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My bike after the summer

L'Esprit M logo - Motorcycle trip featuring a road through the mountains in the center, with the company name on the outside.

My motorcycle after the summer? Summer's coming to an end, the vacations are over and it's time to get back to work... Yikes! But what great memories we've had with our bikes, whether in a group or solo, adventure or just the pleasure of riding!
However, we mustn't let our beautiful bikes languish in a corner of the garage. First of all, we still have a multitude of beautiful WE to come, so we can enjoy the end of summer and a colorful autumn. So let's take each other by the hand, the time has come for back-to-school homework, and a little check-up is in order.

where did we drive, what does it involve?

And yes, all summer long the cicada has been driving around without a care in the world, but today the ant has to take care of her baby! So spoke Monsieur de La Fontaine of his heavily soiled carriage, and you? Where did you leave your erasers, chains and other luggage?

If you've chosen the warmth of the beach, the softness of sea spray and a moonlit barbecue, how are you going to manage your mount? Sand, salt, sunscreen! Everything a motorcycle hates. 

Motorcycles and sand

So let's have a good blast with the water jet and not the karcher, please. After all, the sand hidden in every nook and cranny would have filed away furiously with the force of the water jet. With a soft sponge and a bar of soap, here's everything you need to get the beauty back in shape. For once, we'll be able to insist on degreasing the bearings (always by hand) to remove the small grains. Next, we'll need to regrind each component correctly. The most classic ones, cable sheath chains, but also the forgotten ones, foot braces and axles.

Motorcycles and salt

Finally, ride on the beach and evening spray have deposited this salt, so useful against ice but disastrous for chrome and steel. Here, a good rinse and a check of the water retention points will suffice.
Speaking of salt, less visible but just as harmful is the salt you'll have gleaned from the RGA. Same problem, same solution. A solution that we'll implement before tackling the mountain's real problem: tar! (Less of a problem by the sea, I'd say). Here, you'll need elbow grease and a good product. The 3-in-1 works well, but if it doesn't, switch to specialized products. Your rims and swingarm axles will thank you!

Motorcycles and insects

Finally, an important point for mountain and country people: your fork tubes. It may not seem like it, but cicadas and other flying ants (mentioned above) have chitin so strong that it could damage your spinnaker seals, after you've killed them rolling down bucolic roads at over 70km/h!

routine checks

It's as simple as that, but necessary! For everyone, your rubbers, the ones that connect you to the road. No nail, no screw, no cut? Is the valve cap still there? Pressure still good? That's just fine. And while you're on the wheel, take a look at the brake pads and brakes. Before reassembling, grease the chain (after cleaning), hot if possible, as the grease will penetrate the links better. Check sprocket teeth and tension. Finally, remember to check all cables, lights and fluids on the top...

The rest will come during the tutorial...

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An appointment with your mechanic or dealer?

Something wrong? Low or dark brake fluid? Unless you're well equipped, leave it to your mechanic. A pro for life is always better. For tires, you can always take the wheel to your mechanic, but don't take the risk of dismantling it. Remember that even seasoned mechanics have died while dismantling a tire...
And a little annual check-up, fluids and suitcase is still a good idea before setting off again for a colorful autumn!

We'll talk about it during the tutorial!

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and your photos of your outings!

A selection of the most beautiful will be published here, and the most original will win a cocktail!

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Feel like hitting the road?

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