Common Problems That May Occur After Buying a New Bike
Buying a new bike is like fulfilling a dream for many. A bike is now an essential mode of communication. Almost everyone takes care of their new bike, especially its external appearance. Many bikers don't feel comfortable with a new bike. Many people evaluate the pros and cons and problems of a new bike even before getting 'used to' it! So, after buying a new bike, first read its entire manual thoroughly. Here you will get an idea about all the bike's instructions. You will find useful information like what to do, how much to do, and what not to do. Specifically, you will get important information regarding the new bike's break-in period mileage, periodic maintenance requirements, engine oil grade, and tire pressure. This information is applicable only to your new bike.
Some problems can arise after buying a new motorcycle. You might think, 'I just bought a new bike, why are there problems so soon?' There's no need to be overly concerned about these issues. Once you fully adjust to the new bike, you'll see everything working as you wish. Complete the new bike's break-in period, get used to the bike, and you'll find these issues no longer seem like problems.
When problems arise after buying a new bike, we all get more or less worried. Many of us don't know that some bike problems in new bikes occur naturally and resolve themselves over time. To get good performance from a new bike, at least ride it for a certain mileage and give it some time. This way, you will adjust to the bike, and the bike's engine will also adjust. Read the bike's manual, understand its break-in point, and follow other advice.
For example, when riding a new bike, the engine will naturally heat up, fuel consumption might be higher than expected, you might feel discomfort with gears or brakes, or face problems starting the bike, etc. These are not problems to worry about; these bike issues resolve quickly. However, if you feel the engine is overheating unusually or consuming too much fuel, take it to a service center.
Several Problems That May Arise After Buying a New Bike
(1) Higher than Expected Fuel Consumption - Almost all new bikes consume a bit more fuel in the initial stages of riding. This is not unusual. Fuel consumption typically normalizes after the new bike's break-in period, which ranges from 1500 km to 2000 km depending on the bike. However, new bikes generally don't consume excessively high fuel; but if you notice very high consumption, seek help from a service center.
(2) Engine Overheating - Any new mechanical part tends to get quite hot during initial use, and similarly, a new bike's engine also gets quite hot initially. There's nothing to worry about. The reason is that a new bike is operated at slightly lower RPMs, so the engine heats up a bit. This is normal. However, if you feel it's overheating, have it checked at a service center.
(3) Lower than Expected Mileage - Some new bikes might give slightly lower mileage than expected initially. There's no need to worry; after covering 300-500 km and changing the engine oil, you'll see that you're getting the expected mileage. You should definitely get good mileage after completing the break-in period. If not, show it to a service center to find out what problem is causing it.
(4) Bike Doesn't Start Easily - There can be several reasons why a new bike doesn't start easily. Usually, such problems arise if certain things are not properly checked. For example, the engine kill switch position being incorrect, neutral light not being on, fuel switch not being on, spark plug cap not being properly attached, etc.
(5) Engine Halting - If a new bike is not ridden for a certain period after initial use, the engine may not start easily. This condition is called engine halting. It happens due to several reasons, but the main reason is that the engine doesn't receive enough fuel when starting the bike. In this case, start with the choke. If the bike still doesn't start, check the bike's fuel line. Then, check the condition of the spark plug.
(6) Clutch Setting Issues - In most new bikes, the clutch is found to be hard. This is also normal. You should adjust the clutch settings according to your comfort. If the clutch settings are automated, riding the bike regularly for a few days will make the clutch much softer and bring it under your control.
(7) Gear Problems - You might experience some problems with gear shifting on a new bike. You will need to practice for a few days to resolve this issue. This problem mainly involves difficulty in changing gears, gears feeling stiff, etc. You should practice initially with the clutch adjusted, and after a few days, you'll find gear shifting has become easier.
(8) Bike Stalling While Running - This type of problem usually doesn't occur in new bikes. Using low-quality fuel or having dirt in the fuel of a new bike can cause it to suddenly stall while running because the engine doesn't receive proper fuel. Additionally, check if the carburetor is properly set, if the air filter is clean, and if the idle RPM is correctly adjusted.
(9) Battery Problems - The battery of a new bike is usually good. If you buy a new bike and leave it unused, the battery doesn't get a chance to fully charge, so you should ride the bike for at least a few kilometers.
Some Ways to Solve Problems of a Newly Bought Bike
(1) Solution to Low Mileage Problem – After buying a new motorcycle, first read the manual thoroughly. Ride the bike following the guidelines in the manual. For a new bike, you must adhere to the break-in period. The bike needs to be ridden within certain rules for a specific period; this is called the break-in period. By riding the bike for a few days according to the rules, the mileage will improve, and other bike problems will come under control.
(2) Solution to Engine Overheating Problem - Service the bike according to the instructions in the manual. Use good grade engine oil as per the guidelines. A new bike's engine naturally heats up a bit more. This problem usually resolves after completing the break-in period.
(3) Solution if Clutch is Too Hard - The clutch of a new bike might feel a bit hard to you, but you will feel comfortable after using it for a few days. However, if you still don't feel comfortable after riding for some days, visit a service center to get the clutch adjustment corrected. Many bikers are accustomed to very smooth clutches; they might consider changing the clutch lever.
(4) Regular Servicing Will Resolve Bike Problems - Get your new bike serviced at the times indicated in the manual. Remember, regular servicing of a new bike is very important. This eliminates minor problems and will improve the bike's durability and performance in the future.
(5) Change Engine Oil After Covering Indicated Distances - After buying a new motorcycle, you should typically change the engine oil after covering the first 300-400 km, then after 700-800 km, and subsequently after every 900-1000 km. In this regard, change the engine oil according to the instructions in your bike's manual.
(6) Solution if Battery Has Problems - After buying a new motorcycle, do not leave it unused for a long time, or after riding for only a few days. This can damage the bike's battery. Anyway, after buying a new bike, ride it for a few days; check the battery's condition after at least 300-400 km. If the battery is not okay, the bike will have trouble starting or might stop while running.
Always follow the break-in period instructions for a new bike. During this time, adhere to all advice given in the manual. This will protect you from many minor and long-term bike problems. Also, remember not to perform any work, modification, or servicing that might void the bike's official warranty.
What to Do and What Not to Do After Buying a New Motorcycle
(1) You must follow the break-in period instructions. Ride according to the manual's guidelines. Do not ride the bike at high RPMs during this period. Do not suddenly increase the bike's speed; increase it gradually.
(2) Many people modify some parts of a new bike to make it look more gorgeous. Be careful not to make modifications that could cause the engine to overheat.
(3) Change the engine oil after covering the first 300-400 km. Both mineral and synthetic oil types can be used in new bikes. Do not use low-quality engine oil during this time, as it can cause significant damage to the engine. From the beginning, use engine oil according to the grade specified in the manual.
(4) Do not open the engine head unless absolutely necessary, and until 8000-10,000 km mileage has been covered. Even if valves or tappets are loose, do not touch the engine head. Apply grease to the joints of the clutch cable, brake lever, and gear lever, otherwise, their joints become stiff and subsequently wear out.
(5) Do not keep the clutch too tight or too loose. If necessary, get the clutch adjusted at a service center according to your comfort. Maintain correct tire pressure as per the manual's instructions.
(6) Take care of the battery according to the manual's instructions. Do not leave a newly bought motorcycle unused for a long time. This damages the battery, and if the battery is not okay, the bike will have trouble starting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it takes some time to feel comfortable using anything new. The same applies to a new motorcycle. A motorcycle is an essential vehicle; many people feel a special love and emotion towards their bikes. So, it's normal to be worried if any problem arises with the bike. However, after buying a new motorcycle, you might feel there are problems with certain aspects. During this time, it is most important to be patient and adjust to the bike. This is because most of the problems we encounter after buying a new bike are minor or related to lack of adjustment. These issues seem like big problems to many of us because we are not aware of them.
However, some genuine bike problems can occur, which have been discussed in detail above. In such cases, it is best to get them resolved at a service center. Adjustment-related bike problems usually resolve themselves over time. And a new bike comes with an official warranty for a specific period, so if you suspect any problem with the bike, take it to a service center.
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