The world as we know it, doesn’t currently function as it used to at the beginning of the year. Most of the world is under lockdown, which also means we motorcyclists haven’t been out and riding for a long time now.
Until maybe February 220, we would head out with our motorcycles at every given opportunity. We’re definitely not the only ones missing those Sunday breakfast rides. How glorious were those days when we would head out for a ride with or without our mates. Then the virus hit the world and well, we and our motorcycles have been locked in ever since.
The itch to get back out on the open road increases with every passing day and there seemed to be no solution to it, until now. The American Motorcycling Association (AMA), the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) and Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) have all put out a press release. The press note basically asks motorcyclists to be prepared to hit the road.
The top three authorities on motorcycling in the USA have asked riders to be prepared to ride out again. This simply means that travel restrictions will be lifted soon. This is the good news we have all been waiting for. Motorcycles have been stored for a while now.
Those who look into the little details would have started their motorcycles up once in a few days to keep the fluids circulating and moved it about a little if space sufficed so that flat spots wouldn’t develop on the tyres.
But there are little details that need to be looked into before hitting the road again. The brakes, for instance, would have dust in them and the motorcycle would have lesser braking prowess than earlier. The tyres would need to be filled up with air and the battery needs to be checked too.
Keeping this in mind, the AMA, MIC and MSF have asked riders to be prepared. This could apply in other parts of the world too, as various governments look at a slow, phased exit from lockdown.
In India, we have been under enforced lockdown for well over 40 days and some have been at home for way more than that. Though the situation hasn’t exactly improved over the last few days and the number of cases are actually increasing, our government also is looking at a phased exit.
Yes, that does mean we can get our motorcycles out and go for a ride. It is best to keep our motorcycles prepared for that. Do check your tyre pressures, engine oil level, coolant level (if your bike is liquid-cooled), battery charge level, headlamp, tail lamp, turn-signal indicators, etc. Give your motorcycle a wash, and lube the chain. Also, get your riding gear cleaned and expose them to some fresh air.
We might finally see the open road. Do watch out for a detailed motorcycle health checklist we will be publishing just before we exit from lockdown. Also, it is worth keeping in mind that the virus is still out there, and we still have to be cautious.
