When youre done warming up your motorcycle, make sure to take it for a longer ride to test it out. Motorcycles that are void of any maintenance and are kept parked for a long period of time are subjected to a lot of wear and tear from the inside as well as outside. I just bought a new battery and How to start a motorcycle that has been sitting for a long time - A step by step guide. 3. This is Ahsan Ullah. Can I Use H-Rated Tires Instead of V-Rated Tires? Before you hit the road, it is important that you flush your carburetor with Sea Foam. I have an entire video series that can walk you through the step-by-step process on how to do this that includes tips and tricks you wont find anywhere else. First, you can try pouring some lubricant down all the spark plug holes and wait a few hours for the pistons to soak in the lubricant. If you see that the key has entered the lock properly, you will understand that it is OK. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'myridingexperience_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_2',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-myridingexperience_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Even then, my advice is to check with Start once to see if it works properly. Starting your motorcycle during the winter is fine once or twice to keep your fluids flowing, but you shouldn't do it as a means of keeping your motorcycle battery charged up. 15 Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Wont Start: Causes and Fixes. Reinstall the spark plugs in the engine and start your bike. After you gain sufficient speed, release the clutch. Charge or replace the motorcycle battery. Electrically-assisted chokes are similar to automatic chokes, but they are powered by a battery. However, before starting, make sure that any parts or joints are loose. Any reading value less than this implies that the motorist should get a new battery. Maybe its battery has run out or its engine will not work properly. This will allow it to mix with the fuel and help start the engine. If your motorcycle isnt starting, the first thing you should check is the spark plugs. Metallic parts might suffer from rust, while rubber parts brittle. Key Considerations While Starting a Dirt Bike that Has Been Sitting: If the bike has been sitting for a long time, check to see if there is dirt left on top of the spark plugs from when you last rode it. If you notice any symptoms of water in the fuel system, its important to take action right away. Do you want to buy the best motorcycle boots under 200? No engine can gain and produce power if the spark and ignition chamber is ready. It would be best to take preventive measures to keep the motorcycle free from rust. Not every bike owner gets the chance to go for a ride every other Sunday. So, whats with a bad motorcycle battery? Remove all plugs, inject some engine oil or ATF into each cylinder and wait for a bit for it to distribute itself. Some of them are easy to fix, while others may require more extensive repairs. However, periodic inspection is recommended to keep a check on their efficacy. However, if you observe some reading in your voltmeter, probably because you had charged your battery periodically in changing temperatures, you can re-use it again after fully charging it with the help of external adapters. If you live in a cold climate, you should winterize your motorcycle to protect it from the cold weather. Honda CRV TPMS Reset Button Location & How to Reset. This site is owned and operated by Cannon Entities LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Utah, USA. If it exists, it will not be going to perform well. Damage sparks dont produce power and do not even provide lower performance. However, if everything checks out after using the voltmeter, you can reuse the battery again after a full charge adaptor. This will help heat up the engine and the transmission. A quick way how to check if a dirt bike has spark: Remove the spark plug from the engine. Have someone start the motorcycle while you hold onto the light bulb. 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. Your email address will not be published. Thoroughly clean the carburetor from your motorcycle that has been sitting. When fully charged, restart your engine. Rebuilding kits usually come with a set of instructions that make reassembling a lot easier. Many times it takes a lot of effort to re-ride a bike that has been sitting for months or years. Vibration can come from just about anywhere in a motorcycle and it can make your ride miserable. Dirty engine oil may solidify and obstruct the normal functioning of pistons and the rings. 15 Step 6 - check . Motorcycle Won't Start After Sitting. To restart your discarded bike, first, go to the place where the bike is kept and observe it. At this point, you may want to also get a new set of tires. Cannon Entities LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Same for stearing head. Is motorcycling your passion? The fuel tank must be exactly where the fuel is located. Debris around the oil filter may also do the same. Finally, after all is said and done, it is time to test the engine and take it for a ride. Carb needs r&r after a good cleaning to remove all "crud" from old gas. Be sure to use the correct type of oil for your bike model. To start your motorcycle, there will be certain things you need to check and replace. 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. But it is better to charge it up to 75% before getting started. A battery that was not charged for a prolonged amount of time will obviously drain itself completely. You should not skip changing of the old engine oil for any reason whatsoever unless the former oil is still bright and fresh and with fuel stabilizer, which is most unlikely. Locate the battery on your motorcycle. So you should check the condition of the fuel well and if it is bad, replace it with a new one. This conversion results in a lot of friction. 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.. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. With kill switch "off," spin the engine on the starter (or Kickstarter) for a few secondsthis will distribute the oil in each cylinder. But there are some out there that let their motorcycles sit for longer, years even. Remember, do not start with oil. 2023 Car, Truck and Vehicle How To Guides - Vehicle Freak. If any of your fuses have been blown, replace them with the appropriately sized fuse and try to start the bike. Remove the battery from the bike and store it in a cool, dry place. Best Motorcycle Boots Under 200: [Review With Buyers Guide]. It is important to understand that our primary objective is not to start the motorcycle quickly or hastily, unless you are planning to ride it for a day before disposing it again. Once you replace the old fuel with fresh gas, open the carburetor valve and allows some gas in to flush out some impurities. Note: Do not use any fabric or object that will stain. This can cause a number of problems, including decreased performance, stalling, and even engine failure. Reason 2: Damage Or Dead Battery 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. For this, it will ruin the internal function and particles may clog the carburetor. It can be frustrating, but it usually takes a few tries to get it to start. You will then need to give it some gas while you are still holding down on the shifter. If it gets rusty, stir it with lubricant. For an in depth guide, you can read our article: How to clean your motorcycle carburetor without taking it apart. 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. 1. Failure to do so could result in damage to you and your surroundings. In order to check your brakes, park your motorcycle on center stand and rotate each wheel with your hands. Then go ride it and enjoy it. Trying out all these methods first will help rule out any possibility of a simple solution. Start the bike and let it run for a few minutes. Starting a motorcycle after a long period of time doesnt have to be problematic especially if you had properly winterized your motorcycle. If the motorcycle shows no sign of life after numerous trials, then take a moment to look at the batteries. If a motorcycle has been sitting for years, youll definitely need to get a new battery; you dont want to use one thats been sitting dormant for years. If the battery is dead, then you can jump-start it using a set of jumper cables. Check your fuel lines and make sure that you are getting gas to your . So a motorcycle that has been sitting for up to two years must have its coolant replaced before restarting such a vehicle. There are a few common problems that can occur with spark plugs: If you suspect that your spark plugs are causing your motorcycle not to start, then its important to troubleshoot and repair them as soon as possible. A spark plug must be at its prime for a motorcycle to have any chance of starting. If the bike will turn over but will still not start, the problem might be with the bikes ignition or fuel. Now, that you have completed the above steps properly, you need to pour your fresh engine oil into the tank. So, you want to get your old bike back on the track? 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. Corrosion usually occurs near the exhaust and gradually expands towards other metal parts. A motorcycle should never sit longer than a month without starting it or properly preparing it for storage. If it has been standing for a long time it would be worth doing this again after a few miles. Remove the old battery by disconnecting the cables that are attached to it. All in all, its best not to leave your bike sitting for longer than a month without starting it. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the motorcycle battery. If you find one, replace it with a new fuse of the same rating. 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. If you have tried all possible methods, including thorough cleaning of the carburetor, but still your bike is not responding to kick start, you may try the push start method. While the bike is idling, inspect all the lights and indicators for their functionality. If it looks good, then at least top it off with some fresh fuel. I have yet to encounter a motorcycle that wasnt fixable. To start a motorcycle that has been sitting, you'll first need to charge/change the battery. In this article, I described all the best possible ways to start a motorcycle that has been sitting for a long time. Because if there are traces of rust, fine particles may clog the fine vents of carburetor. Check/replace fuel lines? The last cause can be bad spark plugs. 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. Method 1: Sea Foam + Fuel. Such a combination occurs in the carburetor. In this case, one only needs to replace the old fuel with a completely new fuel. The purpose of using a choke is to help with cold weather starts or for when the motorcycle has been sitting unused for an extended period. Remember to wear a face mask and goggles before taking off the covers. This will show you everything from disassembly and carb rebuilds to body work and electrical. Once you have everything you need, follow these steps to start your motorcycle: 1. Once the motorcycle starts, quickly remove the jumper cables from the battery terminals. They will be able to help you get your bike up and running in no time. Fouled Spark Plugs Even when you started the motorbike a couple of months back you're unlikely to see any spark plugs. How To Start A Motorcycle That Has Been Sitting For 2 Years? Replace the battery cover and screw or bolt it in place. Pull in the clutch. Run it and let it sit without revving for a few minutes to properly cycle oil. There are a lot of other things that can happen to a motorcycle when it sits, click here for more information. If you still see any water, take your bike to a mechanic for further diagnosis. These impurities can reduce the efficiency of the carburetor, which further results in an underperforming engine. Typically, the brake fluid is supposed to be changed every two to three years. Tires are an essential component of any vehicle. By knowing how to properly diagnose and fix problems, you can save yourself a lot of time and money. A cold motorcycle is much more likely to have problems while youre riding it. This will give your bike a new dimension and make it new. If it shows a lower voltage than the average, you should change your old battery. Check the oil level in the engine and add more if necessary. Fuel or oil is a very important element in driving a motorcycle. Test the battery by starting the motorcycle. It provides the first ignition required to run the engine. One of the most common problems with motorcycles is electrical problems. Clean the carbs, if necessary. Because old oil freezes and there is a problem to start. Can You Powder Coat A Motorcycles Exhaust? 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 Use a brush or a Q-tip to clean the small crevices and passages inside the carburetor. There is no straightforward answer to this. Moreover, they help to get comfort and easier rides on both off-road and highways. Check if the chain is becoming loose and hard. Do this until all of the carbon buildups are gone. If you encounter a motorcycle thats been in this situation, you may wonder if youll be able to even revive it. When you are ready to change gears, you will need to let go of the clutch and press down on the gear shifter. However, sometimes it is seen that if you store properly in the garage, the exterior is good. The choke is used to add more fuel to the engine, which will help it start. Continue with Recommended Cookies. These can cause problems with the engine and the transmission. How to start a Motorcycle after several Years Honda Rebel - YouTube 0:00 / 4:32 Chapters How to start a Motorcycle after several Years Honda Rebel 124,184 views Dec 23, 2013 348 Dislike. Slowly kick/turn the engine over. Additionally, check your bike chain carefully. These kits usually come with a bottle of cleaner, a small brush, and a tube. If you are here, it probably has. Lastly, dont forget to put a good cover on it, even if its parked in the garage or shed. In this article, I'll review the 10 best motorcycle boots under 200 and provide a buyer's guide to help 10 Best Motorcycle Wheel Weights [Best Reviews of 2023]. Another way to clean fuel injectors is with a cleaning kit. By checking with a voltmeter, you can check if the battery can be revived by charging or not. Check the electrodes for any signs of corrosion or dirt. It is also essential to check the tanks base with a flashlight before turning on the fuel pump. Such steps include changing the oil, relieving pressure from the tires, and removing the battery or hooking it up or a battery tender. The shut off and failure to start could result from a bad battery, faulty spark plug, or bad ignition coil. If fuel delivery proves to be the issues, a thorough carb cleaning can usually solve the problem. Perhaps its the best time to seek professional advice and services. Connect the negative (-) jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal on the motorcycle battery. Oh, and absolutely take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginner's class. So, how do you start a motorcycle thats been sitting? This action allows the electrodes to produce a more powerful spark if somehow the plugs lost their efficiency during hibernation (which is most likely). It is a no-brainer to replace the motorcycle tires that has been sitting for two years. Metal parts might rust, whereas rubber parts might get brittle. So it is better to change it as soon as possible. Spark plugs are a common cause of motorcycles not starting, and they should be repaired as soon as possible. Motorcycle carburetors play a critical role in your bikes performance. After a prolonged period of inactivity, the carbs are often stuck in the inlet. A motorcycle battery needs at least a 50% charge to perform. If you have a motorcycle that's been sitting for a long time, there are a few things you'll need to do before you can start it up again. Take out each fuse and make sure that it is intact. In the storeroom, there is a chance to change the temperatures which leads to oxidation. This will move the bike into the next gear. What Happens When You Leave Your Motorcycle In The Rain? If the motorcycle has been dormant for longer than a few months, you may need to get another oil change soon after you get the motorcycle started to ensure you get all the rust particles and moisture out of the engine. You need to place it beside the engine to ignite properly. The very first consequence that can be seen just after few months of inactivity include carbon deposits on the piston and vents of the motorcycle engine. The engine may not always be the at the fault. Check for any performance issues. And if not, you had better change the battery ASAP. It is necessary to make sure that the plugs are not damaged, and if they have, you may need to replace them. When it is an engine or something powered by fuel then the trouble is doubled. Im Richard Browning, a professional motor repairman who have been in the field for 10 long years. Usually, fuel that already exists in your motorcycle can last not more than 6 months. After cleaning or replacing the oil filter, it is ideal to replace the old engine oil. There is a possibility that the entire motorcycle will be damaged after you keep your motorcycle idle for a decade. Required fields are marked *. This will make cleaning easier and safer. Here is a detailed guide on how to repair water in the fuel system: Water in the fuel system can cause some serious problems with your motorcycle, so its important to repair it as soon as possible. Ideally, a tire has a lifespan of three years or after covering a mileage of three thousand square kilometers. Separate them and replace them with new ones. But sometimes, the weekends turn into months, months to years. If youre thinking you can clean an old air filter, youre gravely mistaken! A fully charged battery will have a voltmeter reading of between 12.8 Volts to 13.0 Volts. Replace/clean the fuel filter. In this case, you can use some cleaning agent. 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. Consider lay-up motorcycle insurance to save money. You can buy antifreeze premixed with water or you can mix it yourself. So here is how to start a motorcycle with a choke. A good wheel ensures safe and smooth riding and excellent Hi guys, If you dont have access to a battery charger or jumper cables, then you can try using a 12-volt light bulb. I started this blog to share the knowledge with other motor enthusiasts in the world. Either way the ecm download from harley should fix you up. In this long period, I have experienced a lot of things about bike riding. You will need jumper cables, a battery charger, and an assistant. If your motorcycle isnt starting, you may be able to get it going by using starter spray. Usually, if the motorcycle sits for a year or more than a year, it is most likely to be damaged. Motorcycle batteries are usually smaller than car batteries, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is generally recommended to replace the air filter if the motorcycle was sitting idle for more than 1 year. Once you have pulled the cord out, you will need to hold it in and give the bike throttle. Air filters are made from pleated paper, their functionality reduces considerably with time.