How Long Can a Motorcycle Sit Without Starting? Learn Everything!

Some riders aren’t lucky enough to be able to ride their motorcycles regularly. You often have to leave the motorcycle parked for a long time. It creates multiple problems for the motorcycle.

So, how long can a motorcycle sit without starting? A motorcycle can sit for about one month without starting. At most, the sitting time can go up to three months, depending on the storage condition. 

You have to take precautionary measures to protect the motorcycle from damage while sitting idle for a long time. Let’s get to know the risks and ways to mitigate them.

How Long Can a Motorcycle Sit Without Starting?

Without ever starting the engine, a motorcycle can sit for about one to three months. If stored properly, it can sit for one to two years. The ideal time for a motorcycle to be idle without starting depends on some factors. Let me tell you about them.

Parking Condition

If you park the motorcycle in a garage with a controlled environment, the motorcycle can sit for longer. In this case, the motorcycle might not have serious problems within three months. 

But if you park the motorcycle outside where it is exposed to the environment, the motorcycle can have problems after just one month.

Model and Age

Newer models of motorcycles are equipped with advanced technology to prevent various damages. So they can sit for longer without starting. Older models of motorcycles will start to show damage after a few weeks. 

The age of the motorcycle is also important.A new motorcycle can sit for longer than a motorcycle that has been used for a long time.

Component Condition

A motorcycle has various components that can be damaged while sitting. They include the battery, tire, brake, carburetor, and even the engine. Other than major components, some seals and gaskets can go bad if the motorcycle sits without starting.

If you maintain the motorcycle properly and all these components are in good shape, the motorcycle can sit for longer. With aged components, the sitting time will be much shorter.

What Happens If a Motorcycle Sits Without Starting?

Leaving a motorcycle unused for a long time without proper storage measures can cause the following risks. Be aware of them and take the necessary steps to avoid the issues.

1. The Battery Gets Drained

It is the biggest problem with parking motorcycles for a long time. The battery will drain and become completely depleted in a few months. So, you will have a hard time starting the motorcycle after the storage period. In some cases, the battery might be dead, and you have to replace it.

Cold weather is the biggest enemy of batteries. If you park a motorcycle with traditional lead-acid batteries in cold weather, the battery capacity will drop by 20% after three to six months. If the temperature goes below the freezing point, the capacity can drop by 50%.

2. Tires Will Become Brittle and Have Flat Spots

When the motorcycle is used regularly, the tires expand slightly due to the temperature rise. Regular use also distributes the weight of the motorcycle in all areas evenly. When the motorcycle sits for too long, only one area of the tire has to bear all the weight. Plus, there is no chance for the tire to expand.

As a result, the tire develops a flat spot. If the motorcycle sits in a cold climate area, the tire becomes brittle over time. So, the motorcycle might not run normally when you take it out of the parking lot. Tires can also have leaks. 

3. Brake Pads Can Swell or Seize

Using a motorcycle regularly heats up the brake pads and maintains their shape. When the motorcycle is sitting for too long, the brake pads may start swelling. At one point, the pads may cease and stop the brakes from working. So, you won’t be able to roll the motorcycle down the road.

4. The Paint Peels Off

Metal parts on motorcycles, such as fuel tanks, cowlings, etc., have paint coats. If you keep the motorcycle sitting under direct sunlight for a long time, the paint will deteriorate. 

After a few weeks, the paint might start to peel off. There can also be streak marks on the paint. Even if you start using the motorcycle after that, the paint will continue peeling off.

5. The Fuel Will Degrade

If you park a motorcycle for a long time with fuel in the tank, the chance of fuel degradation is very high. Fuel degradation mainly occurs for two reasons. One is thermal degradation, and the other is oxidative degradation.

When the motorcycle is parked in hot weather conditions, thermal degradation can cause the fuel to deteriorate. Oxidative degradation happens if air enters the fuel tank due to weak seals or leaks. The fuel will become thicker, like gels, and clog the system. So, you can’t run the bike after parking it for too long.

6. Various Components Face Rust and Corrosion

The moisture in the environment will cause rust and corrosion in many components. For example, the chain will become very stiff due to the rust. If moisture enters the engine due to shrunk gaskets, the engine components can rust, too. 

The Right Way to Store a Motorcycle Without Problems

If you don’t want your motorcycle to face the above problems while sitting for six months or more without starting, you need to store it in the following way. 

Go Through Maintenance: 

Perform thorough maintenance before putting the motorcycle away for a few weeks or months. For example, change the engine oil and oil filter. Check the brake pads and tire conditions. 

Add Fuel Stabilizer: 

Keeping the fuel tank empty might not be a good idea. Instead, you should fill the tank and add a stabilizer to it. It will keep the fuel from thickening.

Lubricate Components: 

External components of the motorcycle should be lubricated properly to prevent damage. Use a general lubricant for the chain and other areas.

Remove the Battery: 

If you are planning to park the motorcycle for a long time, you should remove the battery from the motorcycle. You can use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged for when you need it.

Put the Motorcycle on Stand: 

Keeping the motorcycle on its tires can be risky. So, you should use jacks or special stands to raise the motorcycle. This way, the tires will be in good shape.

Cover the Motorcycle: 

Use a dustproof cover to protect the motorcycle. Make sure the cover is large enough to wrap the whole motorcycle.

Park Indoors: 

I recommend you park the motorcycle indoors where the temperature can be controlled. It will prevent a lot of damage.

This video can help you further.

How Do You Use a Motorcycle That Sits Without Starting for a Long?

Once you intend to use the motorcycle after a long parking, follow these tips.

1. Check if the battery voltage is close to 12 volts.
2. Examine the fuel quality and engine oil quality.
3. Inspect if the tires and other rubber components are okay.
4. Lubricate the chain and other components if necessary.
5. Let the engine warm up gradually.

FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about motorcycles sitting without starting.

Final Thoughts

I have seen many clients bring their damaged motorcycles for repair after parking them for too long. Knowing how long a motorcycle can sit without starting and how to store it properly is crucial. So, how long can a motorcycle sit without starting?

If the motorcycle is new and all the maintenance is done properly, the motorcycle can sit for about three months without starting. Older motorcycles should not be kept for more than one month without starting. Follow the above tips and tricks when you need to park a motorcycle for a long time.