How I Protect my Motorcycle in the Monsoon Season – and Year Round.
The CB 350 from the show room, shined like a black pearl.
Now, after ten months and 5.5k kilo meters on the odo, it still is in the same condition, barring a few microscopic spots of corrosion. Here are my thoughts on keeping one’s steed in pristine condition, irrespective of the weather conditions or the kilo meters the motorcycle clocks.
The best way to protect a motorcycle from corrossion is proper maintenance and storing.
Moisture and humidity can be harsh and unforgiving on a motorcycle. In Kerala, the weather is humid all through the year. Wind from the sea brings in salt in the humid air to make matters worse. If some preventive maintenance is not done and the motorcycle is not stored properly, the glittering jewel will soon show signs of corrosion. Here are a few things that I do to keep my steed in showroom condition.
Some elbow grease
Overnight, I keep the motorcycle covered. I use the Honda Bigwing supplied motorcycle cover. This helps to reduce the condensation on the smooth paint and chrome a lot. This condensation, along with the dust that settles later, is the main cause of pitting on the paint and chrome. Therefore, I make it a habit, a daily must to do in the morning, to wipe the condensation off the motorcycle. I use a quality microfiber towel or use a clean, lint free used t shirt.
The added advantage of cleaning a motorcycle every day is that I will notice any loose bolts or nuts, any oil leaks, any broken wires etc. (Since this is a Honda, no such thing has ever happened.) For me, this cleaning is the best preventive maintenance I can do to keep corrosion at bay.
If I ever ride my motorcycle in rain or through waterlogged roads, after such a ride, as soon as possible, I wash my ride and dry it thoroughly. Remember. Salt in the humid air, dirt and other chemicals on the road can create pitting and rust. A clean motorcycle is less likely to rust.
In addition to the daily cleaning, washing after a ride in wet, muddy roads, I use anti corrosion treatment on my motorcycle. Initially I used carnauba wax to protect the paint and chrome.
Anti corrosion treatment
During the onset of current monsoon, I decided to go for an anti-corrosion treatment. I searched for the most effective and pocket friendly anti-corrosion treatment available in India. Zeroed in on the Muc-off HCB-1. The HCB stands for Harsh Conditions Barrier.
“Keep your precious steed in tip-top condition with the Muc-Off Harsh Condition Barrier. With a state-of-the-art thin film coating, it’ll make light work of rust and corrosion. It’s the perfect upgrade for winter months, or to keep your bike looking fresh all year long – as you’ll have 12 months of protection.”
“HCB-1 is suitable to use on all bicycles, e-bikes, motorcycles, e-moto bikes, UTVs, ATVs, quads, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, jet skis and other watercraft – just check around your weapon of choice and look out for signs of corrosion and apply.”
“It’ll keep moisture out, creating a durable anticorrosive layer of protection on your bike’s frame, chain, metal parts, plastics and paintwork. And on parts that have already got some rust showing, it’ll get rid of it altogether.”
So says the team Muc-Off
I followed the instruction from the Muc-Off webpage and the results appear quite good.
The whole bike got a liberal application of the spray and I let the product to cure for the manufacturer suggested 24 hours.
Now I can ride the bike in rains and on wet roads if necessary with some peace of mind. Hope the product will give protection for 12 months as the manufacturer claims.
Will update in a few weeks. Till then happy riding.
Click here for more information: HCB-1 – 400ml | Harsh Conditions Barrier – Moto, Bike & Car | Muc-Off UK
A few dealers in India have this product listed in their webpages. I bought the HCB-1 from www.velostudio.in and here is the link to the product page: MUCOFF HCB-1 HARSH CONDITION BARRIER 400ML
BTW read this disclaimer.
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