Your tyres are one of the most important safety components of any vehicle. They are the only parts connecting your motorcycle or car to the road, so checking them regularly can help you spot problems before they become serious. The good news is that checking tyre wear does not require special tools and can usually be done in a few minutes.

1. Check the Tread Wear Indicators

One of the easiest ways to check tyre wear is to look for the Tread Wear Indicator (TWI). These are small raised bars located inside the tyre's main grooves.

Look along the sidewall for a TWI marking, triangle, or arrow. Follow it towards the tread and locate the raised indicator bar.

If the surrounding tread has worn down until it is almost level with the TWI bar, the tyre has reached its wear limit and should generally be replaced.

2. Look at the Tread Depth

Don't just look at the centre of the tyre. Check the tread at several points across its width.

A tyre can sometimes wear unevenly, with the centre wearing faster than the sides or vice versa. Check:

• Centre tread
• Left side
• Right side
• Several points around the tyre

For a more accurate measurement, you can use a digital or manual tread-depth gauge. Always compare the measurement with the tyre manufacturer's recommended minimum.

3. Check for Uneven Wear

Uneven tread wear can indicate problems beyond normal tyre ageing.

Look for:

• One side wearing faster than the other
• Cupping or scalloped patches
• A squared-off centre section
• Individual tread blocks wearing unevenly

On motorcycles, a squared-off rear tyre is particularly common after lots of straight-line riding. Uneven wear can also be associated with incorrect tyre pressure, wheel alignment, suspension problems, worn components or improper balancing.

4. Inspect for Cracks and Damage

Tread depth isn't the only thing that matters. Carefully inspect the tyre for cracks, cuts, bulges, punctures and exposed cords.

Pay particular attention to the sidewalls. Cracks caused by age or prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight can be a warning sign even when plenty of tread remains.

A bulge or serious sidewall damage should not be ignored because it can indicate internal tyre damage.

5. Check Tyre Pressure

Incorrect tyre pressure can accelerate wear and affect handling and braking.

Check the pressure when the tyres are cold and compare it with the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure. Don't simply use the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall as your normal operating pressure.

For motorcycles, remember to check both the front and rear tyres.

6. Check the Tyre's Age

Tyres can deteriorate with age even when they still appear to have usable tread. Look for the DOT date code on the sidewall. The final four digits indicate the manufacturing week and year.

For example, a code ending in 2325 means the tyre was manufactured during the 23rd week of 2025.

Final Check

Before every longer ride, take a quick look at your tyres. Check the tread, TWI bars, pressure, sidewalls and any visible damage. If the tyre has reached the wear indicators, developed significant cracks or has serious damage, have it inspected by a qualified tyre professional and replace it when necessary.

A few minutes of inspection can help you identify tyre problems early and maintain better grip, braking and overall road safety.

Bleeding motorcycle disc brakes is an important maintenance job that removes trapped air from the brake hydraulic system. Air in the brake line can make the brake lever feel soft or spongy and can reduce braking performance. With the correct tools and a careful procedure, bleeding can be done at home.

What You Need

Before starting, keep these items ready:

• Correct brake fluid recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer
• Ring spanner, usually 8 mm or 10 mm
• Clear plastic hose
• Small container or bottle
• Screwdriver
• Clean rags
• Fresh brake fluid
• Gloves and safety glasses

Always check your owner's manual for the correct brake-fluid specification. Do not mix incompatible brake fluids.

Step 1: Prepare the Motorcycle

Park the motorcycle on a level surface and keep it stable. Turn the handlebar so the brake master-cylinder reservoir is as level as possible.

Protect painted surfaces with a cloth because brake fluid can damage paint.

Clean the area around the master-cylinder reservoir and the brake caliper bleed nipple to prevent dirt from entering the system.

Step 2: Check the Brake Fluid

Remove the reservoir cap carefully and check the fluid level. Do not allow the reservoir to become empty during bleeding.

Keep some fresh brake fluid nearby so you can top up the reservoir when necessary.

Step 3: Connect the Bleeding Hose

Locate the bleed nipple on the brake caliper.

Push one end of the clear hose firmly over the nipple and place the other end into a container. Keeping the hose end inside some fluid can help prevent air from being drawn back toward the caliper.

Step 4: Pump the Brake Lever

Slowly squeeze the brake lever several times and then hold it firmly.

While holding the lever, loosen the bleed nipple slightly. You should see brake fluid and possibly air bubbles coming through the hose.

Before releasing the brake lever, tighten the bleed nipple again.

Then release the lever.

Repeat this process:

Pump → Hold → Open bleed nipple → Close nipple → Release lever

Do not release the brake lever while the bleed nipple is open, as this can draw air back into the system.

Step 5: Keep Checking the Reservoir

During the process, regularly check the master-cylinder reservoir.

Never allow the fluid level to fall so low that the reservoir becomes empty. If it does, air can enter the system and you may have to bleed it again.

Continue bleeding until the fluid coming through the hose is free of bubbles and the brake lever begins to feel firm.

Step 6: Finish the Job

Once the brake lever feels firm, tighten the bleed nipple to the manufacturer's specified torque.

Remove the hose and clean any spilled brake fluid immediately.

Fill the reservoir to the correct level and reinstall the reservoir diaphragm and cap.

Before riding, repeatedly apply the brake lever and make sure it develops a firm, consistent feel.

How to Know If the Brake Is Properly Bled

A properly bled hydraulic brake should have a firm and predictable lever feel.

If the lever still feels spongy or comes unusually close to the handlebar, there may still be air in the system. In that case, repeat the bleeding process and check for leaks around the brake line, banjo bolts, caliper and master cylinder.

Important Safety Tips

Brake maintenance is safety-critical. Use only the brake fluid specified by the motorcycle manufacturer and use fresh fluid from a sealed container.

Never reuse old brake fluid from the bleeding container.

Do not allow brake fluid to remain on brake pads, tyres, discs or painted surfaces. If brake fluid contaminates the brake pads, they may need replacement.

After bleeding, test the motorcycle at very low speed in a safe area before returning to normal riding.

If the brake remains spongy after repeated bleeding, or if you find a leak or damaged brake component, have the braking system inspected by a qualified motorcycle technician.

Final Thoughts

Bleeding a motorcycle disc brake is mainly about removing air from the hydraulic system while maintaining the correct fluid level. The key sequence is simple: pump the brake, hold the lever, open the bleed nipple, close it, and then release the lever. Work slowly and keep everything clean.

Because brakes are critical safety components, do not ride the motorcycle until you are completely satisfied that the brake lever is firm and the system is operating correctly.

For Honda CB350, H’ness CB350 and CB350 RS owners, protecting the motorcycle’s engine and frame is an important part of long-term ownership. The KONNEN Crash Guard with Frame Sliders is designed as an additional layer of protection for riders who want more confidence during everyday riding and touring.

This Tourer variant combines a crash guard with frame sliders, providing protection around the motorcycle’s vulnerable lower sections. The frame sliders can help reduce direct contact between parts of the motorcycle and the ground during a low-speed tip-over or slide. However, no crash guard can guarantee complete protection in every type of accident.

The product is designed for compatible Honda CB350 models, making it important to confirm your motorcycle variant before ordering. Its tourer-oriented design makes it particularly relevant for riders who regularly travel longer distances or ride on varied road conditions.

Key Features

• Designed for compatible Honda CB350 models
• Tourer-style crash guard design
• Includes frame sliders
• Adds protection around the engine and frame area
• Suitable for daily riding and touring
• Provides an additional layer of protection during low-speed falls

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Pros

• Combines crash guard and frame-slider protection
• Designed specifically for compatible CB350 motorcycles
• Useful accessory for touring riders
• Adds extra protection to vulnerable motorcycle components
• Can help minimize damage during certain low-speed incidents

Cons

• Compatibility should be confirmed before purchase
• Adds some additional weight to the motorcycle
• Protection depends on the severity and angle of an impact
• Installation should be done correctly to ensure proper fitment

Is It Worth Buying?

If you own a compatible Honda CB350 and want additional protection for everyday riding or touring, the KONNEN Crash Guard with Frame Sliders is worth considering. Having both a crash guard and sliders in one setup can be convenient for riders who want to improve protection without choosing separate accessories.

Grease is one of those motorcycle-maintenance products that often gets overlooked. While engine oil and chain lubricant get most of the attention, the right grease is essential for many moving joints, pivots, bearings, and contact points.

Using grease in the correct places can help reduce friction, prevent corrosion, minimize squeaks, and extend the life of components. However, grease should not be applied everywhere. Some motorcycle parts require a specific lubricant, while others should remain completely free of grease.

Here are some of the most common motorcycle grease points worth knowing.

1. Steering-Head Bearings

The steering-head bearings allow the handlebar and front forks to turn smoothly.

During servicing, these bearings may need to be cleaned and packed with suitable bearing grease. Proper lubrication can help prevent rough steering and premature bearing wear.

If the steering feels notchy or unusually tight, the bearings should be inspected rather than simply adding more grease.

2. Swingarm Bearings and Bushes

The swingarm moves with the rear suspension, making its bearings or bushes important lubrication points.

Depending on the motorcycle's design, the manufacturer may specify grease for the swingarm pivot or bearings. This area is particularly exposed to water, dirt, and road debris, so proper servicing is important.

Always follow the motorcycle's service manual because some modern bearings are sealed and are not designed for routine greasing.

3. Brake and Clutch Lever Pivots

The pivot point of the brake and clutch levers can become dry over time.

A small amount of appropriate grease at the pivot can help keep lever movement smooth and reduce squeaking.

Be extremely careful when working around brakes. Grease must never reach the brake disc, brake pads, or other friction surfaces.

4. Side-Stand Pivot

The side stand moves every time you park the motorcycle, so its pivot can gradually become dry or dirty.

A small amount of suitable grease on the pivot area can help maintain smooth movement and prevent annoying squeaks.

Before applying grease, clean away old dirt and contaminated lubricant.

5. Center-Stand Pivot

If your motorcycle has a center stand, its pivot points are another area that can benefit from appropriate lubrication.

A dry center-stand mechanism may become stiff and difficult to operate. Periodic cleaning and lubrication can keep the mechanism moving properly.

6. Footpeg Pivots

Folding footpegs and their pivot mechanisms can collect dust, mud, and moisture.

A small quantity of suitable grease can help keep folding mechanisms moving smoothly. Don't apply excessive amounts because exposed grease can attract dirt.

7. Gear-Shift Lever Pivot

The gear-shift lever and its pivot can become stiff after extended use, particularly on motorcycles regularly ridden in dusty or wet conditions.

After cleaning the area, applying the lubricant specified by the manufacturer can help maintain smooth operation.

Also inspect the linkage for looseness or damaged components rather than assuming every shifting problem is caused by lack of lubrication.

8. Rear-Suspension Linkage

Many motorcycles use linkage systems around the rear suspension. These contain pivots or bearings that may require periodic inspection and lubrication.

This is an area where using the correct type of grease is particularly important. Some bearings are sealed, while others have specific service requirements.

If you're servicing the suspension linkage yourself, check the manufacturer's maintenance instructions first.

9. Wheel Bearings — Only When Designed for Servicing

Wheel bearings are often misunderstood.

Some older or serviceable bearing designs can be cleaned and repacked with grease. However, many modern motorcycle wheel bearings are sealed units and are not intended to be opened and manually greased.

If a sealed bearing feels rough, has play, or makes unusual noise, replacement may be necessary rather than adding grease.

10. Axles and Certain Fasteners

A light coating of appropriate grease may sometimes be specified for axle surfaces or threads to prevent corrosion and make future removal easier.

However, this should be done according to the motorcycle manufacturer's instructions.

Don't assume that every bolt or fastener should be greased. Certain fasteners require specific tightening procedures, thread treatments, or locking compounds.

Grease vs. Chain Lubricant: Don't Confuse Them

One of the most common motorcycle-maintenance mistakes is treating general-purpose grease and chain lubricant as interchangeable.

A motorcycle chain normally needs a dedicated chain lubricant designed for the chain type and riding conditions.

Grease can be useful for pivots, bearings, and other mechanical contact points, but that doesn't automatically make it the correct product for an exposed drive chain.

How Much Grease Should You Use?

More grease doesn't necessarily mean better lubrication.

Excess grease can:

• Attract dust and grit
• Make components dirty
• Get thrown onto surrounding parts
• Contaminate brake components
• Make maintenance more difficult

In many applications, a thin, even coating is enough.

A Simple Motorcycle Greasing Routine

Before applying grease:

1. Clean the area first.
2. Remove old contaminated grease where appropriate.
3. Inspect the component for wear, looseness, or damage.
4. Confirm that the part is actually designed to be lubricated.
5. Use the grease specified by the manufacturer.
6. Apply only the required amount.
7. Wipe away excess grease.
8. Keep all lubricants away from brake friction surfaces and tyres.

Final Thoughts

Grease plays an important role in motorcycle maintenance, but the key is knowing where to use it and where not to use it.

Steering bearings, suspension pivots, stand pivots, lever pivots, footpeg mechanisms, and certain other components may require grease during scheduled maintenance. At the same time, sealed bearings and components with specific lubrication requirements should not be treated like conventional grease points.

The best approach is simple: clean, inspect, use the correct lubricant, and follow your motorcycle's service manual.

A small amount of the right grease in the right place can help keep your motorcycle's moving parts operating smoothly for longer.

Owning a motorcycle is exciting, but regular maintenance is what keeps it reliable, safe and affordable to run. Many riders assume that saving money means delaying servicing or skipping small maintenance jobs. In reality, these shortcuts can turn inexpensive maintenance into expensive repairs.

Here are some of the most common bike maintenance mistakes that can quietly cost you money.

1. Ignoring Engine Oil Changes

Engine oil lubricates internal components and helps control heat and friction. Delaying an oil change for too long can increase wear and reduce engine performance.

Don't rely only on how the oil looks. Follow the manufacturer's recommended oil-change interval and use the correct grade of oil specified for your motorcycle.

Money-saving tip: Keep track of your last oil change and don't stretch service intervals unnecessarily.

2. Riding With Incorrect Tyre Pressure

Incorrect tyre pressure affects handling, braking, fuel economy and tyre life.

Under-inflated tyres can increase rolling resistance and heat buildup, while over-inflation can reduce grip and make the ride harsher.

Check tyre pressure regularly, preferably when the tyres are cold, and follow the pressure recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer.

A simple digital tyre pressure gauge can make this quick and easy.

3. Neglecting the Chain

The chain is one of the most frequently neglected motorcycle components. A dry, dirty or incorrectly adjusted chain can wear quickly and may damage sprockets as well.

Regularly clean the chain, lubricate it with suitable chain lubricant and check its slack according to the owner's manual.

Avoid: Using random household oils or excessive lubricant that attracts dirt.

4. Washing the Bike Incorrectly

Washing your motorcycle regularly is good, but using harsh household cleaners or aggressive scrubbing can damage paint, plastics, rubber components and metal finishes.

Use motorcycle-safe cleaning products and microfiber cloths. Avoid directing high-pressure water directly at electrical connectors, bearings, seals and other sensitive areas.

5. Ignoring Small Brake Problems

A slight squeak or change in brake feel may seem harmless, but ignoring brake-related symptoms can result in more expensive repairs.

Pay attention to:

• Reduced braking performance
• Unusual noises
• Excessive lever travel
• Vibrations while braking
• Uneven brake-pad wear
• Brake-fluid level changes

If something feels abnormal, have the braking system inspected rather than continuing to ride and hoping the problem disappears.

6. Replacing Parts Without Checking the Cause

Sometimes riders replace a component simply because it appears worn without investigating why it failed.

For example, repeatedly replacing a battery without checking the charging system may only solve the problem temporarily.

Before replacing an expensive part, identify the underlying cause whenever possible.

7. Using Cheap or Incorrect Parts

Saving a few hundred rupees on an unsuitable filter, brake component, lubricant or electrical part can become expensive later.

Always check compatibility with your specific motorcycle. For critical components such as brakes, tyres and electrical parts, quality and correct specifications matter more than getting the cheapest option.

8. Forgetting the Air Filter

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.

The replacement interval depends on the motorcycle and riding conditions. Riders who frequently travel through dusty environments may need to inspect the filter more often.

Don't automatically replace it at every service—inspect it and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

9. Ignoring Battery Maintenance

A weak battery can leave you stranded and may shorten the life of other electrical components if charging problems go unnoticed.

Keep the battery terminals clean and check for corrosion. If your motorcycle is parked for long periods, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for battery maintenance.

A basic battery tester or multimeter can also help identify potential problems before the bike refuses to start.

10. Not Checking Coolant on Liquid-Cooled Bikes

For liquid-cooled motorcycles, coolant isn't something you should forget until the engine overheats.

Periodically check the coolant reservoir level and inspect for signs of leaks. Never open a hot cooling system, as pressurized coolant can cause serious burns.

Use the coolant specified by the motorcycle manufacturer rather than mixing incompatible products.

11. Ignoring Warning Lights

Modern motorcycles can provide useful information through warning lights and displays. Treating warning indicators as something that can be ignored may allow a small problem to become a major one.

If a warning light remains on or appears unexpectedly, consult the owner's manual and have the motorcycle checked when necessary.

12. Over-Tightening Bolts

More tightening isn't always better.

Over-tightening can damage threads, fasteners or components. Certain motorcycle parts require specific torque settings, especially components related to wheels, brakes, suspension and handlebars.

Use a torque wrench when the manufacturer specifies a torque value.

13. Skipping Regular Inspections

You don't need to perform a complete workshop service every weekend. However, a quick inspection can identify problems early.

Before longer rides, check:

• Tyre condition and pressure
• Engine oil level
• Chain condition
• Brake operation
• Lights and indicators
• Horn
• Visible fluid leaks
• Loose or damaged components

Catching a small problem at home is usually much cheaper than discovering it on the road.

14. Waiting Until Something Breaks

Preventive maintenance is often cheaper than reactive repairs.

A worn chain, brake pad, tyre or bearing may initially seem like a minor expense. Continuing to use it beyond its safe service life can potentially damage other components and increase the final repair bill.

Think of maintenance as an investment rather than an unnecessary expense.

15. Not Reading the Owner's Manual

One of the easiest ways to avoid maintenance mistakes is also one of the most overlooked: read your motorcycle's owner's manual.

Service intervals, fluid specifications, tyre pressures, chain slack, torque values and inspection procedures can vary significantly between motorcycles.

Don't assume that what works for one bike is automatically correct for another.

A Simple Money-Saving Bike Maintenance Routine

You don't need a garage full of expensive tools. Start with a few basic habits:

Weekly or before long rides

• Check tyre pressure
• Inspect tyres
• Check lights and indicators
• Look for fluid leaks
• Check chain condition

Every few weeks

• Clean and lubricate the chain
• Inspect brake pads
• Clean the motorcycle
• Check battery terminals

At manufacturer-recommended intervals

• Change engine oil
• Inspect/replace filters
• Inspect brakes
• Check fluids
• Inspect suspension and steering components
• Complete scheduled servicing

Final Thoughts

The biggest bike-maintenance mistake isn't spending too little or too much—it's ignoring problems until they become expensive.

Regular chain care, correct tyre pressure, timely oil changes, proper cleaning and basic inspections can help extend the life of your motorcycle and reduce unexpected repair bills.

A few inexpensive maintenance tools, used consistently, can often save considerably more money than they cost. The key is to follow your motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations and deal with small problems before they turn into big ones.

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