COMPLETE GUIDE TO SHORT AND LONG TERM MOTORCYCLE STORAGE.

If you need to leave your Two-wheelers for months or even years at a time, it’s quite alright to do that if you store it properly. A motorcycle can maintain optimal functionality depending on how it's stored.

If you plan to leave your bike unused for a considerable period without proper preparation and care, it can lead to several pesky issues with its different parts. In such cases, there’s a lot of consequences you may have to face including Seals and gaskets shrink and crack, Battery drains, Fuel “gels” up, Tires become brittle and create flat spots, Paint peels on the tank, Condensation builds up in carburetors and engine, rust, and many more other bigger possible ones to be concerned about.

Having said that, Storage preparation depends on storage length, there are very different strategies to follow. When in doubt, always “upgrade” to the next level. It is surprising how the length of time in storage changes the best methods used.

In addition to going over the basics of bike storage, I’ve included extra tips that will make the job more effective.

To start with, Here's a SIMPLE STORAGE OPTION-

Find someone (friend/brother/dad) to start the bike once in two weeks and take it around for a short drive. You can get a through service done whenever you are back in 6-12 months and use it for that period. This would ensure that the bike is in working condition. 

The advantage you get here is that you can ride the bike, right away whenever you are back!

EXPERT OPTION-

If you have the Knowledge of assembly, Dismantle the bike, and keep all important parts in different cut out cans, dipped with oil, so that it does not rust. Spray WD40 anti-rust agent on the remaining portions of the bike to prevent rusting! This is a tension free option till you return back after 2-3years!

Whenever you are back, remove from oil, and assemble it back and ride it! This option is a bit of complication as Knowledge of assembly is required. You wont be able to ride it when you are back unless you assemble it properly! Provided you do all these work with the help of an expert mechanic.

FINALLY, Here are essential steps to take before you store a vehicle. They will preserve the life of the engine and ensure that your car starts when you finally go out and explore once again.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU LEAVE YOUR BIKE UNUSED FOR A LONG PERIOD?

These factors very much depends on how long the bike was left unused. We can divide these factors into three categories- namely:

a) 3 MONTHS PERIOD-

Probably nothing more than drained battery that needs charging to revive it. Tyres will need to be pumped too and fresh fuel is recommended.

b) 6–12 MONTHS PERIOD-

Dried/gummed fuel lines and/or pump,fuel injector/carb jets clogged with gummy residue, that make fuel flow difficult. Perhaps dust and cobwebs in the air filter and ducts too. You’d have to clean all of these, and get fresh fuel in addition to charging the battery (except for basic motorcycles that don’t require a battery to run the engine).

c) FEW YEARS OF DISUSE-

You’d have to clean all the fuel and air lines, pumps, hoses, carburettor/fuel injectors, possibly replace the rubber hoses , change the engine oil, coolant and brake fluids too. Replace the battery altogether. Inspect the wires for cracked insulation, etc.

POINTS WORTH CONSIDERING-

To start off with our list, we will take a look at three of the most basic prerequisites points worth considering:

If any vehicle is stored improperly, or for an extensively long duration it often refuses to start or dies often while running/idling.

This can be caused due to the following factors -

1) DEAD/DYING BATTERY-

A vehicle won't start using the self start mechanism if it has a dead battery.

If the battery cannot crank the engine but makes a “khrr” “khrr” sound like grinding of gears when you try to start the engine, it means that the battery is low on charge. You must charge it back to its specific power output.

If, even on recharging the battery the engine doesn't start or the problem persists, you will have to replace the battery for a new one!

2) ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION-

This is one of the worst problems you could come across and one of the most expensive and troublesome one. It could re-occur if the problem isn't fixed properly.

To avoid this problem always store the vehicle properly in dry and clean place away from moisture.

Also check the terminal of the battery. The battery might be fine but the corroded terminal might cause the starting problem.

3) CLOGGED FUEL SUPPLY-

While the bike runs the dirt and sediments in the fuel tank keeps on getting stirred up. Once the bike is stored these settle down in the tank and block the fuel pipe. This causes blockage in the fuel pipe leading to the engine. Cleaning the tank and pipe should solve this problem.

Another important point is the supply medium of fuel.

In case of FI(fuel injected)engines if the fuel pump is clogged. This is the one problem where you should visit the service center.

In case of carbureted vehicles though cleaning the carburetor and changing the filter should work out.

If the bike starts but is unable to idle then revving the RPM's up to the red highlighted numbers,(NOT redline numbers), can do the trick. This should clear out any obstacles in fuel pipe and lubricate the engine inside from the sitting down engine oil.

If you cannot crank the engine through self start (and if the bike's kick start mechanism doesn't work)- Put the vehicle in second gear and push it until some speed is gained and press the clutch. This should jump start the vehicle effectively.

DIY- ESSENTIAL BIKE TIPS- BEFORE STARTING AN UNUSED BIKE( after 1 year)-

1) Do not try to start it or turn the crankshaft by any means, especially make sure pistons/rings are not stuck or fused to the cylinders.

2) Drain and replace all fluids (engine, brake and other oils, coolant, gas).

3) Replace oil, air and fuel filters.

4) Inspect all rubber/plastic components (tires, gaskets, bushings, belts, etc.) and replace everything that is grayed out, or cracked. Tires older than a couple of years should be replaced.

5) Clean/inspect the entire fuel system, starting with the tank, petcock and fuel/breathing hoses, ending with the carburetors or fuel injection jets.

6) Check, clean and reconnect all electrical connections/plugs. Do the same with lights while you are at it. Pay extra attention to the ignition system.

7) Battery will be almost certainly dead. Get a new one.

8) For chain driven bikes inspect the chain and replace with both sprockets if necessary. For shaft, re-lube or replace oil.

9) Make sure all controls, from switches to handlebar to brake levers, work as they should be.

10) Thoroughly inspect brakes. Replace brake pads, cables, hoses if necessary.

11) Make sure everything that needs to move is cleaned, lubed and works smoothly. Levers, switches, suspension, wheels, steering…

12) Replace spark plugs.

Once you’ve done all that, try to manually turn the crankshaft with spark plugs out and battery disconnected ( turn kick-starter by hand). If it turns smoothly (it will if it didn’t rust) keep turning it a few times while spraying some WD-40 spray or similar through the spark plug holes. If it doesn’t turn easily or at all, you’ll have to take the engine apart!

Please note- the engine will take some cranking to get it started, so be prepared to kick start a lot or re-charge the battery. I suggest running it with some cheap oil for a few dozen Km, then drain and replace it with good oil.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CONSIDER-

When you are about to start the bike after a long period of time, Instead of button starting the bike, kick start it because in these days the battery has drained a lot and when button start is done it drains to the bottom. Run the bike for some distance so as it should charge itself sufficiently. Air pressure in the tires will decrease. Make sure you refill as soon as you resume using your bike to avoid damages to rim and spokes. Same goes with basic lubricants required (Oil/grease).

Take it for a test ride very carefully and pay attention to what it sounds and feels like. Imagine that anything can go wrong at any time until you are satisfied that everything works as it should.

CHECK LIST- ON WHAT TO DO IF YOU PLAN TO KEEP YOUR BIKE UNUSED FOR A YEAR-

Well, you really don't need to do that much to prepare your bike for storage for a year!

Follow these few simple things:

1) Give the bike a full service.

2) Change the oil and filter.

3) Fill the tank full with fresh fuel.Topping the tank off will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank and keeps the seals from drying out. If possible, You should also purchase a fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol buildup and protect the engine from gum, varnish and rust. The fuel stabilizer will prevent the gas from deteriorating for up to 12 months.

4) Run the bike for 10 minutes or so until warm- go for a short ride. This gets the fuel stabilizer through your bike's system.

5) Most importantly: Where do you keep your bike? The area should be cool, dry and dark for your bike to maintain its outer appearance. Sunlight fades away the color and humidity will encourage rust formation. Park the bike in a safe location - locked garage is best. Park the bike on double stand and away from the sun.

7) Remove the battery, place the battery on a piece of wood or your work bench and hook it up to a trickle charger.

8) Air up the tires to your normal riding pressures

9) Prop it up on bricks under the main stand or belly (in case of no main stand) or on paddock stands if you have them so that minimal weight falls on the tyres.

10) Put a motorcycle cover on the bike to protect it from dust. Invest in a good waterproof cover if you don’t have a good parking space or Cover it up with a cloth and tie the whole thing down so it doesn’t blow away with the wind or cover with anything that covers it fully.

Do not have anyone start and idle the bike while you are gone. Idling the bike does not warm up the entire engine/transmission and driveline. This causes acids to form inside the engine as well as water vapors, which will cause corrosion over time. Those acids and water vapor burn off when you ride the bike and heat the entire system up to operating temperatures. It is not necessary to run the engine at all for that short a period of storage.

If you were to store for longer than 2 years, then you would have to do more.

NOTE:

(1) Do not over inflate tires.

(2) Do not start and run for 5 minutes periodically, to “circulate the oil”. This generates a lot of moisture due to the functioning of the internal combustion process. If started running for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will require redoing many of the preparation steps completed before putting in storage.

Please note this is a DIY preparation steps and a mechanic most of the time will easily be able to solve these problem and if you don't want to mess up, i recommend you going to a mechanic as he has the right set of tools for the job and he would do all these above steps systematically. Taking things in your own hand means you should know what you are doing or it might cost you even more money in case you make a mistake and break or damage any parts!

STAY HOME, STAY SAFE, SAVE LIVES....

HAPPY AND PEACEFUL STORAGE!

CARS, BIKES & SCOOTERS HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS YOU SHOULD DO DURING COVID-19 "LOCKDOWN".

Most parts of the world, including India, is under lockdown thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Before we get into this, please heed the suggestions from the government. Our best chance of beating coronavirus at the moment is by staying at home and social distancing is important. Don’t leave your house just for the sake of your vehicle as it can be fixed later on as well.

During this Lockdown period, while we can sit in our homes without rusting, the same cannot be said about our vehicles. Appropriate care needs to be taken to make sure they are in working condition when the lockdown ends and we are finally able to go out and explore once again.

Here are a few things that you can do to make sure that while your vehicle is parked for so many days in a row, it is ready to go once the need arises.

However, as a safety and preventive measure in terms of the Coronavirus spread, it has to be noted that while you go out to start or check your vehicle, it is important to wear gloves and face mask at all times. Also. wash your hands properly with soap and sanitize them once you are back in your home.

1-RUN THE ENGINE-

Vehicles are machines and machines perform their best when they are kept running. During this Lockdown days- start and keep the engine running idle for 1-2 minutes and give accelerator a little push to 1500 RPM, every few days, and move the vehicle around a little short distance forwards and backwards at the same time as running the engine, at least once every two weeks-to keep it from remaining stationary for too long while this will help prevent flat spots on the tyres.If the circumstances permit, take your vehicle out for a short spin inside the bounds of your house, society or colony.

And do remember to operate all the systems, including the air conditioner. This will not only help to keep them in good shape but will also allow you to diagnose any faults.

If your two-wheeler is fuel-injected, do not twist the throttle when you press the starter.

2- MAKE SURE THAT YOUR FUEL TANK IS ALWAYS FULL.

Petrol has a lifespan of roughly one month in tanks, which includes passenger vehicles. Having said that you should always make sure that your car or your bike is fuel topped. This would prevent moisture from building up in the fuel tank and eventually it would prevent rusting. Another fact is that you really can't tell when this Lockdown period will end and when you will be able to visit the fuel pump next or whether it will be open at that time and whether the prices would soar!

3- DON'T LEAVE YOUR HANDBRAKE ENGAGED.

It’s good practice to release the parking brake that is avoid the use of hand brake- if it is cable operated, to park your car for a prolonged period of time and engage the first gear to park your vehicle instead. With your car set to be in no-movement zone for the next few weeks, the hand brake could get jammed. Park the vehicle in the required spot and place a piece of wood or brick just behind the tyres to prevent it from rolling.

If you own a two-wheeler,It's best advised to park it on the main stand. The reason behind this is to ensure that all fluids in the vehicle like fuel and oils are in place and at a balanced level.

4- CLEAN THE CABIN.

Your vehicle is likely to miss proper ventilation in the cabin for most of the three weeks, hence it would be a good idea to avoid keeping any junk food inside, remove leftover food to avoid any unpleasant smell from developing and prevent the growth of bacteria. Vacuum clean the interiors, while paying close attention to the muddy bits like the carpets and floor mats. Also, keep the windows of your car closed at all times (leaving one window a bit opened) during this lockdown.

5- DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY.

The battery in your vehicle is in all probability a lead-acid battery and as your vehicle has to be parked for a unknown amount of time, Your battery is likely to lose charge easily in such a long period. You can do two things to check this, you can either disconnect the battery wires so that the battery does not drain out while your car is parked during the lockdown.

For this, remove the negative terminal.

Alternatively, you can start your car once every couple of days and let the engine run for a few minutes in order to ensure the normal functioning of the battery and prevent it from running out of charge.

6- MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS ENOUGH AIR IN THE TYRE.

Tyres are indeed a big issue .When the tyres are kept idle, they tend to lose air pressure over time because of the weight of the car.If car parked at one spot for a long time will put pressure weight at one spot on car’s tyres and can result in flat-spots and develop cracks in the sidewalls. Even if your tyres are not losing pressure, just move the car around a bit so that it does not rest on the same patch of tyre for so long as it may lead to a flat spot. So, the best solution at present situation is to move your car 2-3 feet forward or backward every 3-4 days. Also, do not forget to fill up the spare wheel too as it could come in handy in emergency situations.

If you’ve got a bike or a scooter, by parking it on the centre stand, you don’t have much to worry about as only one wheel will be on the road, so just turn that one around manually.

7- PARKING.

When your car, bike or scooter is left idle for a prolonged period, your car will be gathering dust, bird droppings, leaves, flowers and bearing direct sunlight. If your parking is a covered one, then you are well sorted. However, in case it is an open parking, it is best to get a cover for your car, bike or scooter. The cover will also reduce fading of the paint, saves it from the occasional rain and also prevents the collection of leaves and flowers on the vehicle. Don't park under trees as birds can poop on the car and it's like pouring acids on the car!

You can also leave a small part of the window open for ventilation. This will also keep your car cool if it is not in the shed.

8- EXHAUST PORT.

Another thing to make sure is that exhaust ports, air intakes and other possible holes in your car or bike are all sealed up. If a rat gets into your exhaust or the air vents, you’re likely to have an issue and it will smell horrible. Make sure that you unblock all such holes before starting your vehicle. Make a list of the places you have sealed so that you don’t forget when you finally start up your vehicle.

9- LUBRICATION- (Two-wheelers).

As your two-wheeler needs to be parked for a long time, it is necessary to keep parts like chain, suspension, clutch/brake/lever, folding leg rest and keyhole properly lubricated. By doing so you will not only make their life longer but will also ensure smoother functioning whenever you take your vehicle out once the lockdown lifts.

10- SAFETY LOCK- (Two-wheelers).

As an added safety for two-wheelers in order to prevent any theft, In case you do not have tech-enabled anti-theft devices, you can use a disc lock or steel cable lock or even an old method with chain and pad lock if you park it outside your house.

The Coronavirus lockdown may be frustrating for many, especially for people who love riding/ driving their vehicles.While i completely understand the fact that how hard it must be for you to stay indoors and completely stay away from riding/ driving, But having said that it is extremely important that we remain indoors at a time like this, not only for our own safety but to keep the virus from spreading faster any further than we as a country can handle it. That said, the only wise option at the moment is to respected and follow this lockdown.

STAY HOME, STAY SAFE, SAVE LIVES-

PRAY FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS...

REPAIRING A FLOOD DAMAGED VEHICLE- IS IT WORTH IT? (part:2)

After your car is damaged in flood, the first question that comes to your mind is- "Should I fix this car, or should I just take the money from insurance and buy a new car or a used car? well for a new car, right now I don't have that much money even to put just as a down payment...but I loved this car and I want to keep it, but not if the car is just going to be a nightmare from now on!" It's often very hard to figure out what is wrong with the flood-damaged vehicle. When the repair costs for your flood damaged vehicle are too high for your vehicle's value, selling the car is probably best. Please note in case of Hydrostatic Lock, you won't get insurance cover for your vehicle.

Has anyone had experience fixing a flooded car? Was it worth it? Should I worry about future problems? However, flood damage can still have serious impact years later and will likely have no market value for future resale.

Mind you, A flooded vehicle can be repaired by an experienced mechanic.

Even if your insurance company has “totaled” your car, you may be able to reclaim it and complete the repairs but it won’t be easy or cheap.

Unfortunately not every vehicle that’s flooded can be repaired at a reasonable cost. As a general guide, vehicle that have been immersed to a level where water has come into the interior will probably be too expensive to repair, but you should seek professional guidance as each car has to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

*HOW TO QUICKLY CHECK IF YOUR VEHICLE IS SUFFERING FROM WATER DAMAGE-

1). Check for the visible signs-

a)Moisture and water inside exterior lights.

b)Fungal formation on the upholstery, carpet and door panels.

c)Air filter are wet.

2) Check for engine performance-

Check out for abnormal noises coming from alternator, starter, belt,

power steering, ac.

3) Check out for discoloured fluid-

Check if the car's fluid for engine has got milky or discoloured from the

  original state.

4) Check for Electrical problems-

It's widely said that water and electricity do not go hand in hand.The

same goes for your car too which may show electrical problems due to

water damages.

♤For Someone whose car has minimal dampness may be able to dry the car out and move on. Meanwhile, someone whose car was completely submerged in water may not be able to repair their flood-damaged car.

■FOR VEHICLES WITH MINIMAL DAMPNESS IN FLOOD-
The following steps are basically what you should do with the engine:

☆1) Check the oil dipstick to see if there is any water contamination.

☆2) Loosen oil drain plug and release any water.

☆3) Remove the spark plugs.

☆4) Change the oil and filter.

☆5) Crank the engine with the plugs out – be sure that all water sprays out of the engine.

☆6) Clean out the engine bay of all debris- especially in the radiator.

☆7) Dry the cylinders and pistons with the plugs removed.

☆8) If there was water in the engine, spray a little oil in the cylinders and crank some more.

☆9) Now replace the spark plugs and try to start it.

☆10) If the engine runs, let it run a few minutes, shut it off, and check the oil again.

☆11) If the oil is cloudy or milky at all, change the oil and the filter.

☆12) If any water have got into the gas tank, it must be drained before you crank the engine or water will be pumped into the fuel system and cause a lot of trouble.

■FOR VEHICLES SUBMERGED IN FLOOD-
Here are list of tips and things to check out:

●1) A vehicle’s electronics and electrical parts always sustain the most serious damage after flooding. If your vehicle's fuse box or control units were submerged in water they will also need to be replaced, and prices for these components tend to increase right after major floods. If you don’t replace them, these particular electronic items will be prone to failure over time, even if they operate right now. The same is true with your wiring harnesses and battery cable connections.

♤Always remember that Moisture can cause a short circuit in the electrical system, resulting in malfunction of its critical components, including the following:

☆Electrical control unit (ECU)

☆Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and other automotive lights.

☆Air conditioning system.

☆Power windows, power locks, and power seats.

☆Audio and video systems.

☆Fuses.

☆Anti-lock brake system.

Do not START THE VEHICLE until you have checked the vehicle Engine. Before turning these electrical parts on for inspection, make sure that the engine is safe to start. All the plugs, switches, and relays must be dried out.

If you notice anything wrong with how a certain component works, that’s a clear sign of electrical trouble. Also, if the ECU got soaked, have it checked immediately at the repair shop.

●2) Do not attempt to start an engine that has been flooded. A hydro-locked engine, if it even starts, will quickly destroy itself. It’s likely that water invaded the engine and transmission, destroying the lubricating properties of both, so do not, under any circumstances, attempt to start the vehicle. At the very least, you’ll have to replace the motor oil and transmission fluid.

If the oil level is abnormally high, water probably got into the crankcase because oil floats on water, making it useless as a lubricant. Remove the spark plugs and turn the engine over by hand to force water out of the cylinders. Blowing compressed air into the spark plug holes and intake also helps. Make sure to drain the oil and replace the oil filter. After all these work id done, again Check transmission fluid levels, as well as the transfer case and differentials. If the damage is more extensive, rebuilding both may be your only option!

Please note that Automatic transmission discs tend to delaminate in water. Manual transmission synchronizers can be ruined by lack of lubrication, and a soaked clutch may rust. Transmission problems may be rectified by completely draining fluids and refilling, and the clutch may release once you get the engine up to temperature.

●3) Beyond the engine and transmission- Hoses and Belts may need replacing. The problem may be much worse if you find damaged sensors or the core central processing unit destroyed!

●4) Pay special attention to safety systems, such as water-contaminated brake fluid or power steering fluid. Water-logged brake fluid, for example, can vaporize leading to a loss of braking power. Replace contaminated steering and brake fluid, flushing both. Examine brake pads, and drums. Clean out or replace as necessary. 

●5) Removing seats, carpeting and insulation may be the only way to dry the cabin completely. It’s critical to start cleaning out as much water as possible, as soon as possible, to remove off corrosion. Disconnect all electrical components, clear the vents and storage compartments, and test all switches, knobs and buttons for workability.

Park the car outside on a sunny day, with all doors and windows open, and lay everything out in the sun— don’t forget to open the trunk(boot/dickie), remove the spare tire. Disconnect all electrical connectors and dry them out with a hair dryer!

●6) Flood waters are usually filled with all kinds of debris from dirt to silt to

grass, which get struck in the most hard to reach places. Make sure that

engine, boot, under spare tire, inside and under the glove compartment

are free from debris.Give the car a water service.

●7) It is most likely, water invaded the fuel tank. Depending on the level of flooding, you may need to drain the fuel tank to eliminate water contamination.That means you’ll need to drain out the tank, recycle the old fuel or get new fuel and then refill.

☆ Start your car only after completing these steps.

☆If the car got soaked in salt water, by any means, DO NOT DO ANY OF THIS. Don’t even try to repair the vehicle. Just sell the vehicle off! at the earliest.

In general, repairing flood damage is an uncertain venture. So, before determining whether you can repair your flood-damaged car, start by determining your car’s worth before the flood damage.

It is true that flood-damaged cars in some cases can be repaired (sometimes at a high cost). However, flood damage can still have serious impact years later. While parts of the car can begin to rust with time.

Not to mention, you may even have a permanent fungus smell in your car. You’ll also have to record the flood damage which can make it harder to insure and sell in the future .

PLEASE NOTE-👆 First of all, one should not drive in the flood, it's dangerous, and then one should not try to be smart at this time, safety is more important.🤔

THINK WISELY, STAY CALM, STAY SAFE.