Real-world Motorcycle Neglects that put Delivery Riders at Risk

Photo 1: Loose Body Panel and Exposed Battery

In this image, a side panel on the delivery bike is visibly loose and misaligned, revealing the battery and wiring beneath the seat. This kind of neglect poses multiple safety risks:

• Exposed components, like the battery and electrical wires, are vulnerable to water, dust, and mechanical damage, leading to short circuits or loss of power.
• A loose or flapping panel can dislodge while riding, potentially becoming entangled in the chain or rear wheel, causing the rider to lose control or crash.
• The unsecured panel also indicates a lack of routine inspection or proper maintenance, which reflects broader issues in vehicle care.

Safety Tip: Riders and fleet owners should regularly inspect body panels and fasteners. All covers should be securely clipped or bolted, protecting internal components from damage and ensuring road safety.

Photo 2: Exposed and Improvised Electrical Fixes

This photo highlights an exposed electrical cluster behind the speedometer held together by makeshift straps. Wiring is visibly unsecured, and the housing is misaligned, suggesting a lack of proper repair or maintenance.

Key safety concerns:

• Exposed wires increase the risk of moisture ingress, leading to shorts or electrical failures mid-ride, especially during rain.
• A poorly fitted speedo unit can shake loose over time, disrupting visibility or detaching while in motion.
• Electrical sparks near a fuel tank or vapours can ignite fires or explosions; a catastrophic but preventable risk.

Safety Tip: Electrical systems should always be fully enclosed and insulated. Riders should avoid DIY fixes and instead seek qualified technicians to secure and repair any compromised wiring.

Photo 3: Bent Foot Pegs and Gear/Brake Levers

This image shows foot controls in compromised condition, a bent and misaligned peg and brake lever. In a high-demand riding environment like food or parcel delivery, these issues can have severe consequences.

Why it matters:

• A bent gear lever can make gear changes clunky or even impossible in a rush, leading to distractions or sudden engine stalls in traffic.
• A damaged or misaligned foot peg reduces grip and comfort, and in wet conditions, the rider’s foot may slip off, especially during braking.
• The rear brake lever on one bike appears bent inward, which could delay response time or cause the rider to miss the brake entirely in an emergency.

Safety Tip: Foot controls must always be aligned, firmly mounted, and inspected for cracks or excessive wear. Replace any part that doesn’t operate smoothly or compromises rider posture and control.

Photo 4: Severely Rusted and Perforated Exhaust Pipe

This close-up shows a dangerously rusted and cracked exhaust pipe. The corrosion has compromised the structure of the pipe, with visible holes and pitting.

The hidden dangers:

• Loss of backpressure reduces engine performance, making the bike sluggish, a problem for time-sensitive delivery work.
• Poor fuel efficiency increases operating costs and emissions, affecting both the rider’s earnings and environmental impact.
• A compromised exhaust can also redirect hot gases dangerously close to other components or the rider’s leg, risking burns or mechanical failure.

Safety Tip: Exhaust systems must be routinely checked for rust, cracks, or leaks. Replace damaged sections immediately; welding over compromised areas is only a temporary fix and often worsens over time.

Photo 5: Headlight Secured with a Shoelace

This image shows a shocking example of a DIY fix; the headlight is held in place using a shoelace tied around the mounting bracket.

Why this is extremely dangerous:

• A misaligned headlight severely reduces visibility for the rider at night or in low-light conditions, increasing the risk of collisions.
• The temporary binding can loosen over time due to engine vibrations, road bumps, or rain, allowing the headlight to shift or fall off entirely.
• This also highlights a deeper issue: a lack of access to proper repair services or disregard for safety in pursuit of saving time or money.

Safety Tip: Lighting is critical for both rider visibility and being seen by others. All lights must be securely fastened and regularly checked. Improvised fixes are not acceptable when lives are on the line.

Photo 6: Severely Worn and Bald Tyre

This tyre is dangerously worn out, with little to no tread remaining. The underlying layers are becoming visible, a clear sign of overdue replacement.

Critical risks include:

• No traction on wet or loose surfaces, making the bike highly susceptible to aquaplaning or sliding out in corners.
• Increased likelihood of punctures or blowouts, especially when carrying heavy delivery loads or riding at speed.
• In emergency braking, this tyre offers little stopping power, dramatically extending the stopping distance.

Safety Tip: Tyres are the only contact between the motorcycle and the road. Regular inspection for wear, damage, or pressure loss is non-negotiable. Tyres must be replaced well before they reach this dangerous state.

Photo 7: Broken Clutch Lever with Damaged Housing

This image shows a broken clutch lever, paired with a cracked and worn control housing. While it may still function to some extent, its reliability and safety are severely compromised.

Why this matters:

• A fractured lever reduces grip and leverage, making precise clutch or brake input difficult, especially in emergency situations.
• Sharp edges increase the risk of cuts or abrasions if the rider isn’t wearing protective gloves.
• Compromised housing can impact the wiring or throttle integrity, leading to further mechanical issues.

Safety Tip: Controls must always be smooth, full-length, and securely mounted. Replace broken levers immediately; they’re not just cosmetic damage, they can cost you your reaction time and safety.

Photo 8: Exhaust Pipe Secured with Steel Wire

This image reveals a loose exhaust pipe held in place with steel wire, a quick fix that brings serious consequences.

What’s at stake:

• Unstable exhaust systems can detach at speed, creating a flying metal hazard for motorists or pedestrians.
• The sharp wire itself can snap or unravel, getting caught in the rear wheel or chain; a catastrophic failure waiting to happen.
• Temporary repairs like this are often overlooked until it’s too late; the longer it stays on, the greater the risk becomes.

Safety Tip: Exhaust brackets and mounts must be secure and professionally fastened. Makeshift solutions like wire, tape, or rope are ticking time bombs on the road.

Photo 9: Shock Absorber missing Mounting Nut

In this close-up, we see a shock absorber with its top mounting nut completely missing. This critical component is what secures the rear suspension to the bike’s frame; without it, the shock is floating unsecured in its slot.

Major safety consequences:

• The shock can detach entirely while riding, especially over bumps or under load, causing immediate loss of control.
• Without secure suspension, the bike becomes unstable, especially in corners or under braking.
• This oversight reflects poor maintenance practices and is a ticking time bomb for rider safety.

Safety Tip: All suspension mounts should be routinely checked for tightness and integrity. Missing or loose fasteners must be replaced immediately using manufacturer-spec bolts and torque settings.

Photo 10: Dry, Rusted Chain and Severely Worn Sprocket

This close-up shows a delivery bike’s drive chain that’s dry and rusted, along with a sprocket exhibiting significant wear and sharp-pointed teeth; classic signs of neglect.

The dangers are critical:

• A dry or rusty chain increases friction, leading to heat buildup and metal fatigue. This drastically increases the risk of the chain snapping.
• A snapped chain can whip around the sprocket or jam into the rear wheel, locking it up instantly and causing a crash.
• A worn sprocket causes chain slippage, reducing power delivery and making gear transitions jerky and unpredictable; dangerous in traffic.

Safety Tip: Regular lubrication and chain tension checks are non-negotiable. Replace both sprockets and the chain as a set for maximum lifespan and safety. It may seem expensive, but it’s cheaper than hospital bills or a life lost.

Photo 11: Torn and Deteriorated Seat

This image shows a motorcycle seat that’s torn, sunken, and poorly patched. Though it might seem minor compared to mechanical faults, rider comfort directly affects focus and safety.

The hidden dangers:

• Reduced comfort leads to physical fatigue, especially on long shifts, making riders more prone to mistakes or slower to react.
• A wet or saturated seat after rain can cause discomfort, distraction, or even skin irritation, especially during long hours of delivery work.
• Tears can also expose foam padding, which degrades faster and loses its support over time.

Safety Tip: If you can’t replace the seat, invest in a proper waterproof cover. It’s a small cost to protect your body and your concentration.

Photo 12: Scratched and Damaged Headlight Lens

This close-up reveals a heavily scratched headlight lens, reducing the clarity and spread of the beam. While the headlight may still function, its effectiveness is significantly compromised.

Why this is dangerous:

• A scratched lens weakens both how far the rider can see and how visible the rider is to other road users, especially at night or during poor weather conditions.
• Scattered light beams reduce focus, making it harder for oncoming vehicles to judge distance or position.
• It’s a legally required safety component, and riders must ensure headlights are always on and in good condition.

Safety Tip: Clean and polish headlight lenses regularly, and replace them if they’re deeply scratched or damaged.