Two-wheelers are one of the most convenient and cheapest modes of commuting in India. Not only do they help you cover short distances in no time but they are also fuel efficient. Few things in this world can match the thrill and excitement of riding a two-wheeler. If you happen to be a bike enthusiast, you must be well-versed with the different parts of your all-weather companion on the road.
However, not many people have deep knowledge about the essential parts that are common to every two-wheeler. If you're also among one such person, this article is for you. Here, we have listed and described some basic two-wheeler spare parts, including engine, gear, clutch, accelerator, brakes, tires, fuel tank, and exhaust pipe. We've also listed some two-wheeler maintenance tips. Read on.
1. Engine
The engine of a bike or scooter is often called its heart. This is what powers a two-wheeler and is responsible for its performance. The combustion of the fuel takes place in an engine and after that, other parts of the vehicle start moving. For bikes, the engine is usually located on the front, whereas, for scooters, the engine is on the rear side.
Regular inspection and servicing are essential for the longevity of the engine. Hence, you must take your two-wheeler for servicing every four to six months to keep its engine fresh and efficient. You should also add an Engine Protect Cover to your two-wheeler insurance policy, which will cover the repair expenses for regular wear and tear of your bike's engine. Our Private Car Package Policy comes with an Enginel Protect Plus add-on, which you can purchase at a nominal extra premium.
2. Brakes
Brakes are one of the most important components of a two-wheeler. They are used to decrease the speed of the vehicle. There are two types of brakes – disc brakes and drum brakes. You need to apply the brakes when you halt your moving vehicle.
In the case of motorcycles, the front-tyre brake is located on the right-hand side of the handlebar whereas the rear-tyre brake is presented in the form of a lever that the rider can press with his/her right leg. In the case of scooters or mopeds, both the brakes are located on the handlebar.
3. Tyres
The tyres separate a vehicle from the road. As the name suggests, every "two-wheeler" is equipped with two tyre – one at the front and one at the rear. There are two types of tyre – tubeless tyre and tube tyre. Different thread patterns are designed on a tyre's surface to ensure adequate grip and friction with the road.
Note that you should maintain an optimum tyre pressure all the time. It will help you maintain the balance of your bike, and also increase the fuel efficiency of your two-wheeler. Also, when the thread patterns of your bike's tires start flattening, you should change them.
4. Clutch and gear
Clutch and gear are a set of components that are exclusive to motorcycles or bikes. While the gear is used to control motion and torque, the clutch is used to apply brakes and change gears during the ride. Gears are usually presented as a lever that the rider can press with his/her left leg, whereas the clutch is located on the left-hand side of the handlebar.
Like other mechanical parts, the clutch and gears of a motorcycle should be serviced regularly. The clutch should be adjusted to allow an optimum level of free play. An over-tightened clutch could cause difficulty in riding and also reduce the fuel efficiency of the motorcycle.
5. Accelerator
Accelerator is another important component, which is present in both bikes and scooters. It is present in the form of a throttle on the right-hand side of the handlebar of every two-wheeler. The accelerator is used to increase the speed of the vehicle while riding. When a rider revs up the accelerator in a clockwise direction, the speed of his/her two-wheeler increases.
6. Exhaust pipe
Exhaust pipe of a two-wheeler acts as a funnel, diverting high-pressure exhaust gases and releasing them into the atmosphere. It is also known as a silencer or front pipe in India. The exhaust pipe is usually made up of mild steel that may or may not be coated with grades of stainless steel.
It's very dangerous to ride a two-wheeler with a choked exhaust pipe. This can cause harmful gases to accumulate within the gas chamber, leading to a blast in a worst-case scenario. Therefore, you should regularly clean your bike's exhaust pipe and ensure that there's no rusting at its surface.
7. Fuel tank
As the name suggests, the purpose of a fuel tank is to store fuel. The capacity of the fuel tank varies from vehicle to vehicle and it can range between 5 to 15 litres for a two-wheeler. There is a cap on the top of the fuel tank which is used to suffuse petrol into it. The fuel tank is usually located above the engine.