What needs to be taken into account if the motorcycle has stopped for a while

Prepare your motorcycle to return to the road

When our motorcycle has been stopped for an extended period of time, it is advisable to make a series of checks and tuning to enjoy the pleasure of shooting in optimal conditions. We will review the key issues when reviewing that everything is OK.

The battery

The battery has two fundamental functions, with the standing engine it has to provide energy to move the starter engine, this is where more energy is needed. Once the engine is running, the battery becomes an electric “shock absorber”, between the load system (alternator) and the discharge system (lights, ignition, injection ...) allowing all components to have access to direct current 12V stable.

Within the battery there is a chemical process that generates electricity. During this process the chemical components are transformed into others. When the battery receives Carla, this process is reversed and the battery is ready again for use. However, the process is not perfect, and little by little a residue is created that is no longer able to transform and generate electricity.

The battery is the component that is most affected by long periods of inactivity. Keep in mind that in many cases the motor of a motorcycle is larger than that of a middle car, and yet the battery is three times smaller, due to the lack of available space. This implies that it is downloaded faster and its duration is lower.

Ideally, we stop using the motorcycle for a prolonged period would be to have used a Battery loader-magazine, but we have not done surely we are still on time. We can connect it for 24 hours, allowing the total load before use. It is important to know what type of battery is installed on the motorcycle (conventional, gel, agm, lithium ...) and use an adequate charger, not all are the same and can harm more than help.

Once loaded, we can measure the battery charge with a voltmeter, it should be close to 13V.

If after having loaded its value it is close to 11V we may have to replace it. After checking, it is advisable to cover the terminals with dielectric fat To protect them.

The tires

Ideally, a motorcycle that is left in "hibernation" is uploaded to a easel, with the two wheels raised without touching the ground. If this is not your case, it is advisable to inflate the tires at the recommended pressure (always cold, consult the workshop book) and move the motorcycle ahead and back, to verify that the tires have not deformed for staying too much time Low weight in the same position. By the way, we will check the wear, which are not cracked or too “dry” (the rubber should be spongy).

In case of doubt, it is advisable to replace them, remember that your life goes to more than 100 km/h above 8 square centimeters of rubber, it is better that this rubber is good ...

Brakes

While we move the motorcycle "by hand" to check the tires, it is worth verifying the proper functioning of the brakes. If they squeak, we must dismantle the pills and use Specific brake fat. No fat is worth it, for important safety reasons.

If you do well and have a bleeding, maybe it's a good time to replace brake fluid, two years should be replaced, when was the last time you changed it?

Fuel

The gasoline stored in the deposit is degraded over time, and a time can come when it is not able to make the engine work properly. If we doubt your quality we can use some Specific additive.

These additives will also help clean the rubber deposits that are formed by inactivity in carburation and injection systems, and as soon as we have the opportunity we will complete the deposit completely with “fresh” gasoline.

General lubrication

It is important to check all the mobile parts of the motorcycle (cables, levers, axes, chains ...) and lubricate them correctly, using a good spray oil or high -performance fat. Apart from improving sensations and management, the correct lubrication of mobile components protects them from corrosion and dirt.

While we lubricate, we will touch all the components within our reach and verifying that there is nothing loose, broken, cracked rubber sleeves, etc.

Oil change

One of the moments in which motor oil is deepered the most is when the motorcycle is stopped, as it absorbs environmental humidity, water, which mixes with the oil inside the engine. In a daily use, this water becomes steam when the engine reaches the operational temperature and is expelled through motor vents. If the engine remains a long time stopped, this mixture creates a unrecoverable whitish paste. The most recommended after a period of inactivity is:

• Check the cold level (simply verify that there is some oil, it is not necessary that you are maximum).
• Start the engine and put it at an operational temperature, for about 10 minutes or a short turn. At this point it is totally advisable to use some "Flush" product Mixed with old oil, which will perform an internal washing in depth eliminating more waste than with a simple oil change.

• For the engine and drain the oil, change the filter (and by the way, why not the spark plugs too?) And fill with quality synthetic oil, with the recommended viscosity.
• Rear to the engine for ten minutes (a short turn) until it reaches the operational temperature and fill in necessary to the level recommended by the manufacturer.

Back to normal

If your motorcycle was in good condition when you stopped it, with these simple checks you make sure you can return to the road with all the guarantees to make a pleasant and safe experience. Keep in mind that each vehicle is different, so I recommend using common sense when adding any point of interest that is advisable to check.

 

Frank Burguera

#mecanicaharley