Fit Bones

The wiring loom in a motorcycle can be likened to the nervous system in the human body due to its role in transmitting signals and communicating between various components. In both cases, these networks are responsible for relaying information and ensuring the proper functioning of the entire system.

Just as the human nervous system comprises a complex network of neurons transmitting electrical impulses, the wiring loom in a motorcycle is made of a network of wires and connectors that carry electrical signals.

The motorcycle's wiring loom connects various components such as the engine, lights, sensors, and controls, enabling them to work together seamlessly. Similarly, the key role of the nervous system is to coordinate movement and respond to stimuli.

The motorcycle's wiring loom is often encased in protective sleeves and routed strategically to prevent damage from vibrations, moisture, and other external factors. In the human body, the nervous system is protected by the spinal column and layers of tissue.

The best way to look after the nervous system (unless you have a neurological disease) is the same as all the other areas covered before. Good diet, not smoking, and regular exercise to keep the heart, lungs and muscles in a healthy state. Becoming overweight and developing diabetes can lead to various forms of neuropathy (faulty signals and sensor errors would show up on your dash with flashing lights!), and so are best avoided.

Protect those circuits

Heat, cold and tiredness can have a significant effect on the operation of your bike as well as your nervous system. Keeping well hydrated when in hotter climates (use an electrolyte mixture in your water bottle to help achieve this) is essential to keep your brain alert, and prevent your muscles from fatiguing or cramping. In colder temperatures, the use of a heated jacket (or multiple layers of warm clothing), grips and/or gloves can make a huge difference. Prolonged periods of riding in the cold will have a steady and continuously deteriorating effect on brain activity, causing alertness to drop off quite rapidly and fatigue to set in quickly.

Good layering is essential, and a base layer that 'wicks' away body moisture is a great start.

Tight gloves, socks or boots as well as inadequate riding ergonomics can cause poor circulation resulting in numbness. It is important to get your handlebars set to the correct height for you so that you feel relaxed on your bike.

Good spine protection is now also cheap, pretty flexible, and unobtrusive with the new D30 armour.

Exercises: It has been shown that balancing exercises, such as standing on one leg with your eyes open and then closed helps to improve your general balance. Timing your progress on each session is great to see overall progress. Check out https://www.wholelifechallenge.com/why-you-need-to-test-your-balance-plus-3-exercises-to-improve-it/ on YouTube for other exercises to improve your balance, which is a sign of a healthy nervous system and is vital to a classic as it ages.

Try your hand at trials riding - this will enhance your balancing skills both on and off the bike.