Motorcycle Care in Winter: Things to Remember
Riding a bike in winter is a bit harder than in summer. Those who ride regularly face this problem every winter. In our country, winter comes for a very short period. More than half of the year is usually warm, but there are still about 3-4 months of winter. December and January are the two months when winter is observed. In winter, everything seems to slow down a bit, and everything needs a little more care, just like our bikes need some care at this time. Various problems can arise with bikes in winter. In the winter morning, bike/scooter engines don't want to start. Tire pressure decreases. The beloved bike gets dusty. So, extra care is needed at this time. A little care and caution keeps bikes away from various problems in winter. Adopting a few simple methods can provide relief from these problems. When riding a bike in winter, some things need to be kept in mind more than usual, such as being cautious in fog, wearing necessary clothes, taking care of the bike's engine, etc. In winter, motorcycle engines often malfunction more. Many people use their motorcycles less or not at all during winter. As you enjoy winter with all your favorite things, don't forget to take care of your motorcycle during winter. Here are a few tips for taking care of your motorcycle in winter, so it stays in good condition for the upcoming winter season and doesn't cause difficulty in riding. Learn how to take care of your bike's engine to keep it running smoothly in winter.
What to do for bike riding and bike care in winter:
(1) Start the engine daily, don't leave it unused for long. If you don't get the opportunity to use your bike regularly in winter, at least start it every day and let it run for a while. After the first start of the day, try not to ride or rev the bike immediately; instead, let it idle at low RPM for 4-5 minutes before riding. Although this is a bit difficult for carburetor bikes, as carburetor bikes have trouble holding a steady idle on the first start in the morning and often drop RPM, they should warm up the engine by giving some throttle for a while before riding, which will keep the engine in good condition. This will ensure the bike is ready for riding at any time.
(2) Check and take care of the battery. Regularly check the battery. For those bikes without a kick start option, the battery is very important. Modern sealed dry batteries require no maintenance other than charging. Many current bike models do not have kick starters. For bikes without a kick starter, this is an added concern. This is because if the bike is not ridden for a long time in winter, it becomes difficult to start. Those with a kick starter should use it to start their bike. Those without this extra feature should take care of their battery. Since starting issues can arise in winter, ensure the battery always has sufficient charge. If it's a lead-acid battery, check the water level. Top it up if it's low. Charge it if the charge is low.
(3) Start the bike with a kick. In winter mornings, the inability to start a bike often becomes a cause of panic for riders. The self-start doesn't work, and sometimes even the kick doesn't. Nowadays, most bikes have a self-start or electric start system, so we have almost forgotten about kick-starting. In winter, all substances contract. Therefore, the density of petrol increases compared to normal times. In winter, try to give the first start of the day with a kick, because in winter, the density of petrol decreases significantly, and the engine becomes very cold, which makes it difficult for current to reach the spark plug easily. This is why self-start often fails, and sometimes even the kick doesn't work. In this case, pull the choke and kick start the bike. Even if you have a self-start, on winter days, at least for the first time, pull the choke and use the kick start. You can use the self-start thereafter. And since many bikes now do not have a kick option, they should try to take proper care of the bike's battery. Whether there is a kick start or not, always ensure the battery is fully charged.
(4) Keep the plug clean. The spark plug is an important part of a motorcycle. It plays a significant role in starting the motorcycle. In winter, try to clean the spark plug a bit more frequently, as this will ensure good current. This is because dirt accumulates on this component after prolonged use. Keep the spark plug clean during servicing or even otherwise. It's best to install a new spark plug at the beginning of winter to avoid any worries. This will save you from unwanted troubles during winter.
(5) Keep the air filter clean. The air filter is a very essential part. In winter, the moisture content in the air is low. As a result, dust flies in the air. This dust is harmful to the bike. With a bike's air filter, you will get good mileage as well as good performance. Dust penetrates the air filter and enters the engine along with the oil. And in winter, dust increases significantly, so clean the air filter frequently. Also, due to excessive fog in winter, the air filter gets damaged quickly. Therefore, the air filter should be cleaned and replaced regularly.
(6) Mix a little octane with petrol. You can use octane as a fuel booster in winter. A very small mixture of octane with petrol will not only help in quick starting but also maintain the bike's speed. Many of us use petrol in our bikes, which causes starting problems in winter and often leads to power loss. You can keep the petrol and octane mixture at 10:1. However, if you get good quality petrol, there is no need for it. Octane is a very good fuel booster; it quickly mixes with the engine and provides rapid power. And those who regularly use octane will get good performance in this regard.
(7) Cover the bike. A motorcycle cover is especially necessary in winter. If you keep your bike outside, cover it. In winter, a lot of fog falls, which is harmful to the bike. Do not keep the bike directly under the open sky, as the fog will completely wet the bike, affecting the battery. Clean your motorcycle thoroughly and ensure it is not damp before covering it. Try not to keep the bike in an open space; if you absolutely have to, make sure to cover it. This will prevent winter fog from wetting the bike, keeping it in good condition. Water repellent spray can help keep the motorcycle dry. However, after riding the bike, allow the engine time to cool down. Cover it once the engine is cool.
(8) Use the correct grade engine oil and change it regularly. The engine oil in a motorcycle should be changed at specific intervals. For motorcycle care in winter, use a specific grade of engine oil. Old oil can affect the engine. So, keep changing the oil from time to time. Thick engine oil becomes thin after prolonged use, which then causes problems with engine starting. Use the correct grade of engine oil according to the manual. Change the engine oil after covering a specific distance. This might cost you some money, but it will keep the engine effective. Additionally, clutch cables, chains, brakes, and gear levers of the bike are usually greased. Instead of grease, use engine oil in these places, because grease tends to solidify more in winter. Get your scooter/bike serviced at regular intervals.
(9) Take care of tires and maintain correct air pressure. We often neglect tires when taking care of motorcycles in winter, let alone at normal times. In extreme cold, air in the tires can contract, reducing their volume. In such cases, you can keep slightly more air in the tires than the normal measurement. Always check the tire pressure before heading out on the road with your motorcycle. If the tire pressure is not correct, riding a bike in winter is very dangerous, and there is a high possibility of accidents.
(10) Take care of the chain. In winter, the mixture of oil and dirt used on the chain can solidify, which happens faster than in warm weather. This condition can cause discomfort and even accidents while riding the bike in winter. The bike's chain gets dirty due to excessive dust and sand in winter, so try to clean the chain every 200 km. When taking care of a motorcycle in winter, cleaning the chain must be kept in mind.
Riding a bike in winter is enjoyable. But before going on a long trip, definitely get your bike serviced. In winter, a bike's color fades quickly. So, clean it regularly, and use polish to bring a shiny finish after cleaning. During travel, always wear cold-resistant clothing, and take boots, gloves, and safety guards with you. Also, take extra fuel and engine oil for long journeys.
Essential Tips for Motorcycle Care and Riding in Winter
(1) After starting the bike, check if the brakes, clutch lever, battery, and all lights are working properly.
(2) Before starting the bike, check the engine oil, tires, and chain.
(3) After the first start of the day, wait 30 seconds to 1 minute before engaging a gear. For the first 4 to 5 minutes of riding, keep the bike between 4000 and 5000 RPM.
(4) Wear a good quality jacket to prevent cold air from directly hitting your chest and throat while riding the bike. Take winter clothes as needed. Wear a full-face helmet to protect yourself from cold air and getting a cold.
(5) When riding a bike in winter, use indicators correctly in fog and keep the motorcycle's headlight on while riding.
(6) In winter mornings and nights, there is a lot of fog, so use a reflective jacket so that other vehicles on the road can easily see you.
(7) Hand gloves should definitely be used when bike riding in winter. It is important to be a bit cautious about this because if it gets excessively cold and you hold the bike's handle for a long time, your fingers may have trouble moving. So, use good quality hand gloves to keep your fingers warm.
In conclusion, when taking care of a motorcycle in winter, if you pay a little extra attention to 1-2 aspects compared to normal times, your bike will remain in good condition and cause you fewer problems. If these things are taken care of for the bike in winter, you will not face any problems. A bike is a mechanical vehicle, so problems are bound to occur, and we must take care of them ourselves. Additionally, when riding a bike in winter, you must also pay attention to your clothing to avoid catching a cold easily. Most road accidents occur in winter mornings due to excessive speed in fog; excessive speed can ruin an entire life. So, keep your bike's speed under control. To know more about motorcycles, you can visit Bikes Guide. Bikes Guide is one of Bangladesh's largest and most authentic motorcycle portals where you will find a lot of essential information related to bikes. Here you will find detailed descriptions of various bikes, prices, technical specifications, photos, videos, and much more.
