Take care of your motorcycle while incarcerated

Since the beginning of their imprisonment, all bikers cannot drive their cars. This situation is of great concern to motorcycle enthusiasts, who are wondering what steps should be taken to keep their two-wheeled vehicles in good condition throughout their detention. 

Indeed, a motorcycle that has to stand in the garage for several weeks will definitely require special care so as not to deteriorate during this time. What steps should be taken to properly prepare the motorcycle for future launch after several weeks of inactivity?

Stop your motorcycle in a suitable place 

If you plan to immobilize your motorcycle for several weeks, you will need to park it in a safe place. So there is no better place to store your motorcycle than a garage. 

If you don't have one, the best thing you can do is park your two-wheeler somewhere away from the weather. In this particular case, you can head to the closed parking space. 

We recommend that you do not take this step lightly. Because a motorcycle that is exposed to sunlight and moisture for too long can be damaged very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid immobilizing him outside if you are locked in the apartment.

Complete motorcycle cleaning

It is recommended that you clean the motorcycle completely before leaving it for a long time. By deviating from this rule, you run the risk of finding the motorcycle in the mud at the end of the confinement. And this is not the worst thing. Indeed, accumulations of dust, grease or even sludge that may have settled on your two-wheeled vehicle since the last time it was used can easily damage the bandage. 

Worst of all, this dirt can also cause possible leaks and damage several motorcycle components. This will surely make the repair bill expensive when the time comes. Fortunately, you have the ability to prevent such expenses. 

All you have to do is degrease the wheels, headlights, mirrors and other parts of your car. This requires dishwashing liquid, cold water, and a clean, lint-free cloth. 

You will also need a toothbrush to access hard-to-reach parts of the motorcycle. If there is one thing you absolutely shouldn't do, use a high pressure water jug ​​when washing. Once this operation is complete, remember to lubricate your motorcycle chain.

Battery and spark plug care

The battery and spark plugs are parts that tend to fail if left in the motorcycle for long periods without use. For example, the battery itself drains quickly if you don't bother to turn it off. 

Because even when the motorcycle is not switched on, the battery feeds its alarm, keeping it in a constant standby mode. A discharged battery will instantly lose its capabilities, especially autonomy.

If the power outage does not tell you so, you need to run the motorcycle periodically, at least once a week for a few minutes. In the event that the battery is still discharged, you need to charge it with a suitable charger or seek professional help.

And if by chance your two-wheeled car refuses to start, despite the fact that all of its warning lights are on, you have to worry about the failure of the spark plugs. If necessary, it remains only to clean the indicated candles. You will need some gasoline and a wire brush to clean them. But it's best to get new ones.

Carburetor

If you have one of the latest electronic ignition equipped motorcycles on the market, you can do without the following tips. 

This only applies to owners of older motorcycles. They are really advised to always turn the motorcycle's throttle twice before starting it, especially if the motorcycle has been stationary for several weeks.

Compliance with this scheme allows the rider to circulate gasoline in all circuits necessary for a successful start. After the engine has started, let it pass through a small jet of gas. Avoid engaging first gear immediately. Wait a good quarter of an hour for the engine to run again before doing this. 

Motorcycle tires 

In order for the tires on your motorcycle to withstand this long period of forced immobilization, you need to inflate them to a slight excess. But be careful not to exceed 25% of their usual inflation rate. This is important to prevent premature wear. 

Indeed, when a motorcycle is left in place for several weeks, its tires tend to deflate, deform, and then deteriorate. From time to time you will have to go around the motorcycle garage to check the tire pressure level. 

And if in the meantime this pressure has dropped, you can return it to the desired level. However, you should avoid riding your motorcycle with overly inflated tires. Therefore, remember to relieve the pressure before setting off.

Motorcycle tank

To prevent dirt from accumulating in your motorcycle's tank during isolation, you will have no choice but to fill it halfway. This is because an empty tank or a tank with very little fuel will quickly oxidize. 

However, do not fill it completely, as a full tank will reduce the quality of the fuel stored in it. However, poor quality fuel can damage your car's engine. This will entail other, even higher costs. 

On the other hand, if you fill the tank halfway, you can fill it with fuel at the end of confinement to improve the quality of the fuel you have stored for several weeks. This way, you can drive your car without worrying about engine damage.