Leaving a motorbike for 5 years may sound extreme and ridiculous. However, it turns out that it happens a lot, especially in big cities where the majority of the population are migrants. This is what then raises another question. What will happen if the motorbike is stored or left without being warmed up, let alone driven? Will it be damaged? or will it even extend the life of the motorbike? Otomodify will answer this question. Check out this Otomodify article to find out more.
Gasoline
Gasoline is one of the important components that functions as a motor driver or fuel. Gasoline has volatile properties. This is why motorbikes that are stored for a long time, especially those left in hot places, will easily lose gasoline. What's worse is that gasoline doesn't just evaporate. Gasoline can leave behind sediment from gasoline residue in the tank or carburetor. This sediment is sticky like varnish.
After 5 years of storage, it is likely that the motorbike will be difficult to start because of the sediment from the remaining gasoline. What's worse than the sediment is that the motorbike's gas tank can rust from the inside. Especially if the tank contains water vapor.
Oil
After the motorbike is left for a long time or even up to 5 years, the oil in the motorbike will oxidize, change color, and lose its ability as a lubricant. The worst thing is that the oil turns into acid which will then damage the inside of the engine if forced to start. Not only that, just like gasoline, oil will also become sediment. Instead of lubricating the engine, the oil turns into stale oil sediment.
Battery
Motorcycle batteries must actually be refilled regularly. This must also be done when the motorbike is not in use or is being stored. If left alone, even for up to 5 years, it is certain that the battery is dead. The most practical solution is to recharge the battery. However, in some cases, a new battery is needed.
Stiff, flat, cracked tires
Motorcycle tires will also be affected if the motorbike is left for too long. Staying in one position for too long can cause a flat spot, or a permanently dented tire. The air in the tire also slowly comes out and the tire becomes flat. The worst thing is that the tire rubber can crack finely or become hard like plastic. If the condition is like this, the motorbike can no longer be driven, let alone for sudden braking.
Rust spreads
This is the main enemy. From the chain, brake disc, small bolts, to the engine block, everything can become a nest for rust. This condition can be worse if the motorbike is stored in a humid place or exposed to water vapor. Rust on the brake disc can make an uncomfortable sound when the wheels rotate. While rust on the gear can cause the chain to drag and wear out faster.
Hose hardens
If you leave your motorbike for 5 years, it's not just the hose that will harden. Seals and other rubber-based components will also harden. Such as oil seals, petrol hoses, o-rings, and cable protectors. When the motorbike is then turned on again, this hardened hose can cause leaks everywhere.
Brakes
This most important part will also be affected. Brake fluid absorbs water from the air. And if this is left for so long, even up to 5 years, the brake pads can stick to the disc. As a result, the wheels are difficult to move or rotate. The worst thing is that the wheels don't move at all.
Dull and peeling paint
The appearance of the motorbike that was previously cool and clean becomes dull like a motorbike that has been flooded. Not only that, the motorbike paint can fade, become streaky or even peel off. This can get worse if the motorbike is stored in a hot place or exposed to direct sunlight and dust.
Rats and pests
A motorbike that has been stored for a long time, even up to 5 years, is likely to be used as a "new" home by small animals such as rats, cockroaches, and even snakes. Cables that are then bitten by rats will certainly be a problem in themselves.
Major service before use
If you have left your motorbike for 5 years and then are going to use it again, here are some services that must be done:
- Change the oil, replace the battery, replace the tires
- Clean the gas tank, carburetor/injector
- Check and replace brittle seals or hoses
- Wash the inside and outside of the engine thoroughly
- Check the brakes, shock absorbers, and cables
Sometimes this major service costs almost the same as buying a new motorbike. It is no wonder that many people have left their motorbikes and then sell them as "project motorbikes".
So what should you do?
If you are forced to leave your motorbike for a reason, don't leave it for 5 years. If the motorbike is left for a long time, it still needs maintenance such as:
- Warm up the motorbike once a week
- Fill the tank full so it doesn't rust
- Charge the battery regularly
- Check the air pressure and push the motorbike back and forth
- Store in a closed and dry place
- Use a motorbike cover as a protector to reduce damage.
A motorbike is a machine, and machines are created to move. If you let him sleep too long, he might wake up as a “zombie”—still alive, but costing you a lot of money to revive him.
So, take care of your motorbike even if you don't use it. Because if he could talk, maybe he would say:
"You've abandoned me for 5 years, bro. Now you're asking me to turn on you? Sorry, I need therapy first." 😌