What is the solution for a motorcycle that won't start after being left unused for a long time?
3 Answers
Motorcycle won't start after being left unused for a long time? Here are the solutions: 1. Turn off the fuel valve, locate the drain screw on the carburetor, use a flathead screwdriver to drain the deteriorated gasoline inside, tighten the screw after draining, then open the fuel valve; 2. Remove the spark plug, use a syringe to add about 5ml of gasoline or engine oil into the cylinder, reinstall the spark plug and restart. The reasons why a motorcycle won't start after being left unused for a long time are: 1. The gasoline inside the carburetor has evaporated or deteriorated, preventing normal combustion in the cylinder; 2. The engine oil on the piston rings has flowed into the oil pan, reducing the sealing performance of the piston rings and causing insufficient cylinder pressure, preventing startup.
My motorcycle wouldn't start after sitting idle for too long, and here's what I did. When left unused for extended periods, the battery tends to drain first. I pushed the bike to a slope, used the downhill momentum to pop-start it by shifting gears—a handy emergency trick. If that didn't work, I'd remove the battery and charge it for a few hours or get a jump-start from someone. Another common issue is clogged fuel lines due to old, degraded gasoline in the tank. I'd disassemble the carburetor to clean carbon deposits and sometimes add fresh fuel. Spark plugs often cause trouble too; removing them to check for excessive carbon buildup or incorrect gap spacing, then replacing if needed, usually does the trick. Lastly, prolonged storage accelerates engine corrosion, so I make it a habit to start and run the engine for a few minutes monthly to prevent battery drain and part rusting. Safety-wise, if it won't start, don't force it—especially avoid risky nighttime push-starts. Visiting a professional repair shop is always the smarter move.
When encountering a motorcycle that won't start after being parked for months, I've learned several tricks from fellow riders. First, check if the battery is low on power—use a multimeter to measure the voltage; if it's below 12 volts, charge it or replace it. Then, inspect the fuel quality in the tank; if the old fuel smells strong, head to the gas station for fresh gasoline and add some fuel cleaner to clear the system. Spark plugs can easily get carbonized—simply pull them out, clean them, or replace them, as the cost is low. If it still doesn’t work, the starter motor might be stuck—lightly tap it or spray some lubricant to try freeing it up. For storage, I recommend parking in a shaded spot, removing the battery for separate maintenance, and starting the engine every two weeks to circulate the oil—this reduces minor issues significantly. Always wear gloves to prevent electric shocks before working on it, and after repairs, take a few slow test rides before hitting the road.
