Rain check

Skids, slides and even the odd crash, we all have our tales from riding two-wheelers in the rain. While keeping your bike locked up under a garage and enjoying a warm cuppa waiting for a downpour to move on remains a most enticing option on a rainy day, you sometimes can’t help but get out in the wet, especially in India, where it can rain days on end during the monsoons. Preparing for wet roads then, is a smart riders best bet.

It’s imperative to have your bike rain-ready before venturing out in the wet. First and foremost, examine your tyres. While you may get by riding on old, well worn rubber in summer, this becomes dangerous in the monsoons. Ensure tyres are still soft and crack free with ample life in them, and that tread depth is adequate. If in doubt, immediately replace the tyres as a set with a good brand such as MRF which can easily make the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency.

If your bike uses drum brakes, check the shoe liners for wear, and buff or replace as needed. Have the brake operating cam and lever opened, cleaned and lubricated. This is critical for safe stops as water entering a brake drum, or dirt and grime can seriously compromise brake efficiency.