Despite our best intentions, giving too much TLC to our beloved motorcycle could sometimes do more harm than good.

So, we better make sure first that any effort we make to care for our bikes will not cause damage or premature wear on parts.

I’ve had my share of facepalm moments and I would like to share my learnings with you, my fellow riders.

Keeping your bike covered during the rainy season

If you have multiple bikes in your garage, then you probably consider the bike cover as your best friend.

Yes, a bike cover protects your motorcycle against the adverse effects of UV rays from the sun if your parking spot doesn’t have a roof. And even if you have an enclosed garage, it will help repel dirt and dust so you won’t have to wash your bikes as often.

Also, if your parking spot could be viewed from the street, it might even prevent thieves from scoping out your ride.

But keeping your bike under a cover during the wet season will also make it more prone to rust as the cover traps moisture inside. And its cozy interior might entice rodents to have a "staycation" while sheltering from the weather.

Rats will cause havoc on your bike’s electrical wiring.

Spraying WD-40 on the drive chain

Yeah, I’ve been known to use WD-40 on my chain-driven bikes on a weekly basis, hoping to keep rust at bay.

Sure, spraying WD-40 on the drive chain will remove dirt and grime, but it will also strip off lubricants. This could result in premature wear of your chain and sprocket.

If you must clean your chain, I suggest that you use detergent instead and then apply chain lube.  

Oh yeah, please don’t spray WD-40 on your rusty rotor disc.

Using a pressure washer to clean your bike

I know, blasting away dirt using a pressure washer is just so therapeutic.

But most motorcycle manuals warn against it because the high pressure could potentially wash off grease and other lubrication from small moving parts.

If you really must use a pressure washer because you are too lazy to scrub, try to avoid the steering column and wheel hubs.

Using an air compressor for changing oil

Most service shop technicians, even manufacturer-certified ones, have the habit of using compressed air to blow out old oil before pouring in fresh oil.

It does seem like a good idea to do so, until you realize that compressed air has moisture, the very thing that should never be allow inside your engine.

Moisture leads to corrosion. Corrosion leads to damage. And damage leads to suffering!

To have an idea on how to take care of your bike properly, it is best to consult your owner’s manual.   

Which of these boo-boos have you made in the past?

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SADDLETALE is the weekly column of AutoFun Philippines Motorcycle Editor Gilbert Chao. Read about his thoughts on two-wheelers every Wednesday!