Why Won't It Start?

You love your motorcycle until the day you don't. That day will come right after you crash a motorcycle badly or when you are already running late and the bike won't start. You'll kick and curse and quickly recap every unjust act that has ever happened to you when you were on the bike. Afterwards, you'll sit on the curb, stare at the bike's battle scars, a dented gas tank from that trip to Mexico and worn tires and think, "I love this bike because of these reasons not despite them." But you are still late and the bike still isn't starting, so start by checking the obvious.

If the bike sputtered, spit and coughed before giving up, open the gas tank and check for fuel. While you are at it, check your fuel petcock to ensure it is in the "On" or "Reserve" position. These only take a minute to do and allow you to move forward with your diagnosis. If the bike doesn't even try to spin we need to investigate possible electrical problems. Put the bike in neutral, make sure the kickstand is up, and the clutch is pulled in and try to start the bike. If the bike still refuses to start we remove the rider's seat and check the battery.

Are the battery terminals secured and corrosion-free? Check to see that the battery has at least 12.6 volts, if not, charge the battery and retest. Follow the ground cable (black) to where it grounds to the bike. Is this ground secured and corrosion-free? If the bike still doesn't start, follow the positive cable (red) to the main fuse and check to see this fuse is intact, if not, replace it. Inspect the fuse box to make sure there are no fuses that have burnt out and are causing an open circuit.

If you are still unable to start the bike, start by laying a screwdriver across the starting relay, located near the main fuse. The screwdriver will jump electricity across the starter relay and will force the bike to start. If the starter isn't even turning then you will have to address the electrical problem first. If the starter is spinning but the engine isn't catching you could have a problem with the engine not getting fuel or not getting spark. Spray starter fluid into the air box to see if the engine catches. If so, the problem is likely fuel delivery but if the problem persists check to make sure your engine has spark. If you don't feel comfortable jumping the starter relay, consider spraying some starter fluid into the bike's air box and push-start the bike. Arm yourself with the ability to separate cause and effect and you will be able to start your bike even on the days you can't.

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