If you see continued clicking or ticking noise, jump into the next step. Let them soak for a few minutes, then rinse them off with warm water. Check out our Member Q&A for some tips on getting back on the road. Once you replace the old fuel with fresh gas, open the carburetor valve and allows some gas in to flush out some impurities. Click here for more info if youre interested in building your dream motorcycle! Starting a Fuel-Injected Motorcycle 1 Put the motorcycle into neutral. You can read more about this issue in our article: Why my motorcycle wont start? Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine. The shut off and failure to start could result from a bad battery, faulty spark plug, or bad ignition coil. If riding or attending to your motorcycle every month isnt possible, youll need to properly prepare it for storage. Motorcycle Won't Start After Sitting. Press down on the nozzle of the can and release the compressed air. A portable jump starter is an easy way to jump-start a motorcycle. If the battery is good, you should next check the fuel levels. It is important to let the motorcycle idle for few minutes, so that everything greases and warms up well. A motorcycle battery needs at least a 50% charge to perform. While you are at it, check the level of brake fluid as well. Attach the can of compressed air to the fuel injector and hold it in place. You can also ride the motorcycle around in first or second gear for a few minutes. So a motorcycle that has been sitting for up to two years must have its coolant replaced before restarting such a vehicle. Change oil in gearbox. So as a first step, you need to clean your bike well. Motorcycle carburetors play a critical role in your bikes performance. If it looks good, then at least top it off with some fresh fuel. Also, the fuel can slowly evaporate and cause poisoning with other harmful substances. Also, you can understand where your bike needs to be fixed or what the issues are. Additionally, you should care for all the electrical parts with anti-corrosive spray. However, before starting, make sure that any parts or joints are loose. There are two ways to use the choke: manually and automatically. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Check the firing order diagram for your bike model and make sure that the plugs are firing in the correct order. Usually, fuel that already exists in your motorcycle can last not more than 6 months. After starting and reviving a motorcycle that has been sitting, youll probably never want to have to go through it again. Outside of that, its hard to know any other damage that may have been caused through its dormancy. A motorcycle should never sit longer than a month without starting it or properly preparing it for storage. So check the carburetor repeatedly and clean it thoroughly. Starter spray is a chemical compound that helps start engines. In the storeroom, there is a chance to change the temperatures which leads to oxidation. Apply the front brakes while you are rotating the front wheel; likewise, apply the rear brake while rotating the rear wheel. When fully charged, restart your engine. This will move the bike into first gear. Starting your motorcycle during the winter won't charge your motorcycle battery. So changing them after sitting the motorcycle idle for a long time is a considerable issue. Tires are an essential component of any vehicle. The brakes should not squeal while pressing against the disc pad, and in case they do, you should check the disc pad and disc shoe for wear and tear. While waiting, take out time to check the electrical fittings. Connect one end of the 12-volt light bulb to the positive battery terminal, and then connect the other end of the light bulb to the negative battery terminal. This is why I suggest you store your bike with some oil. In this case, one only needs to replace the old fuel with a completely new fuel. No engine can gain and produce power if the spark and ignition chamber is ready. Which later damages the engine and soon damages the bike. This includes checking the oil level, adding a fuel stabilizer, removing the battery, and covering the bike. Once the UV rays eat through the clear coat, the paint underneath begins to fade. So, it is ok for a motorcycle to sit for a month or a year. So change these as well as change other internal parts. Try to start the engine and see if it creates a spark. If the lubricant or manually turning the flywheel doesnt get the pistons to move, this is the point youll need to take it in to a mechanic to examine a possible engine seizure caused by something other than rust. Through my experience of restoring motorcycles, even ones that have been sitting for years, I have found that the usual culprit to a motorcycle not starting is due to a dirty carburetor, so this is probably the main reason your motorcycle isnt starting. In this article, we will cover the basics of starting a motorcycle and how to start one thats been sitting for too long. Depress the clutch and shift into first gear.Then gently raise the shifter until you feel a slight "click" if you can move the bike around its in neutral. If your motorcycle isnt starting, the first thing you should check is the spark plugs. When the engine is warm, the motorcycle will start shortly.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'myridingexperience_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-myridingexperience_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); Generally speaking, a motorcycle can sit for a year or more. By checking with a voltmeter, you can check if the battery can be revived by charging or not. Alternatively, the bike can be put into gear (2nd) and the engine rotated via the rear wheel; again without the plugs fitted and the ignition off. A motorcycle should be driven at least once every other month if it hasnt been adequately stored. If the motorcycle is left for a long time, its internal structure may change and it may be completely damaged. But be patient when you start it after a long time, the engine may need to crank over a few times before it. Slowly kick/turn the engine over. Drain and change the old gas in the tank and the carbs. Adding a fuel stabilizer to your motorcycle is an important step in winterizing it. Perhaps its the best time to seek professional advice and services. Unfortunately, its not that uncommon to let a motorcycle sit longer than it should without using it. Once you have everything you need, follow these steps to start your motorcycle: 1. A vibrating motorcycle is not only uncomfortable, but its also scary and would make any rider My name is Kyle Cannon and I love everything about motorcycles. Remember, do not start with oil. To manually use the choke, you will need to pull the cord out from the side of the bike. Motorcycles are a great way to get around, but they can be difficult to start if you dont know how to do it properly. Once you have pulled the cord out, you will need to hold it in and give the bike throttle. Be sure to keep track of which plugs go where, as they will need to be reconnected in the same order. It is normal for the pressure to fall down if the motorcycle was parked for a long time. If your motorcycle has been sitting for a while, there are some things you need to do before trying to start it. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'myridingexperience_com-leader-4','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-myridingexperience_com-leader-4-0');Also, the bike may not run on old oil. In fact, if the motorcycle remains outside or in environment subjected to temperature changes, it may happen that the plugs may become damp and therefore no longer produce spark of sufficient intensity to create an explosion in the combustion chamber. Also read: When to replace motorcycle tires. Pull-on the choke lever all the way. Leaving a functional motorcycle idle for about 2 to 5 years or even more can make it dirty. Metallic parts might suffer from rust, while rubber parts brittle. Run it and let it sit without revving for a few minutes to properly cycle oil. And the storage process includes-. Apart from the battery, the spark plug is another culprit for why the bike is just not starting. If you find one, replace it with a new fuse of the same rating. These are just a few of the things you should know about motorcycle repair. But I recommend you change the existing oil. Robmonster117, Apr 24, 2018. One way is to start the engine and let it idle for a minute or two. Take it easy at first and keep in mind that many of the mechanical parts of the engine, which are usually greased, may now have dried out. Here are the steps: It is a good idea to clean the spark plugs before putting them back in. In this case, they will not produce the needed spark in the combustion chamber. If you are still having problems starting your bike, take it to a mechanic for further diagnosis. Make sure there is no dust and fine particles. 15 Step 6 - check . Once you are finished, reconnect the battery cables and start the motorcycle. It also promises to shed more light on how long a bike can sit idle without starting and, most importantly, what to do if the motorcycle wont start even after taking a few initiatives. If that is happening, you'll have to clean the carb. Getting a new one is the wisest thing to do. 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. I have been riding motorcycle for more than 15 years. Connect the negative (-) jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal on the battery charger. One of the biggest consequences of having old gas in a motorcycle is a clogged up carburetor. This will make your bike new. 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. So make sure you change the chain before starting an idle bike. When the fuel is ignited in the combustion chamber, chemical energy is converted into kinetic energy. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If youre wanting to get a motorcycle started thats been sitting for a while, it really helps to know what has happened to the motorcycle so you know better how to get it started. If everything feels good, youre ready to hit the open road! How To Start A Motorcycle That Has Been Sitting For 2 Years? Make Sure To Clean Your Motorcycle Spark Plugs Checking The Tank Make Sure To Eliminate The Air Filter Check The Engine Coolant Inspecting The Tires Inspecting The Brakes Check The Wires And The Joints Chain Lubrication And Cleaning Check The Carburetor If you keep it in your garage or a separate room, it may not rust. 7) Now ready to test the motor and see if it runs (make sure battery is fully charged so ignition system gets good charge). It's well worth the investment, and also generally includes the testing necessary to get a Motorcycle endorsement on your drivers' license. Once the motorcycle starts, quickly remove the jumper cables from the battery terminals. 7 Blocked muffler exit or intake. Since it has been left in one place for a long time without any supervision, its normal for the dust to accumulate here. A motorcycle sitting for two years might already have a dead battery or an almost expired one. Its annoying when this happens, but it is fixable. The constant beam of the sun is ruthless on motorcycle gas tanks. There are a few different ways to add a fuel stabilizer: Be sure to follow the instructions for your particular brand of fuel stabilizer. The choke is used to add more fuel to the engine, which will help it start. 13 Step 4 - engage the clutch. If they are dirty, clean them with a wire brush or sandpaper. Remove all plugs, inject some engine oil or ATF into each cylinder and wait for a bit for it to distribute itself. Need This gone ASAP. In this case, you need to take proper care and maintain it properly. If you do not take any preventive measures, your motorcycle can corrode and rust into a heap of dust. Additionally, check your bike chain carefully. See if you notice any changes. Check the carburetor Depending on when the last time you cleaned your carburetor was, it may be worth inspecting its condition. Even if the motorcycle has only been sitting for a few months, dormant oil can still go bad, in fact it ages a lot faster when its not being used. Check for any physical alterations on the plugs, either insulators or electrodes. Get out the torque wrench. So once you have replaced your old fuel with the fresh one, open the valve of the carburetor and drain some of the fresh fuel to flush out impurities. Gas tank could use a good internal cleaning also. The engine that has been lying idle for a long time can have various problems. A battery that has not been in use for two years will drain itself wholly. boywhom 8 yr. ago I will definitely check the tires, thank you. But if you leave your bike like this for a long time, the tires may leak. We provide the most comprehensive guides, reviews, and tips for riding efficiently on the road. This will give you easy access to the entire unit. 21 Lake Ave, East Brunswick, New Jersey, United States, Lubricating and cleaning the motorcycle chain, How to clean your motorcycle carburetor without taking it apart, How to corner on a motorcycle as a beginner, Fastest Production Motorcycles In The World, Best Motorcycle Gear For Touring In Ladakh (Indian Himalayas). 4 Lawrence C. Once your battery inspection is complete, it is time to check the air filter. When youre done warming up your motorcycle, make sure to take it for a longer ride to test it out. Any old motorcycle that has been sitting for a long time is likely to have some gummed-up or varnished carbs. It is most likely that the plugs have lost efficacy during idle moments. Kyle currently works as a mechanical engineer and graduated with a minor in automotive engineering. Mount the bike and push towards the slope. Ideally, a tire has a lifespan of three years or after covering a mileage of three thousand square kilometers. Lubricating and cleaning the motorcycle chain is one of the simplest tasks to perform, but it is no less important. So try to replace the old oil with new oil. Before you hit the road, it is important that you flush your carburetor with Sea Foam. All in all, its best not to leave your bike sitting for longer than a month without starting it. If theyre not the problem, then you may need to take it to a mechanic for repairs. Starter spray may be able to help get your bike going, but its not a cure-all. 4. Next you'll need to change the oil, replace the gas, and examine the carburetor and jets to make sure they're not clogged. If it pushes easily, you now know that the rear brakes, chain or drive line and the gears on the countershaft of the transmission are OK. Now put the engine in it's top gear and again try to push it. Note: Do not use any fabric or object that will stain. This will make cleaning easier and safer. The first thing youll need to do is charge or change the battery. What To Do If The Motorcycle Wont Start? In this case, you'll first need to charge/replace the battery. If not, you'll want to double check those tires. No matter what type of motorcycle you have or how expensive your bike is. Plugs can be tested by putting them into the cable cap and holding the ends up against the metallic surface of the engine. First, wipe the fuel tank and other external parts well with a dry cloth. 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