In real life, many gasoline motorcycle users may find themselves parked for extended periods due to reasons like job transfers, business trips, and seasonal changes. As a professional gasoline motorcycle company, we often receive inquiries about how to maintain your motorcycle when it's not ridden for extended periods. This article provides a comprehensive guide to gasoline motorcycle maintenance to help you avoid damage and extend its lifespan.
1. Battery Maintenance: Preventing Battery Loss and Sulfation
Gasoline motorcycle batteries are prone to battery loss when not used for extended periods. Sustained low battery voltage can also cause plate sulfation, shortening the battery lifespan.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Disconnect the negative cable: If you plan to not ride your motorcycle for more than a few weeks, it's recommended to remove the negative cable to prevent static current from slowly draining the battery.
Regular Charging: It's best to charge the battery every 15-20 days using a smart charger.
Indoor Storage: If your motorcycle is parked outdoors, where temperature fluctuations are significant and battery degradation is accelerated, it's recommended to remove the battery and store it indoors in a well-ventilated, dry place.
2. Fuel System Maintenance
If gasoline is left standing for extended periods, it can easily volatilize its lighter components and oxidize, forming a colloid that can clog the carburetor or fuel injectors.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Drain the fuel tank: If you plan to use the vehicle for an extended period (more than two months), it is recommended to drain the fuel tank.
Use a fuel tank protectant: If gasoline is still in the tank, add a fuel stabilizer to slow down its deterioration.
Turn off the fuel tap: For vehicles equipped with a fuel tap, always shut off the fuel supply before storage.
Start the engine to consume any remaining fuel in the fuel line: After draining the fuel tank, start the vehicle and run it for 1-2 minutes to allow the fuel in the carburetor or fuel line to completely deplete.
3. Engine System Maintenance
When the engine is left standing for extended periods, internal metal parts may lack lubrication due to oil backflow, causing rust and preventing the vehicle from starting the next time.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Change the engine oil: Old engine oil contains impurities and acids, which can easily corrode the engine's internal components if stored for extended periods. It is recommended to replace the engine oil with fresh oil in advance. Starting and Lubricating: When starting the vehicle for the last time before parking, let the engine run for a few minutes to allow the new oil to fully lubricate all components.
Periodic Short Starts: If conditions permit, start the vehicle for a few minutes every 2-4 weeks to allow the lubrication system to circulate properly.
4. Tire Maintenance: Preventing Deformation and Aging
When parked for extended periods, a single area of the tire is subjected to constant pressure, which can easily cause deformation. Furthermore, the rubber material may age and crack due to environmental factors.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Regularly Move the Vehicle: Move the motorcycle forward and backward every one or two weeks to change the position of the tires under load.
Proper Inflation: Keep the tires within the recommended pressure range to avoid deformation caused by low pressure.
Use a Center Stand or Frame Lift: If possible, use a center stand or lift to elevate the frame to reduce the load on the tires.
5. Body and Chain Maintenance:
Metal parts of a motorcycle are prone to rust in humid or dusty environments, especially exposed parts such as the chain, exhaust pipe, and screws.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Thorough Cleaning: Before parking, rinse the body, tires, and chain with clean water to remove any dirt, sand, and oil. Chain Lubrication: After cleaning, spray with professional chain oil to prevent rust.
Dust Cover: It is recommended to use a breathable motorcycle cover during storage to prevent dust accumulation and protect against UV rays.
6. Brake System Maintenance
If a motorcycle's brake system is not used for an extended period, the brake pads can easily stick to the brake discs, and the brake pump seals may dry out and cause fluid leakage.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Check the brake fluid level to prevent air from entering the system due to insufficient fluid.
Release the parking or foot brakes: Avoid continuously holding the brake lever or applying the brakes while parked to prevent brake pad adhesion and deformation.
Roll the wheels regularly to keep the brake system active and prevent sticking.
7. Electrical System Maintenance: Prevent Poor Contacts and Deteriorated Wires
If electrical connectors or switches are not used for an extended period, moisture, oxidation, and other factors may cause poor contact, affecting starting or lighting systems.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Spray Rust Inhibitor: Apply rust inhibitor to contact points such as the spark plug cap and battery connector. Avoid humid environments: If conditions are limited, store your motorcycle in a ventilated, dry area.
8. Anti-Theft and Security Measures
Motorcycles that have not been used for extended periods are more vulnerable to theft, especially those parked outdoors.
Recommended Measures:
Install anti-theft locks, such as disc brake locks, wheel locks, and faucet locks.
Park in a monitored area or indoor garage if possible.
Shut off the main power or remove the battery to increase the risk of theft.
9. Inspections Before Restarting
To ensure a smooth restart of a gasoline motorcycle after parking, be sure to check the fuel, battery, tires, and fluids to avoid significant losses. If you're unsure whether your motorcycle is suitable for continued use, contact the manufacturer where you purchased it for a professional inspection.
In summary, maintaining a gasoline motorcycle after extended periods of inactivity is simple. Simply plan your storage environment, manage the fuel and electrical systems, and take rust-proof measures to ensure your motorcycle remains in top condition. If you're looking for a product designed for long-term use and high reliability, please contact us-a professional gasoline motorcycle factory offering customization, wholesale, and after-sales maintenance services—to ensure a worry-free riding experience.
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Jilang Motorcycle