Your Motorcycle Won’t Start: Possible Causes

Your Motorcycle Won’t Start: Possible Causes

There is hardly anything more annoying: you march to your bike in full gear, full of anticipation for the ride, press the starter and then the bike just won’t start. Before you panic and call a tow service, or even take your bike to the workshop yourself, this should help you find the right solution.

Possible causes

The motorcycle battery is often the cause of starting problems, especially after long periods of standing still, such as winter storage. It is important to check whether other power consuming devices are working, such as the lights. If everything remains dark, the battery is empty. This can be helped by a jump start. Afterwards, the battery must be properly charged –  so make sure you take it out for a longer ride. If the problem occurs again, the battery should be replaced. If your bike turns over but doesn’t start, and there is no issue with the battery, the problem could be connected to the ignition or fuel.

It won’t start — but the battery is good — other causes

An internal combustion motorbike engine works on a fairly simple principle. The correct fuel is mixed with air, compressed, and then ignited. The resulting exhaust gases must be expelled quickly and completely, otherwise the combustion cycle is obstructed. Therefore, these sources of error for starting problems can arise.

Firstly, with the fuel supply line: if the correct fuel is available in sufficient quantity, a vacuum in the tank can be the problem. To check, try starting the engine with the fuel filler cap open. If the engine starts, the fuel tank vent should be cleaned. It is also important to ensure that it is receiving sufficient oxygen: a clogged or dirty air filter does not allow enough oxygen to pass through to initiate proper combustion. When cleaning, it is best to check at the same time, that the air hose is correctly fitted and unobstructed.

Ignition coil failure — symptoms

There could be one or more symptoms causing ignition coil failure, among these are engine jerking, misfiring, vibrating, hard starts or sudden stalling. You may notice that your bike consumes more fuel than usual and your check engine light could have turned on.

It turns over — but won’t start

The most obvious step is to make sure that there is enough gas in the tank, especially after it has been stored for a while. Here are a few of the most common problems that keep your motorcycle from starting.

  • ! Battery — this is the most common reason that the engine won’t start, but still turns over. If it is heavily discharged, you might just hear a clicking noise, caused by the starting coils kicking in and out. Let it charge overnight with a motorcycle charger. 
  • ! Bad fuel -— take a look and see that the fuel tank lid and seal are tight and in good condition. If you have left your bike out in the rain, it could be that you got water into your fuel tank. Using caution, drain the tank into a container made for this purpose. Now refill the tank with premium octane fuel. 
  • ! Blocked air filter — it can get clogged with dirt, insects, or dust, and in some cases, even moisture. Replace your filter regularly to avoid problems with starting your bike. 
  • ! Faulty battery terminals — they can corrode and cause a drop in voltage. If you see green or white residue, you should clean your terminals. Make sure that everything is properly connected and not leaking battery acid.   
  • ! Dirty spark plugs replace these regularly as part of routine maintenance. Your motorcycle needs care and upkeep, and if you follow a regular maintenance routine, your bike will start every time you want to take it out for a ride.

Top products related to this topic:

Comments – 1

  • @G. D.
    30.03.2022 21:59
    Member

    1.gas pump
    2.out of timming ,check with stroboscope

Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents