can a bike seize from not being used for a long time?

Answer 1

My experience is with 60s and 70s Italian car engines, but any piston engine can seize if it sits for a very long time. In addition to want2wild's WD-40 answer, Marvel Mystery Oil or any penetrating oil will work. Squirt some in each cylinder, let sit for a couple days, and then try to turn the crank by hand (hand tools). Don't go get the biggest prybar you can find, but just use something like a ratchet, trying to turn the crank one way then the other. It may take a few cycles of letting it sit and working the crank, but it will eventually loosen up without breaking piston rings.

Answer 2

Most definitely!
The most common type of engine seizure is, the piston rings rusting (oxidizing) to the cylinder walls. Even If your able to break the piston free there is still a rust groove left in the cylinder wall. The jug or cylinder will have to be replaced or honed along with installing new or over sized piston rings. When putting a bike in storage, you should remove the spark plugs and spray some WD40 in the cylinder then replace the spark plug. This will dissipate moisture and prevent oxidation from occurring. I would also suggest kicking over the engine at least once a month, this will prevent the seals from hardening and failing once the bike is put back into service

Answer 3

Yes, condensation in the air can cause the piston rings to rust to the cylinder walls. especially if either the intake or exhaust valve is open.(this is likely) . you can possibly loosen this condition by spraying penetrating oil down the cylinders through the spark plug holes, let it sit and than gently try to turn the motor over by hand. Often times this works. be patiant and gentle though, allow the penatrating oil a couple of hours to work be fore you try to rotate the crankshaft

Answer 4

Another thing that WILL happen is the clutch seizing. This can allegedly be remedied by revving the engine and dropping the clutch. I don't know if that's true but a mechanic from Coleman Power Sports in VA told me that when it happened to me.

Answer 5

Short answer...........YES!!!!!!!!!
I once acquired a CZ dirt bike....engine was seized.
When I took it apart, combustion chamber was filled with water (it was stored outside, unprotected for I don't know how long).
To get cylinder off piston, I had to put a block of wood on piston crown, and keep tapping it with an air hammer, after soaking it with penetrating oil.

Answer 6

Yes,sometimes a good long shot of WD-40 in the spark plug holes and let it sit for a few days helps.Sometimes it is a major problem.E-mail me if you need more help.

Answer 7

It is difficult but could happen. If enough damp air got trapped in the engine, there could be rust, but with oil all over everything, it is doubtfull.

Answer 8

yes, that is why you go thru the checklist to store them.