Problems That May Arise If a Bike Is Left Idle for Long

Not using a bike for a long time can lead to various problems. Among these bike problems are noise from the engine, jammed parts, rapid fuel consumption, etc. Sometimes, the bike's condition deteriorates so much that it won't even start. However, some specific reasons for a bike not starting are a dead battery or insufficient engine oil. Keeping a bike off for a long time can create various such problems. Additionally, after a long period, if you start riding the bike, it might suddenly shut down while in motion. If this happens repeatedly, the bike should definitely be serviced. If your bike's engine condition is good, but you still notice that the engine is not as active as before, then check the quality of your used engine oil. Sometimes, even after servicing, the engine does not perform well. If this happens, you will understand that you are using low-quality engine oil. Generally, after a long period, if you start riding a bike, the engine does not work properly. However, even after engine servicing, if you notice excessive smoke coming from the engine or more rattling sounds while riding, then you need to check the quality of your engine oil. If you are thinking of riding the bike after a long time, you must first check the bike's parts. Pay special attention to whether the bike's functionality is as before or if it has deteriorated. Keep an eye on where repairs are needed. To ensure safe bike riding, the motorcycle's engine and other parts must be inspected after a certain period.

Problems You Might Face When Starting a Bike Suddenly After a Long Time

• Check if there is any problem with the spark plug

If the bike doesn't start, check if your bike's spark plug is working properly. While riding on uneven roads, the bike's spark plug might become loose. This can stop the flow of electricity to the plug, and the engine will stop working. On the other hand, if too much carbon accumulates on the spark plug, it gets jammed. If this happens, your bike's spark plug will not perform adequately, and the bike will stop running. If you face such a problem, first remove and clean the spark plug, then refit it in place. In this case, if the spark plug is thoroughly cleaned, it will be reusable. If its performance decreases even after cleaning, then you should replace the spark plug.

• Battery becomes inoperative if the bike is kept off for a long time

If a bike is not used for a long time, its battery can become dead. In that case, your bike will not start. Keeping a bike off for a long time causes the battery to lose power this way. Therefore, if you plan not to use your bike for a long time, disconnect the battery. This will keep your bike's battery safe from becoming inoperative. Later, this battery can be recharged and used again. If the battery's performance seems low even after charging, use a new battery.

• Bike's braking system may jam, causing problems

If a bike is not used for a long time, dust accumulates, and the braking system gets jammed. In that case, you will have trouble starting your bike. However, it is possible to make the brakes functional again by applying lubricant oil. Additionally, after a long time, trying to restart a stopped motorcycle can lead to various problems.

• Old oil sludge accumulates in the bike's engine

In vehicles or bikes that have not been used for more than six months, old oil residue or sludge accumulates in the engine. If this happens, you will notice that your bike will not start easily. To avoid this problem, your bike needs to be serviced again. Especially, old oil must be replaced with good quality new engine oil.

• Fuel valve's efficiency decreases

Not riding a bike for several months or years can cause rust to form on the valves. If the bike's valve wears out, its alignment will be lost, and its efficiency will decrease. This will make it difficult to start the bike. The fuel valve enhances engine performance. So, if it wears out for any reason, your engine will not perform well. If you encounter such a problem, it is best to get it repaired by an experienced mechanic near you.

• Dirt accumulates and jams the fuel tank and other bike parts

If you start a stopped motorcycle after a long time, you will notice that the fuel tank is dry, meaning the oil in it has run out or there is no fuel at all. As a result, the engine will not be active, and it will not be possible to start the bike. Therefore, it is essential to check if there is oil in the fuel tank. If the tank is dry, new oil must be changed, and it is necessary to use high-grade oil to keep the engine in good condition. On the other hand, if the bike is not ridden for a long time, excessive dirt gets stuck and jams the fuel injectors, oil filter, or air filter. You may face various problems when riding the bike after a long time. Therefore, it is good to get it serviced once to ensure optimal bike performance. Any weak parts of the bike should be repaired. Many such bike problems often appear if the bike is kept off for too long.

• Keeping a bike off for a long time spoils its appearance

If a bike is kept off for a long time, its look appears somewhat faded. You can change your bike's outlook if you wish. Polishing is necessary to bring newness to your bike's appearance. Currently, various branded products are available in the market for bike polishing. Once polished, the bike's color will look shiny like new. Additionally, after polishing, your bike will not rust easily.

Additional problems that may arise from keeping a bike off for a long time:

• If the bike's RPM is not correct or decreases, the bike may shut down while in motion.
• Excessive dirt accumulation in the carburetor can cause problems in starting the bike.
• Keeping the bike off for a long time can cause the fuel injector to jam.
• If the bike's engine experiences overheating, it might be difficult to start the bike.
• Keeping the bike off for a long time can damage the tire's temper, which can create problems in bike movement.
• Various parts of the bike may rust.
• Excessive smoke may come out of the bike's engine.
• Chemicals may leak from the battery of a bike that has been off for a long time.

Important Tips for Maintaining a Motorcycle That Has Been Off for a Long Time

If you leave your bike unused for a long time, you may face many types of problems. In this situation, it is normal to encounter issues such as the bike not starting, various parts including the engine getting jammed, or engine oil drying up.  If you leave your bike unused for days on end, such inconveniences will more or less appear. However, by taking proper care of your bike, it is possible to overcome these problems. When you take out your bike to ride after a long time, first wash and clean it thoroughly. Then ride the bike for a few days. Initially, your bike will not be as smooth as before, and it might feel a bit sluggish while riding. But with regular riding, the jamming problem in the bike will disappear. On the other hand, if the bike's problems increase significantly, you should consult an experienced mechanic. If necessary, you can check the capability of each part of the bike. Additionally, getting a thorough servicing is best for your bike. Keeping a bike off for a long time can cause many small and big problems, but there are also solutions.  To maintain your bike's performance, ride it regularly. Besides using the bike, always keep it well-maintained. To know more about motorcycle prices in 2022, visit Bikroy.com's blog site.

Some Questions

1. What problems can occur with the battery if a stopped motorcycle is started after a long time? If a stopped motorcycle is suddenly attempted to be started after a long time, the battery may become inoperative or chemicals may leak from the battery.  

2. How can the beauty of a bike be restored after it has been off for a long time? Polishing is necessary to bring newness to your bike's outlook. This will make your bike look new, and at the same time, your bike will be protected from rust.  

3. What happens to a bike if the oil in the fuel tank dries up? When a stopped motorcycle is started after a long time, sometimes the fuel tank is found to be dry. If this happens, the engine will not be active, and it will be impossible to start the bike.  

4. What should be done if the bike's braking system gets jammed? When a bike is not used for a long time, dust accumulates, and the braking system gets jammed. In that case, you will have trouble riding. However, it will be possible to make the brakes functional again by applying lubricant oil.  

5. What can be the solution if bike parts rust? After six months or more, when you go to use a bike, you will notice that most of the bike parts have rusted or are jammed. Such problems usually arise from not using the bike for a long time.  Proper servicing is essential to restore the bike's functionality to its previous state. In this case, the help of an experienced mechanic should be sought.