Riding your two-wheeler is not just about the thrill of the open road but also about understanding the machine that takes you there. Whether you are a seasoned rider or just starting out, knowing the essential parts of your two-wheeler can improve your riding experience and ensure your safety on the road. Let’s discuss some key components.
Key components of a two-wheeler
Listed below are the key components of a motorbike that you must know about:
- Suspension system
Have you ever wondered what allows for a smooth excursion when riding on poor road conditions in India? The answer is suspension, which improves traction, handling, and braking stability.
A bike’s suspension system consists of front forks and a rear suspension consisting of springs and dampers. When your bike bumps on uneven surfaces, the springs handle the compression, and the dampers control the rebound to prevent excessive bouncing.
The suspension system not only protects the bike’s frame and other components from wear caused by road irregularities but also enhances overall durability.
- Fuel system
The primary function of your bike’s fuel system is to deliver fuel from the tank to the engine in the correct quantity for combustion. Its mechanics consist of a carburettor, fuel tank, fuel filters, and a fuel pump.
Here is how it works:
When you start your bike, the system draws fuel from the tank and passes it through the filter to remove impurities. Next, fuel mixes with air in the carburettor and enters the engine.
In the engine, the fuel ignites with the help of the spark plug to power the bike.
- Brake system
As you know, your bike’s brake system helps slow down or stop the wheels by transferring pressure to them. A typical braking system comprises discs, drums, brake pedals, and callipers.
When you employ the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid transfers the force to the brake pads. These pads press against the drums or discs affixed to the wheels, causing friction that brings your vehicle to a halt.
The two most common braking systems are disc and drum. The former is seen in high-end bikes and is known for better heat dissipation and stopping power.
- Anti-braking system (ABS)
You should purchase a bike with ABS for increased road safety. If a pedestrian jumps in front of you without warning or you detect a large pothole in your lane, ABS keeps your bike from skidding when you hit the brakes firmly.
ABS uses sensors to monitor wheel speed. If it detects that a wheel is about to lock up, the system minimises the brake pressure momentarily, then quickly re-applies the brakes and repeats the process multiple times each second. This pulsating action allows the tyres to stay in contact with the road, reducing the risk of losing control, even in slippery conditions.
- Engine system
The engine is the heart of the vehicle, converting fuel into mechanical energy. Its key components include the crankshaft, pistons, valves, cylinders, and fuel injectors.
When you start your bike’s engine, it works through a series of controlled explosions (combustion) within the cylinder. The fuel and air are mixed, compressed, and ignited by a spark.
The above process expands gases, pushing the piston downwards and turning the crankshaft. The rotation of the crankshaft is then passed onto the wheels through a transmission system, allowing your bike to move.
- Cooling system
As the name implies, the cooling system controls the engine temperature to prevent overheating. Your bike may have a liquid-cooled or air-cooled system.
In the former, there is coolant formulated using a mix of antifreeze and water. This coolant circulates through channels in the engine block to absorb the heat. The heated coolant is then directed to a radiator, where it is cooled by airflow or a fan, and this process repeats.
In an air-cooled system, fins on the engine allow the heat to dissipate as air flows over them while riding.
- Exhaust system
The primary role of the exhaust system is to remove the gases produced during the combustion process. The exhaust system architecture consists of the exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, and muffler.
When the engine burns fuel to create carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, they are expelled through the exhaust pipe.
The muffler reduces engine noise, while the catalytic converter breaks down harmful gases into less toxic substances before releasing them into the air.
Conclusion
Knowing about the components of a two-wheeler is essential. It not only helps in comparing various models in the market but also enables you to understand the exact location of faults in case of a breakdown. Once you detect the issue, use the bike insurance app to notify your insurer and proceed with cashless repairs at a network garage. On the bike insurance app, you can not only raise claims but also manage your policy, check out your insurer’s network garages, and more.
