Driving a motorcycle is an adventurous experience. Imagine yourself wearing a stunning pair of sunglasses and driving on a countryside road, winds of which sway your hair, and a stupid dent on your bike. Brakes! You see how a simple dent can cause the entire experience to lose its sheen and wonder. That is why we recommend you get your dent fixed. A dent, which can be a result of an accident or due to careless management of your bike, can be quite expensive to get repaired and freshly painted. However, a dent, big or small, can be easily removed at home using some handy tricks. Of course, if you are careful enough, you would already have bought a two-wheeler insurance policy that would cover your expenses pertaining to the repair of the dent.
Causes of dent in bike
Several factors can cause dents in a bike. These include:
- Accidental falls or collisions
One of the most common causes of dents is an accidental fall or collision. Whether you drop your bike while parking, have a low-speed crash, or bump into an obstacle, it can result in dents on the fuel tank, fenders, or side panels.
- Poor parking conditions
Parking your bike in tight spaces, near other vehicles, or places with heavy foot traffic increases the likelihood of a dent. People accidentally bumping into your bike and making it fall can lead to visible dents.
- Hitting hard surfaces
Driving your motorcycle through rough terrain, potholes, or curbs can cause minor dents or scratches, damaging the bodywork. The impact from hard surfaces can also directly affect vulnerable parts of your bike, such as the tank, side panels, or exhaust.
- Hailstorms or debris
Falling debris, like rocks, sticks, or even hail, can cause dents, especially if they hit the bike with significant force. Hailstorms are notorious for causing damage to the paint job, along with dents that can be difficult to repair.
- Regular wear and tear
Small dings can appear on a bike over time from everyday use. When you take your two-wheeler in and out of tight spaces or repeatedly handle it without enough care, even minor contact with objects can gradually lead to dents.
How to remove minor dents on a bike?
Some double-tanked motorcycles pose a challenge if dented. However, if your motorbike has a single tank, then first of all, you need to remove the tank top. From thence, follow these easy guidelines to fix your dent:
- The primary solution to repairing the dent is hidden in the sand. Yes! Sand the bare metal.
- Then you need to apply Bondo on the dented portion. Mix the Bondo as per the guidelines mentioned on the package and apply it on the dent using a plastic spreader. You should cover the entire dent and leave some additional substance around the dent so as to use later while touching up.
- After the paste has dried up, depending on the thickness of the paste, use grit within the range of 200 microns to start sanding the dent.
- Keep on increasing the size of the grit to around a range of 1000-1500 microns so that the Bondo merges with the color of the paint, showing no signs of edges or external paint.
- A deeper dent can be removed by repeating the process several times. Using a thick layer of Bondo followed by gritting the dent with a range of higher grit will do the trick.
A dent can also be fixed by simple tricks like heating or cooling the dent and then pushing the lower part of the impact crater outward. A plunger can be used, just like a bathroom suction that can suck the dent out. But before you use suction, make sure you clean the dent with a wet cloth so as to give the suction a firm grip over the area. You can always visit a nearby mechanic who will get your dent fixed without compromising the paint cover.
Bike dent repair cost
The cost of repairing dents on your bike depends on the severity of the damage, the method used for repair, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Let’s break down the potential costs:
- DIY repairs
DIY repair using the plunger, hairdryer, or dent removal kits is the most affordable option. These tools are generally inexpensive, and the repair cost is negligible if you already have them at home. Dent repair kits usually range from ₹500 to ₹1,500, depending on the brand and tools included.
- Professional repair services
If you hire a professional, the repair cost can vary greatly based on the location, type of bike, and extent of the damage. On average, a small dent repair job may cost between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000. However, more complex ones, including repainting or replacing damaged parts, can cost almost ₹10,000 or more, especially if you're restoring large panels or parts of the bike.
Comprehensive bike insurance covers dents and scratches. Thus, you may be able to reduce the repair costs significantly by filing a claim, although you may still need to pay a deductible.
Prevention of dents and scratches
Here are some tips to help you protect your bike from dents and scratches:
- Park carefully
Always park your bike in a safe location away from potential obstacles. When parking in crowded places, look for designated bike parking spots, or park in a garage to avoid accidental contact with other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Use bike covers
A good-quality bike cover can protect your bike from debris, dirt, and even hailstorms, which can cause dents and scratches. It can also safeguard your bike against scratches when parking in tight or busy areas.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance
Keep your bike clean and free of dirt, which can cause scratches. Regular maintenance, such as checking tyre pressure and ensuring the bike is lubricated properly, can help prevent accidents that might lead to dents.
- Install protective accessories
Consider installing protective accessories like crash guards, frame sliders, or protective films to shield your bike from dents and scratches. These can absorb the impact from falls or minor accidents, reducing the chance of dent damage.
FAQs
Q1: Can a deep dent in my bike be repaired?
Yes, a deep dent can be repaired, but it usually requires professional help. Repair may involve replacing the damaged parts, using body filler, or repainting the area. It’s always best to consult a professional mechanic or auto body shop for deep dent repairs.
Q2: How long does it take to repair a minor dent?
Minor dent repairs can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the technique used and the dent size. DIY methods, such as using a plunger or dent removal kit, can be done in less time, while professional repairs may take longer.
Q3: Will insurance cover the repair of dents in my bike?
Comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policies may cover dent repairs, especially if the damage is caused by an accident or natural disaster.
Conclusion
Dents are a common and frustrating issue that most bike owners will encounter at some point. While repairing them might seem complicated, many minor dents can be cleared at home with the right tools and techniques. Bike dent repair costs can be covered by a comprehensive bike insurance policy. It is important to note that this is not possible with third-party bike insurance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.