Should You Start Your Motorcycle Every Day?
When it comes to motorcycle maintenance, there are many myths and rumors circulating. One of the most common is whether you should start your motorcycle every day, even if you’re not riding it. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of starting your motorcycle daily and whether or not it is necessary for the health and longevity of your bike.
Reasons to Start Your Motorcycle Every Day
One reason why some people start their motorcycles every day is to keep the battery charged. When your motorcycle sits idle for an extended period, the battery can lose its charge, and starting the bike can help keep the battery from dying. We don’t actually recommend doing this, instead, we recommend using a battery tender to avoid all the unnecessary wear and tear on the rest of your motorcycle.
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Another reason why some riders start their motorcycle daily is to keep the carburetors clean. If your motorcycle has a carburetor, it can develop varnish buildup if it sits idle for too long. Starting the bike and letting it run for a few minutes can help prevent varnish buildup and keep your carburetor clean.
Reasons Not to Start Your Motorcycle Every Day
While starting your motorcycle every day can have some benefits, there are also drawbacks to consider. Starting your bike every day can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the starter and battery. Additionally, if you live in a cold climate, starting your motorcycle in cold weather can be challenging, and it may be better to leave it parked until the temperature warms up.
Another reason not to start your motorcycle daily is that it can be bad for the engine. If you start your motorcycle and let it idle for too long, it can cause condensation buildup in the engine, leading to rust and corrosion. Additionally, if you start your bike every day but don’t ride it, it can cause the engine to heat up and cool down repeatedly, leading to thermal cycling and potential damage.
Conclusion
We do not recommend starting your motorcycle every day unless you plan on riding it! The small benefits it has are heavily outweighed by the negatives and there are cheap alternatives to maintaining things like your battery.
