Before riding in the rain, ensure that they have enough tread on them and if not, replace them. When doing so, also get them balanced and grease the bearings, which will help keep water away.
Some motorcycles, especially the high-end ones, will have super sport tyres, which are excellent in dry conditions. What you can do is replace them with a set of street-focused tyres that will channel water better, offering better grip. And for those with dual-sport tyres, it’s a good idea to opt for road-biased tyres as well and keep the older set for the summer.
Check all fluids
Before the monsoon, it is generally a good idea to check all the fluids and replace them if necessary. Check the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluids, and if any seem out of place, replace them, if not, a top-up should be good enough. The coolant is also something that needs attention, so check the levels and top it up.
Wash and protect
Before the start of the rainy season, wash the motorcycle thoroughly. Use a little brush, and get into the little gaps and get all the dirt out. Then, protect it. Ceramic coatings can be tempting, but they’re also expensive. Instead, use a wax polish and coat the motorcycle completely before shining it off to a glossy finish. This may seem pointless, but helps in the long run. The wax coating will help make cleaning easier when the bike gets dirty after a ride in the rain.
