What to Do When a Motorcycle Won't Start After Long-Term Parking?
3 Answers
Motorcycle won't start after long-term parking? Here are the solutions: 1. Check if the spark plug is damaged; 2. Jump-start using another motorcycle; 3. Charge the battery and then start; 4. Replace with a new battery; 5. Place the motorcycle in a warm environment and wait for a few minutes before starting; 6. Clean the fuel system. Precautions for long-term parking of motorcycles include: 1. Drain the fuel from the tank and carburetor; 2. Remove the battery and charge it every 3 months; 3. Inflate the tires to the proper pressure; 4. Clean the vehicle and wipe off excess water before parking; 5. Apply wax to avoid scratching the paint.
My motorcycle had been parked for over half a year and wouldn’t start after several attempts. First, check the battery as it’s the most common issue—insufficient voltage can prevent ignition. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage; if it’s below 12 volts, you’ll likely need to recharge or replace the battery. The gasoline in the tank may also have degraded or formed sludge, especially in carbureted bikes. Drain the old fuel and refill with fresh 92-octane gasoline. Remove the spark plug and inspect it; if there’s heavy carbon buildup, sand the electrodes lightly or replace them with a new NGK plug if necessary. For fuel-injected models, the fuel pump might not be delivering fuel properly—try cycling the ignition switch a few times to reset it. As a last resort, attempt a push start by engaging second gear, pulling the clutch, accelerating, and then releasing the clutch abruptly to let the rear wheel turn the engine. Remember to add fuel stabilizer and disconnect the battery’s negative terminal before long-term storage.
Having repaired motorcycles for over a decade, this kind of parking issue is all too common. A dead battery is the primary culprit—try charging it overnight with a charger, and if that doesn't work, just replace it with a maintenance-free battery. For carbureted bikes, be aware that gasoline evaporation residues can clog the jets; you'll need to disassemble and thoroughly spray them with carburetor cleaner, then readjust the air-fuel mixture afterward. For fuel-injected models, focus on checking the fuel pump and injectors—sometimes tapping the bottom of the fuel tank can revive the pump. Don't overlook the mechanical aspects either; oil sedimentation can lead to poor lubrication—if the kickstarter feels unusually heavy, change the oil first. Moisture affecting the ignition coil or high-tension leads can also be an issue—use a hairdryer to warm up the wiring connections. Ideally, start the bike and let it idle for ten minutes each month to keep all components moving smoothly.
