Regular use, the hot and humid climate and, ultimately, time will all affect the condition of a vehicle. And while a car is better protected, a motorcycle in Cyprus requires special attention from the owner. Here are 10 things you should do to look after your bike.
Checking the oil
The oil in a motorcycle needs to be changed more often than in a car. The less powerful the engine, the more often you need to change the oil. For example, for scooters, especially Chinese scooters, it is recommended to change the oil every 1-2 thousand kilometres, and for more serious bikes - every 6-10 thousand kilometres.
It is good if the owner of a motorbike learns to check the oil level and top it up. Of course, any garage in Cyprus can easily do this, but if you do it often, you can end up spending a lot of money.
Cleaning the chain
If you have a chain, it should be cleaned every 500 kilometres or so. Of course, you should also look at the degree of dirt, and if you only ride on clean city streets and tracks in dry weather, you can lower the bar a little. But in the rainy season (in Cyprus it is winter and part of spring) it is better to be safe than sorry and follow the recommended procedure.
Checking tyre pressure
It's a good idea to check the tyre pressure before every journey. A tyre pressure gauge will help. It must be part of every cyclist's arsenal. You can pump up your tyres yourself or at a petrol station.
Important: Overinflated tyres are also bad. They reduce traction and therefore handling.
Regular maintenance
Many scooters in Cyprus need a service every 5,000 kilometres. This is not expensive, around €70-80, but if you use your scooter regularly throughout the year, it is well worth the money. It will be similar to the cost of maintaining a car.
Make sure that parts are replaced with original ones - ask to see the boxes and receipts. Sometimes Cypriot service providers are guilty of providing poor quality service. If this is the case, look elsewhere.
Serious bikes need servicing less often - about every 15-20 thousand kilometres. But the service itself is more expensive - around 200-250 euros. It is also harder and more expensive to get spare parts for them.
Mini-adjustments before every ride
Check and adjust the mirrors, remove dust and dirt from all surfaces and test the indicators. These simple measures will not only keep your motorcycle clean, but will also ensure basic safety.
Be sure to listen for noises during the first few metres of riding. If anything sounds suspicious, it's best to stop and check the engine and brakes.
Wash regularly
There's no need to explain why you should wash your bike regularly. Not only does it help keep it tidy, but it also preserves the paint and chrome. Special products are used for cleaning, but hand washing with water is not neglected either. Another option is to use a car wash, but this can be quite expensive.
Dirt is not easy to find in the cities of Cyprus, but there is plenty of dust, especially in the summer season and after dust storms. It can be removed with a special spray, using only soft cloths and towels.
Tyre replacement
Tread depth should be at least 0.8mm. Tyres usually wear out after 40-50 thousand kilometres, but much depends on the terrain and driving conditions. Cyprus is also hot and humid, which also reduces tyre life.
Tyres that are cracked, deformed or badly worn need to be replaced. They can be extremely unsafe to drive.
Protection from moisture
The humidity in Cyprus is not too aggressive for vehicles. In addition, it rarely rains, so no special protection is required. If the bike is left on the street, a cover should be put on it, and if it is left indoors (car park, garage), no special measures need to be taken.
The only thing to think about is the humidity in the garage itself. It must be well ventilated and free of mould, otherwise corrosion will quickly find a loophole. You can install a small dehumidifier, which will come in handy in winter.
Protect from direct sunlight
UV light can do much more damage to paint and metal. There is plenty of it in Cyprus, especially in May when the UV index is at its highest. This is where special covers - tents - come in handy, as well as protection from dust storms.
Tip: Don't buy an all-black motorcycle in Cyprus. It's better to get something bright and light to reduce overheating during the hot season.
A safe place to park
Finally, you should also think about leaving your "war horse" in complete safety. There are pay-and-display car parks in Cyprus, but they may not be well guarded at night, so if you don't have an enclosed car park or your own garage, you'll need to think about protection. An alarm system or a special chain will do the trick.
It is important to remember that there is no such thing as a one-hundred-percent guarantee, but the use of several means together can be quite effective. So do not be lazy and buy everything you need to prevent your bike from being stolen.
Choose from a wide range of motorcycles on the DOMCar website.
Photos: Flickr
