Owning a motorbike not only gives a sense of freedom but also makes travelling easier given the very crowded public transport system. For today’s youth, two-wheelers have become more of a necessity than just an object of fancy. So much so that many today avoid cars given the ease of handling and low cost of maintenance of two-wheelers. However, keeping motorbikes and other gearless two-wheelers in good condition can become difficult during monsoons. Orissa POST speaks to a few youngsters on how they take care of their mean machines during the rainy season.
Subhakanta Rout, an entrepreneur from Angul, says, “I have a Royal Enfield. I had a weakness for bikes since my schooldays, but my father was not in favour of gifting me one as a teenager. I got my first bike when I was in college. I also have a car but prefer riding my motorbike. However, maintaining a motorcycle is difficult during the monsoons. To avoid unnecessary breakdown during the rainy season, I make sure to take care of my motorbike throughout the year. Cleaning your motorbike regularly is a must, more so during the monsoons to avoid permanent mud stains. Given that a lot of mud settles on the bike, I clean it with washing liquid every fortnight. I clean not only the body but also the chain and then apply degrease which helps in removing oil and grease instantly.”
Barsha Priyadarshini, a social worker and student from Bhubaneswar, who owns a Royal Enfield, says, “Even as a child I wanted to ride bikes, as my father and brother owned one. I was never inclined towards scooters. My father gifted me this motorbike. Although at times, I neglect my bike I am extremely careful about its maintenance during the monsoons. This is because bikes get damaged most during the rainy season and may break down suddenly. Initially, I was negligent about my motorbike but after I joined a group of women bikers, I have been extra careful about its maintenance since we often go for long rides. I make sure to service my bike once a month. During monsoons, I make it a point to always cover my bike when I am not using it.”
Omm Bikash, a fitness trainer from Cuttack, owns a vintage Rajdoot. Understandably, he takes special care of his motorbike. “It is my father’s motorbike which he inherited from his in-laws. It’s more than 30 years old and I have been riding it since 2010. Cleaning your bike regularly during the monsoons is a must. It prevents rusting. Every morning, I make it a point to wipe the dust and mud that settled on the bike the previous day. Once a week, I clean my bike with washing liquid. Moreover, during the monsoons, I brush and apply a degreaser on the chain. It’s also important to take care of other parts like cables, chain and wheel hubs because a lot of dirt and mud accumulate on these parts. To avoid water stains and maintain the shine of my bike, I use a special wax,” says Omm.
BRATATI BARAL, OP
