December 2006 will probably remain etched in every biker's mind.

It rained heavily almost non-stop.

Across the border, the rains cost millions in damage, not only to homes and businesses, but also vehicles.

And it could get uglier, the weatherman reports.

You may be able to endure riding in the rain, but the rain can wreak havoc on your motorcycle.

In this issue of Biker Boy, we will tell you how to 'water-proof' your ride, and recognise when your motorcycle has been exposed to too much rain.

WATER IN THE FUEL

The petrol in your fuel tank can sometimes be contaminated by rain water.

If fuel cap seals or caps are not properly secured, water seepage will take place.

Water in the fuel lines will cause your motorbike to bog or stutter during operation.

The last thing you need is trouble starting your motorbike in the rain.

The solution is to change worn fuel cap seals and ensure your tank is water-tight.

If you suspect some water has entered the carburettor, access the screw at the bottom of the carburettor and drain the contents.

One way of ensuring that water does not enter the carburettor via the airbox is to seal it with tape.

Dirt bikes, with accessible side boxes, have little gaps, which rainwater can penetrate.

Riding in heavy rain increases the chance of water entering the airbox.

Taping some of the gaps can ensure less water gets into the airbox housing the air-filter.

But don't over do it.

Tape up only the gaps exposed to the elements as a motorcycle's air-filter still needs to suck in clean air.

WET SEAT

Small holes or tears on your motorcycle seat could make the foam under the seat cover act like a sponge.

The foam will rot and start to stink over time.

It's better to replace the seat cover because wet seat foam can also give you the 'oops, I had a little accident in my pants' look when the weight of your bum pushes out the remnants of rain water.

CHAIN LUBE

Moving parts like the chain need constant lubrication especially during wet-weather riding.

The oil on chains tends to be washed out by the rain.

Ensure that after every wet-weather ride, you give the chain a fresh coat of chain lube.

A chain exposed to grime and rainwater can rust and snap in a 'worst case' scenario.

Rust can also make bearings in the wheels or steering head ineffective.

Inspect the bearings by rotating your wheel.

A rough spot could signal worn or rusted bearings.

Other parts like foot rests and side stands should also be sprayed with WD40 or a similar rust killer to keep parts rust-free.

Water can sometimes find its way into the tight spots like spark plug caps, causing difficulties in starting the motorbike.

Check and dry the plug caps if there is moisture.

ULTIMATE NIGHTMARE

The ultimate nightmare for any motorcyclist is dropping a bike in a flood.

This may be rare, but it could happen to someone unlucky enough to lose his balance while crossing shin-deep flood waters.

Water will then enter the motorcycle via the exhaust pipes, airbox and perhaps the fuel tank.

Getting rid of the water should only be done by an experienced mechanic.

Engine parts would need to be dismantled, dried and greased.

Rusted crank bearings on a two-stroke motorcycle can jam.

Make it a habit to stash a piece of cloth which can be used to dry the motorcycle after a wet ride.

Inspect electronic parts and wires as water can short-circuit poorly insulated wires on a motorcycle.

And if you're done with riding, cover your motorcycle with a bike cover.

It will offer some protection against the rain if your bike is parked in the open.