You love your motorcycle and ride it every day but need to go on a trip, or vacation for a month, and left your motorcycle sit. You recently bought your new dream bike and left riding the old one and let it sit.
In these scenarios, your motorcycle may have to sit for months or more. A motorcycle is a machine if it doesn’t run for a month then it will start to degrade and cause certain problems in the system. In this post, I will discuss everything about motorcycles sitting for too long along with the preventive measure. Here is what you need to know.
So, Is it bad to let your motorcycle sit for long? It is generally not good to let a motorcycle sit for an extended period of time without using it. This can lead to problems such as flat tires, a dead battery, and stale fuel, as well as potential damage to the carburetor or fuel system. So, It is best to start and run the motorcycle at least once a week to keep everything in good working order.
We will be discussing everything problem related to “letting your motorcycle sit” along with their respective solution. In this blog your every question will be addressed. First, we will be discussing the “Risks of letting motorcycles sit.”
Risks of Letting your motorcycle sit for a long period of time
Motorcycles are designed to be ridden, not left to sit idle for long periods of time. However, there are often circumstances where a motorcycle may need to be stored for an extended period, such as during the off-season or if the owner is unable to ride due to injury or other reasons. While it may seem harmless to let a motorcycle sit for a while, there are actually several risks involved with leaving a motorcycle unused for an extended period of time. In this section, we will explore the risks of letting a motorcycle sit for a long period of time.
There are several risks associated with letting a motorcycle sit for a long period of time:-
Tires become frail and create Flat spots
One of the risks of letting a motorcycle sit for a long period of time is that the tires can develop flat spots. This occurs when the weight of the motorcycle rests on a particular part of the tire for an extended period, causing that part of the tire to become flattened.
Flat spots can affect the handling and performance of the motorcycle, and they may cause the motorcycle to vibrate or pull to one side while riding. Flat spots can be particularly noticeable when the motorcycle is first started after being left to sit for a long time. In some cases, the flat spots may be temporary and will go away after the motorcycle is ridden for a while, but in other cases, the flat spots may be permanent and the tires may need to be replaced.
Dead battery
Another risk of letting a motorcycle sit for a long period of time is that the battery can lose its charge. This can make it difficult to start the motorcycle when you are ready to ride again. The battery can lose its charge due to a variety of factors, including age, exposure to extreme temperatures, and extended periods of disuse.
To prevent battery drain, it is important to keep the battery charged while the motorcycle is not being used. This can be done by using a battery tender or by starting and running the motorcycle at least once a week to keep the battery charged. If the battery is not charged, it may need to be replaced, which can be costly.
Stale Fuel
Stale fuel is another risk associated with letting a motorcycle sit for an extended period of time. Fuel can become stale and start to break down if it is not used within a certain period of time.
The length of time that fuel can be stored before it becomes stale depends on a variety of factors, including the type of fuel, the storage conditions, and the presence of any additives.
When fuel becomes stale, it can cause problems with the carburetor and fuel system, such as poor engine performance, starting difficulties, and reduced fuel efficiency. In some cases, the stale fuel may need to be drained and replaced to fix these problems. To prevent stale fuel, it is a good idea to treat the fuel with a fuel stabilizer and to use the fuel within a reasonable period of time.
Damage to the carburetor or fuel system
It’s another risk that is associated with the above problem, stale fuel. If you left the stale fuel in the tank for an extended period of time, it can cause damage to the carburetor and fuel system of a motorcycle.
The carburetor is a device that mixes air and fuel in the proper ratio for combustion, and it is an essential component of the motorcycle’s engine. When stale fuel is present, it can clog the carburetor and cause problems with engine performance, such as poor acceleration, rough idle, and reduced fuel efficiency. In severe cases, the carburetor may need to be cleaned or replaced, which can be costly.
To prevent damage to the carburetor and fuel system, it is important to use fresh fuel and to treat the fuel with a fuel stabilizer to prevent it from going stale. If the motorcycle is not going to be used for an extended period, it is a good idea to drain the fuel tank to prevent stale fuel from accumulating.
Seized engine and other mechanical components
Now last but not least risk associated with letting your motorcycle sit is the engine and other mechanical components can become seized due to lack of lubrication.
The engine and other moving parts of a motorcycle need to be lubricated to prevent friction and wear.
When a motorcycle is not used, the oil in the engine can drain down and leave the metal parts without lubrication. If the motorcycle is not started and runs regularly to circulate the oil, the metal parts can rub against each other and become seized, or stuck. This can cause serious damage to the motorcycle and may require extensive repairs.
To prevent the engine and other mechanical components from becoming seized, it is important to start and run the motorcycle at least once a week to keep everything lubricated.
If the motorcycle is not going to be used for an extended period, it is a good idea to change the oil before storing it to ensure that it has fresh lubrication.
Tips for Maintaining your Motorcycle if you can’t use it regularly
If you are unable to ride your motorcycle for an extended period of time, it is important to take steps to maintain it and prevent the problems that can arise from letting it sit.
Here are some tips for maintaining a motorcycle that is not being ridden regularly:
Start and run the engine at least once a week
Starting and running the engine of a motorcycle at least once a week is one of the most crucial tips for you if you can’t ride your motorcycle for a long time.
When a motorcycle is not used, the oil in the engine can drain down and leave the metal parts without lubrication. If the motorcycle is not started and runs regularly to circulate the oil, the metal parts can rub against each other and become seized, or stuck. This can cause serious damage to the motorcycle and may require extensive repairs.
Starting and running the engine at least once a week can help to prevent this problem by circulating the oil and keeping the metal parts lubricated. This can help to prevent the engine and other mechanical components from becoming seized and can keep the motorcycle in good working order.
To start and run the engine, you will need to follow the normal starting procedures for your motorcycle. Once the engine is running, you should let it idle for a few minutes to allow the oil to circulate. Then, you can turn the engine off and let it cool down before storing it again.
In addition to starting and running the engine, it is also a good idea to check the oil level and top it off if necessary. This will ensure that the engine has enough lubrication to keep it running smoothly. By starting and running the engine at least once a week, you can help to keep your motorcycle in good condition and prevent problems that can arise from letting it sit for an extended period of time.
Use a motorcycle cover
If you can’t ride your motorcycle and have no one to look for your vehicle then another aid will be “using a motorcycle cover”.
A cover will protect the motorcycle from the elements and prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on it. This can help to keep the motorcycle looking clean and new, even if it is not being used.
There are many types of motorcycle covers available, and it is important to choose one that is suitable for your needs. Some covers are designed for indoor storage, while others are made for outdoor use. You should also consider the size and shape of your motorcycle when choosing a cover, as well as the materials and construction of the cover.
To use a motorcycle cover, simply place it over the bike and secure it in place using the straps or elastic bands provided. Make sure the cover is snug and fits well, as a loose cover can blow off in windy conditions. If the motorcycle is being stored outside, it is a good idea to choose a cover that is water-resistant or waterproof to protect the bike from the elements.
Keep the battery charged
Keeping the battery charged is an important step in maintaining a motorcycle that is not being ridden regularly. If the battery is not charged, it can lose its ability to hold a charge and may not have enough power to start the motorcycle when you are ready to ride again. There are several ways to keep the battery charged while the motorcycle is not being used:
Use a battery tender: A battery tender is a device that is designed to maintain the charge on a motorcycle battery. It works by delivering a small amount of current to the battery to keep it charged, without overcharging it. Simply connect the tender to the battery and plug it into an electrical outlet, and the battery will be charged and maintained.
Start and run the motorcycle at least once a week: We have already discussed it in the first point and now you know how important it is to occasionally start and run your motorcycle. Starting and running the motorcycle will help to keep the battery charged. Make sure to let the engine run for a few minutes to allow the alternator to charge the battery.
Charge the battery manually: If you do not have a battery tender or are unable to start and run the motorcycle, you can charge the battery manually using a battery charger. Follow the instructions provided by the charger manufacturer to charge the battery safely.
By keeping the battery charged, you can ensure that your motorcycle will be ready to ride when you are ready to hit the road again. This can save you time and hassle and can help to prevent problems with starting the motorcycle.
Treat the fuel with a fuel stabilizer
Treating the fuel with a fuel stabilizer is an important step in maintaining a motorcycle that is not being ridden regularly.
A fuel stabilizer is a chemical additive that is designed to prevent fuel from going stale and breaking down over time. When fuel becomes stale, it can cause problems with the carburetor and fuel system, such as poor engine performance, starting difficulties, and reduced fuel efficiency. By using a fuel stabilizer, you can help to prevent these problems and keep your motorcycle running smoothly.
To treat the fuel with a fuel stabilizer, simply add the recommended amount of stabilizer to the fuel tank according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Make sure to mix the stabilizer thoroughly with the fuel to ensure that it is evenly distributed. Then, run the motorcycle for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the carburetor and fuel system.
It is important to use a fuel stabilizer before storing the motorcycle for an extended period of time, as well as any time you will not be using the motorcycle for more than a few weeks. This will help to prevent the fuel from going stale and causing problems with the carburetor and fuel system. By treating the fuel with a fuel stabilizer, you can help to keep your motorcycle in good working order and prevent problems that can arise from letting it sit for an extended period of time.
How long can a motorcycle sit before gas goes bad?
The length of time that a motorcycle can sit before the gas goes bad depends on a variety of factors, including the type of fuel, the storage conditions, and the presence of any additives. Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of fuel can be stored before going bad:
Gasoline: Gasoline can start to go bad within a few months if it is not treated with a fuel stabilizer. Without a stabilizer, gasoline can start to break down and form gum and varnish deposits, which can clog the carburetor and fuel system. To prevent this, it is a good idea to use a fuel stabilizer and to use the gasoline within 3-6 months of purchase.
Ethanol-blended gasoline: Ethanol-blended gasoline can go bad even faster than regular gasoline, due to the ethanol content. Ethanol is a type of alcohol that can absorb moisture from the air, which can cause the fuel to break down and go bad. To prevent this, it is a good idea to use ethanol-blended gasoline as soon as possible and to treat it with a fuel stabilizer.
Diesel: Diesel fuel can generally be stored for longer periods of time than gasoline, due to its higher flash point and lower volatility. However, diesel fuel can still go bad over time, and it is a good idea to use it within 6-12 months of purchase if possible. To extend the shelf life of diesel fuel, it is a good idea to store it in a cool, dry place and to treat it with a fuel stabilizer.
In general, it is a good idea to use fuel as soon as possible and to treat it with a fuel stabilizer to prevent it from going bad. If you need to store the fuel for an extended period of time, be sure to follow proper storage guidelines to prevent it from going bad.
Wrapping up
We certainly discussed most of the required information to help you take care of your motorcycle if for some reason if can’t ride it often. Before ending this blog, I will summarise the most important things that will be helpful for you.
There are certain risks and damage that could occur to your motorcycle if not used for an extended period of time:
- Flat tires
- Battery Drain
- Stale fuel
- Damage to the engine and its parts
To avoid all these problems you must maintain it occasionally. You can follow these steps to maintain your motorcycle if you can’t ride it for a long time.
- Start and run the engine at least once a week
- Use a motorcycle cover
- Keep the battery charged
- Use fuel stabilizer
By following these tips, you can help to keep your motorcycle in good condition and prevent problems that can arise from letting it sit for an extended period of time.
