One of our reader shares his 16 quick tips on how should new bike owners maintain their brand new machines. Read them out and take care of your bikes…
I have always believed in following the recommended tips after buying each of my new two-wheelers and I must say that I always saw results exceeded manufacturer’s claimed efficiencies. Here are a few tips I am sharing based on my experience of riding and owning motorcycles…
- Ride smooth and do not cross 40-50 kmph for the first 1000 km (however boring it may be!).
- Take one or two long rides of say 100/150 km or more, involving a few high gradients.
- Always ride in the appropriate gear so as not to strain the engine.
- Shift gears smoothly
- Avoid jerky acceleration. Also, do not flip open the throttle suddenly.
- Do not alter carburetor settings (by setting for a lean mixture) even if you don’t get the expected fuel efficiency at the early stage of a bike’s life.
- DO NOT ever lend your new bike to any one else during the running-in-period. Tell gently & excuse yourself. If unavoidable, ride yourself taking him pillion.
- Avoid pillion riding to the extent possible.
- Follow service schedules, specially the first two!
- After second service – generally 2000-2500 kms you can gradually start accelerating to higher speeds which could be, say 60-70-80…. and so on, after every 75/100 km.
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- Understand your bike and love it for what it is!
- Don’t bother to compare it with others, since each bike is built to meet and deliver certain expectations. Obviously, not everything can be packed in one machine at a competitive price!
- Treat the new bike like your partner during specially during running-in period, and you sure will have a real good partner in the years ahead!
- As far as possible, fill fuel from a reliable petrol pump. Always check air pressure every two weeks and try to stick to the recommended levels. Higher octane fuel is not required for small capacity motorcycles.
- Remember, with proper care & timely maintenance, any bike of any make would return good fuel efficiency and serve you for long.
- Even the most rugged bikes in wrong hands will flop within no time.
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This is my inference after so many years of riding. All the best and wish you long, long years of Safe & Happy rides!
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– Rama Krishna
P.S. My previous article on BikeAdvice: TVS Jive Ownership Review
