Should the gasoline be replaced if the motorcycle has been parked for several months?
4 Answers
If the motorcycle has been parked for several months, there is no need to replace the gasoline. However, after starting it, you should check the fuel level. If the level is too low, you will need to add more gasoline. Gasoline is a volatile and flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquid derived from the distillation and cracking of petroleum, and it is used as fuel. 90 Octane Gasoline: Suitable for gasoline-powered vehicles with an engine compression ratio below 8.5. 92 Octane Gasoline: Suitable for gasoline-powered vehicles with an engine compression ratio between 8.6 and 9.9. 95 Octane Gasoline: Suitable for gasoline-powered vehicles with an engine compression ratio between 10.0 and 11.5. 98 Octane Gasoline: Suitable for gasoline-powered vehicles with an engine compression ratio above 11.6.
I've been riding motorcycles for over a decade and know that gasoline left sitting for months really needs to be replaced. Nowadays, gasoline often contains ethanol, which easily absorbs moisture and deteriorates. Over time, it can oxidize and form gums, clogging carburetors or fuel injectors. The risk becomes significant after sitting for more than three months, potentially causing hard starts or even engine damage. It's best to add fuel stabilizer in advance or drain the tank before storage. Last time my bike sat untouched for four months, I tried starting it—it just sputtered and only ran properly after I replaced the fuel. Don't try to save on that bit of gasoline money; the maintenance costs will be higher. Regularly checking the tank's smell or fuel color can help you avoid trouble in time.
As a regular maintenance-conscious owner, I believe leaving gasoline unchanged for several months causes many issues. The fuel deteriorates, affecting ignition and corroding components. My advice is to completely replace the gasoline if left unused for about three months, while also checking the carburetor for residue. A simple method: first drain the old gasoline, fill up with high-quality fresh fuel, then start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Prevention is always cheaper than repairs—clogged fuel injectors could cost a fortune to fix. This is how I maintain my old motorcycle buddy, and it has never broken down.
It's definitely better to replace the gasoline if the car has been parked for several months to avoid future troubles. Gasoline can deteriorate, absorb moisture, and even grow mold, which can clog the system and prevent the car from starting. A simple solution is to take the car to a repair shop to drain the old fuel and clean the tank, or you can use tools to siphon out the old gasoline yourself and then add new fuel. The cost is low and time-saving, as new gasoline only costs a few dozen dollars. Preventing potential issues is wise—don't wait until the car breaks down on the road, as repairs will be more expensive.
