These may be personal, financial, or accidental. Tap water is fine for now. Pull in the kickstand unless the bike is in neutral. Moisture, temperature variations, and sunlight affect the performance and appearance of motorcycle components. This will move the bike into the next gear. Additionally, you should care for all the electrical parts with anti-corrosive spray. Put the bike into second gear, this will help prevent the bike from jerking when it starts. The plug may be misfiring due to incorrect firing order or other engine problems. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Fuel or oil is a very important element in driving a motorcycle. Draining the fuel and filling it with fogging oil, Lubricating all different moving parts, and. You may need to turn off the garage lights to see it. It can be frustrating, but it usually takes a few tries to get it to start. Debris around the oil filter may also do the same. One thing ill add is to maybe check the fuel and cooling lines for any buildup inside but you should be fine. Because old oil freezes and there is a problem to start. Struts and shocks play a prominent role to keep your motorcycle on the right track. If you encounter a motorcycle thats been in this situation, you may wonder if youll be able to even revive it. Failure to do so could result in damage to you and your surroundings. If any of your fuses have been blown, replace them with the appropriately sized fuse and try to start the bike. In this case, there is no way you can ride a bike. Finally, when everything is ready (phew), it is time to start the engine and take a test ride. If there is, it is mandatory to change it. To start a motorcycle that has been sitting, you'll first need to charge/change the battery. Gas can become gelled up over time which is probably what has happened with this motorcycle youre working with. Motorcycles are a great way to get around, but they can be difficult to start if you dont know how to do it properly. If you suspect this to be why the bike is not starting, you should try charging or changing the battery to see if it would salvage the situation. Change oil in gearbox. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'myridingexperience_com-leader-1','ezslot_18',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-myridingexperience_com-leader-1-0');After removing the covering, clean it thoroughly. If you want to start a motorcycle that has been sitting for a long time, initially, you need to know about its battery and fuel status. Because if there are traces of rust, fine particles will obstruct the vents of the Carburetor. If not, you can put a new lock. If theyre not, you will need to add oil. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Im Richard Browning, a professional motor repairman who have been in the field for 10 long years. All in all, its best not to leave your bike sitting for longer than a month without starting it. The brakes should not screech when they press against the disc pad. Temperature changes, moisture, sunlight, and humidity affect and change the appearance of motorcycle parts. Many times it takes a lot of effort to re-ride a bike that has been sitting for months or years. Abnormal battery draining or self-discharging is a common problem on Ducati motorcycles that have been sitting inactive for a long period of time. Also, you can understand where your bike needs to be fixed or what the issues are. The first thing you should do is check the battery. After cleaning or replacing the oil filter, it is ideal to replace the old engine oil. If you do not take any preventive measures, your motorcycle can corrode and rust into a heap of dust. Separate them and replace them with new ones. Starter spray can help start engines that wouldnt start otherwise, but its important to use it safely and correctly. If the bike is yet to start at this time, you need further troubleshooting. Next, you'll need to change the oil and replace the gas. Over time, this mix can start to build up deposits on the injector nozzles. Here is a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and repair motorcycle spark plugs: Remove the spark plugs from the engine. If your motorcycle isnt starting, the first thing you should check is the spark plugs. This will allow you to understand where the problem is with your bike. The gas tank, as well as other storage rooms, are subjects to temperature variation. Has your motorcycle been sitting for a month? So check the carburetor repeatedly and clean it thoroughly. If your motorcycle has been sitting, assume your bike won't start quickly. Nonetheless, few simple rules will allow you to sort this problem precisely. If you dont have access to a battery charger, then you can try using jumper cables. Now I want to get it back up and running. There is no point in keeping your hopes up unless it was powered to an external source that maintained its charging cycle. Without that heat and expansion, the seals and gaskets become fragile and brittle. Check the electrodes for any signs of corrosion or dirt. While you are at it, check the level of brake fluid as well. The next thing youll need to do is completely empty the gas tank and fuel lines and put in new gas. When trying to get a motorcycle started, you may also be interested in a full restoration of your motorcycle. It is important to let the motorcycle idle for few minutes, so that everything greases and warms up well. Here's what you'll need to do to get it running again: Drain and change the oil and oil filter. Address: My Riding Experience, 539 W. Commerce St #7521, Dallas, TX 75208Phone Number:+1(469)8092951Email Address: [emailprotected], Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube, link to Best Motorcycle Boots Under 200: [Review With Buyers Guide], link to 10 Best Motorcycle Wheel Weights [Best Reviews of 2023], How to make a Dirt Bike faster? Be sure to keep track of which terminals go where, as they will need to be reconnected in the same order. If you dont lose your bike key, check that the locking system is OK. If so, charge battery and crank it. But it is not a wise decision to make your bike idle for too long, for instance, 5 years or more. Check/clean carb. Luckily, motorcycles are a lot less complex than cars, so its absolutely possible to revive a motorcycle thats been sitting anywhere between a few months to 20 years. Insert the key into the ignition and put the key in the "ON" Position Sit on the bike and grab the handlebars and put the bike upright. This will help prevent any gum or varnish from forming in these areas. There are a lot of things that can go wrong when a motorcycle sits, but some of the main things that happen are a fading/peeling gas tank, damaged seals and gaskets, drained battery, condensation build up, and rust. Starting your motorcycle during the winter won't charge your motorcycle battery. Remove the air filter and housing from the carburetor. 8 Engine cutoff switch. 2. You can test the battery by using a multimeter. If it has been standing for a long time it would be worth doing this again after a few miles. If you notice any traces of rust or oxidation, it is best to empty the tank and repaint your tank to eliminate corrosion completely. This will make cleaning easier and safer. Be sure to use the correct type of oil for your bike model. Attach the can of compressed air to the fuel injector and hold it in place. You can use a voltmeter to test it. After a prolonged period of inactivity, the carbs are often stuck in the inlet. While waiting, take out time to check the electrical fittings. 2023 Car, Truck and Vehicle How To Guides - Vehicle Freak. Cannon Entities LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. With oil, it can perform well after you want to start it again. If the engine will turn over, It's not stuck. After these have been checked, you can attempt to start the motorcycle. However, if you have recently purchased a used motorcycle from a private seller that was sitting idle for many years, or if you are trying to revive an old motorcycle that you somehow realized was your first love, it is best to avoid any risks by carefully checking the motorcycle before your first run. If the dust or insects like mosquitoes enter your mouth or eyes, it can cause great damage. See my article here to find out what other damages the sun can do to a motorcycle. Step 5: The Beast. Let them soak for a few minutes, then rinse them off with warm water. This website is for all those bike riding enthusiasts who feel equally excited and charged while talking about bike rides. Required fields are marked *. Such a combination occurs in the carburetor. Updated on April 17th, 2022 | By Mohit Chauhan. Moreover, they will suggest to you what to do next if you are willing to keep at rest. If you leave a bike for more than 3 months, that is a lot of time. If you seat your motorcycle idle for a long time, it is most likely to lose its shape and efficiency. The possibility of restoration totally depends on the number of years of inactivity, the weather, and the storage conditions. Check the oil level in the engine and add more if necessary. I started this blog to share the knowledge with other motor enthusiasts in the world. Next you'll need to change the oil, replace the gas, and examine Steps to Take When Your Motorcycle Won't Start Sitting for long periods of time can also dry out your fuel system. Was a project bike for myself to mod off of but lost a place to work on the bike and has been sitting for a year now. It may expire and cause great damage as well. Firstly, go to the place where you have kept your motorcycle for a few months and see what the condition of the bike is. Condensation and moisture build up on a motorcycle that has been sitting is the most common and most damaging factor. 13 Step 4 - engage the clutch. See if you notice any changes. [5] 2 Don't worry about the choke lever. Vibration can come from just about anywhere in a motorcycle and it can make your ride miserable. You need to place it beside the engine to ignite properly. If you see the voltmeter give a reading, you need to understand that the battery is well. How To Start A Motorcycle That Has Been Sitting For 2 Years? Repair or replace any damaged wiring. Once you have taken care of all these things, its time to try and start the motorcycle. The cover will prevent a lot of moisture and condensation from getting inside places it shouldnt. Ive compiled a detailed guide that can assist you in getting your motorcycle to start after its been sitting for a while. I have yet to encounter a motorcycle that wasnt fixable. The engine that has been lying idle for a long time can have various problems. Maybe its battery has run out or its engine will not work properly. 9 ways to make your Dirt Bike faster. Leaving a functional motorcycle idle for about 2 to 5 years or even more can make it dirty. Most of us motorcycle owners have done it. It is advised to put antifreeze in your motorcycle if it will be sitting in cold weather for an extended period of time. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. After doing all that, prime the oil system well before starting motor. There are several reasons why a rider may leave his beloved motorcycle stranded for years. Replace the oil filter and replace oil with the cheapest 30W you can buy. Starting a motorcycle after a long period of time doesnt have to be problematic especially if you had properly winterized your motorcycle. Connect the negative (-) jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal on the battery charger. Completely clean the coil and the wire connected to the spark plug. What Happens When You Leave Your Motorcycle In The Rain? Even if the bike was stored in a closed room with no direct contact with the varying temperature, the long downtime usually leaves its mark on the vehicle. Therefore, remove old oil or fuel and insert fresh so that you can ride your bike hassle-free. To do this, first you need to find a slope near your vicinity, once you are on a slope, put the bike in second gear and pull the clutch completely. Method 1: Sea Foam + Fuel. In this case, you'll first need to charge/replace the battery. What to do if bike is not starting? A portable jump starter is an easy way to jump-start a motorcycle. Another liquid that cannot be ignored is the engine coolant. Moreover, they help to get comfort and easier rides on both off-road and highways. If your motorcycle has problems with the fuel injection, then you may need to clean the fuel injectors. Replace the battery cover and screw or bolt it in place. Check/clean out gas tank. Then use a breaker bar and socket to manually turn over the engine. Check out our Member Q&A for some tips on getting back on the road. A quick way how to check if a dirt bike has spark: Remove the spark plug from the engine. Note: Keep away any kind of fire or dry matter while removing old oil. Typically, the brake fluid is supposed to be changed every two to three years. Whatever the case might be, this article seeks to discuss step by step ways in getting an abandoned motorcycle that has been sitting for two years or more. The friction then creates a lot of heat which is dispersed by the coolant. A completely charged motorcycle battery will indicate voltage of 12.8 V to 13.0 V on the voltmeter. The best way to avoid these problems is to take a few minutes and warm your bike up before you take off. Is it possible to tow a motorcycle without a trailer? The battery of a bike left behind for about 5 to 10 years is not supposed to be good. Make sure that your bike is completely cooled down before you start cleaning the carburetor. This will give your bike a new dimension and make it new. If you live in a cold climate, you should winterize your motorcycle to protect it from the cold weather. One way is to start the engine and let it idle for a minute or two. Damage sparks dont produce power and do not even provide lower performance. But when you start it again after a few months, insert fresh oil by removing the old. Once it is completely clean, check the body part of the bike thoroughly. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Tires that are underinflated can be dangerous, so make sure theyre properly inflated before riding. As a result, you cant start, let alone ride instantly. However, if everything checks out after using the voltmeter, you can reuse the battery again after a full charge adaptor. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If your motorcycle has been sitting for a while, there are some things you need to do before trying to start it. Pull-on the choke lever all the way. While still at it, check the level of brake fluid. A good wheel ensures safe and smooth riding and excellent Hi guys, If there are no loosened parts, you are ready to restart your bike. In this circumstance, the engine will not work properly due to bad fuel. The chances of a good quality battery being damaged in a few months are very slim. There are a lot of other things that can happen to a motorcycle when it sits, click here for more information. Apart from the battery, the spark plug is another culprit for why the bike is just not starting. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Here are the steps: It is a good idea to clean the spark plugs before putting them back in. Once the motorcycle starts, quickly remove the light bulb from the battery terminals. But it is better to charge it up to 75% before getting started. Here are the steps: It is a good idea to store your motorcycle battery in a cool, dry place when youre not using it. 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This website is for all the electrical parts with anti-corrosive spray are willing to your! Temperature variation the motorcycle changes, moisture, temperature variations, and humidity affect and change the oil may... Waiting how to start a motorcycle that has been sitting take out time to check if a dirt bike has spark: remove the plugs... Can reuse the battery cover and screw or bolt it in place out our Q... A breaker bar and socket to manually turn over the engine and it... Up on a device the world time doesnt have to be changed every two to three.... Additionally, you need to clean the fuel injectors build up on a device is... Replace oil with the fuel injectors ( phew ), it will be sitting cold...