Steps to Take When Your Motorcycle Won’t Start

There are few things that are more disappointing than getting psyched up to go riding only to be hit with realization that your motorcycle won’t start. The engine is turning over, but nothing is happening except for the fact that your frustration level is rising. Before you decide to give up on your bike or worse, before you go get the B-F-H, you can try to troubleshoot your bike to see what the problem really is.

Unless you have one of those new all-electric motorcycles, your bike needs three main things to run- Spark, Fuel/Air mixture and Compression. Your bike will either run rough or not start at all without the proper amounts of any of those elements. You can break these elements down and troubleshoot each one until you find the reason why your bike is not starting. Below are some of the basic steps that you can take to get your motorcycle started and back on the road again.

Spark/Ignition

Electrical problems are often the most frustrating thing to troubleshoot for everyday riders.  Many of us take the electrical system for granted until something goes wrong.  If you have no experience, it can be puzzling to figure out. Before you go tearing things apart, though, it’s not a bad idea to check for the “Duh” issues. Make sure that your key is turned to “On” or “Run” and that the kill switch is in the “Run” position as well.  Also make sure that the bike is in neutral and that your kickstand is up. These may sound like no brainers, but if you go to doomsday mode right away (which many of us do), you can easily overlook the simple things.

With the “Duh” issues resolved and your bike still not starting, it’s time to investigate further into your engine spark. A great place to start is at your spark plugs. When you start here, you can keep tracing it back until you find your ignition or spark issue.  To test your spark plugs, remove them from the cylinder head and then plug them back into the plug cap. Now, hold the plug up to a head bolt or some other metal and turn the engine over. You should be able to see a spark from electrode traveling to the metal.  No spark or weak spark? Try changing out your plugs to see if the results are any different. If not, then you will have to test further.

You can start by checking out your plug wires and caps. Your bike will usually still run rough if these are bad, but you can visually inspect them fairly fast. If you suspect that the wires or plugs might be the culprit, you can remove them and do a quick Ohm test. Next, you will want to check your ignition coil followed by the CDI box, rectifier/regulator and all other electrical components. Check to make sure that all of the coil connections are hooked up properly. Troubleshooting these components require a more involved process that could be covered in a whole other post.

Ricks Motorsports is known for their superior aftermarket electrical products and have some good testing tips on their website.

Air/Fuel Mixture

Once again, you will need to check for those “Duh” issues with your fuel. Is your fuel petcock turned to on or reserve?  Is there even gas in the tank?

The most common time that you will encounter fuel problems is when you try to start your motorcycle for the first time after being stored for a long period of time. After a while, the gas can break down if it was not properly stabilized and will lose enough octane so that it will not combust. Gas blended with ethanol seems to break down even faster. Fresh gas can make a huge difference in your engine’s ability to start and run.

Sitting for long periods of time can also dry out your fuel system. Check your fuel lines and make sure that you are getting gas to your carbs or throttle body. Fuel lines can dry out and crack. Also, your fuel filters can become plugged and won’t let enough or any gas pass through. Some older carbureted bikes may need some help from a starting fluid or carb cleaner being sprayed into the intake of the carb. Once the bike fires on the starting fluid, it will usually help draw the gas through the fuel system. If your bike continues to die after running on the starting fluid, you should try to troubleshoot elsewhere. Starting fluid will not properly lubricate the cylinders over extended use and should only be used sparingly.

A clogged vent tube on your gas tank can also restrict the gas from flowing through the system.

Another fuel issue is that your bike might not start because it is flooded. To un-flood the engine, you will need to remove the spark plugs. Once they are removed, turn off the choke and turn the motor over until the excess gas has dissipated or if you have time, you can just let the bike sit until it evaporates.

If you are still having problems with the flow of your fuel, you will need to clean the carbs. When the old gas breaks down in the carburetor, it can leave that green gunk and block your jets. Once your carbs are clean, you will want to make sure that your fuel pump is working properly as well.

Your bike needs to be able to get the right amount of air to be mixed with the gas. A broken or loose vacuum line can result in too much air being drawn into the combustion chamber, which will alter the air/fuel mixture and not allow the engine to ignite the mixture properly. Check your vacuum lines for cracks and holes.  Conversely, too little air can be the culprit as well. Make sure that air can pass through your air filter/intake. A dirty filter is an easy fix.

Compression

You might want to save testing for compression until it’s the only thing left to troubleshoot. The results of this can be the most devastating. If one or all of your cylinders have low or no compression, your engine will not fire properly or at all. The air/fuel mixture needs to be compressed to raise its temperature to a point where it can become combustible.  Without enough compression, the mixture will not ignite.

To check the compression, you will need a compression tester. Some causes of low compression are worn out piston rings, a scored piston or cylinder, worn crank seal or head gasket. Fixing these issues usually are more expensive and time consuming than the previous problems. Follow our article’s tips on how to do compression and leak down tests.

Hopefully these steps will get your motorcycle back on the road where it belongs, but if you are still experiencing issues, check out Dennis Kirk’s Tech Team for additional help.

Ryan
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295 comments

Need help just cleaned carburetor bike will start with petcock in off position when turned to on position engine floods and bike dies out any advice

Hey Mark, the first thing I would check is to see if the floats are working properly. Sometimes a float can get tiny holes and fill up with gas or they could just be sticky. Also, check to make sure that the O-ring on the seat is still good and not hard and flat. You may also want to check and make sure that you are getting good spark or compression so that all of the gas is getting burned. Hope this helps.

Hi Ryan
I have a gsxr 750 k1.Bike was standing for 2months.
I have tried everything but bike just turns over and wont start.
Fully charged battery..new plugs..new oil…drained petrol and added new..clean fuel pump..cleaned injectors..clean air filter..checked codes in dealer mode and get c00 which means evrything is ok.
All seems to be in order but she just wont start.

HELP PLEASE?

Haha dont give up yet. Theres still more to check. I have a triumph but fuel injection is all pretty similar. There are sensors that you should be able to test with a multi meter, could be barometric pressure, mass air flow, manifold air pressure, coolant temp sensor, clutch swith, neutral switch. Could even be a corrupted ecu. You should do a compression test its not very hard to do.

Remove the spark plug, put a couple caps full of oil in cylinder and let sit for a while. Turn engine by hand a few times. Then before starting do a dry run.(no plug) insert plug and start. If it starts it will smoke for a bit but should gain the compression needed.

Hi, I have a cbr600rr 2003 and I’m having some electrical problems I think, when I turn on ignition everything comes on just fine, execept sometimes I hear a fuse sounding noise which I believe to be my electric start. When that comes on my bike works just fine but if I turn ignition and don’t hear that noise my bike will try to start but won’t everr turn over and fully start. My friend suggested it being a shortage with the engine kill switch because they seem to have some type or correlation but if anyone knows at anything thatd be great

Hai;I have 250cbx twister the problem it just turned on but not starting sometimes there is spark sometime not ,it only start sometimes when I bridge battery cable and starter cable but kill switch is working,plz help.

Hello
My bike turns over and over and does not start. its not air, fuel, spark, or compression 100%. What happened was some guy was gonna buy it and the battery was not in it. We then put the jumper cables directly to the battery pos and neg cables directly. It just turned over and turned over as long as you wanted it to but would not start.. Thoughts?

Hi Chris angelique here,, what was the cause of your bike? I’m having the same problem now and can’t think what it could be,,, I left it on charge overnight but this morning it kept on turning but did not start!!

Hi,
I have a 1982 Honda CM 250 C and it will not run. I thought the starter was out because it sounded like it was just spinning. I bought a new starter and put it on and it basically sounds the same. I dont hear the typical sound of it firing, any suggestions?

Hi Don, First you need to find out if the engine is turning over when the starter spins. Once you figure that out you can move on with troubleshooting. Feel free to contact our tech team at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected] to help you further.

I have 96 vulcan 900 starts and runs in nuetral but when try a gear it shuts off, and if in gear won’t even turn over

hey! i have a 1992 kawasaki EX500 and i just got it about 2 days ago. the first day the bike ran super smooth but at the end of the day on day 2 the bike will no longer turn on.. i can hear the starter whirl and try to start the bike up but it just won’t turn over. i was riding the bike earlier (day 2) and when i went to shift into 3rd gear the bike made a weird clunk noise and threw itself into neutral. it’s happened about 3 times now and i’m very new to motorcycles and im absolutely stumped on what the issue could be.. earlier the bike would turn over but as soon as i gave it throttle the bike would just die and now it won’t even start the engine. i see this forum is kinda old so i hope people still look at it. any help would be appreciated!

check if your kickstand sensor is broken. only explenation because you cannot kick it in gear while the kickstand is down

Hi my name is dean I have a yamaha yzf r1 bikes bean running fine till this afternoon it lost power got home switched off then got a bubbling noise from engine tryed to start her again wouldn’t start a rotten smell of fuel could you point me in right direction or tell me what could be wrong??

I have a 2008 Yamaha vstar 1100 with 7000 miles on it. The bike starts fine in the morning and after work. But if I go on a ride and stop for a short time it doesn’t like to start? I have to get it some throttle to get it running. Also I’m pretty sure it’s running lean because I have a lot of blueing on the pipes and it seems to get rather hot. Any ideas?

Hello, I am having a bit of trouble with my 2002 Yamaha yzf-r1 starting. I flick on the fuel switch and i can here fuel pump in. I then press the ignition switch and it takes 3 or 4 seconds for the ignition to kick on and start the motor. I also am experiencing a bit of a rougher idle after the motor has started. Any suggestions on how to get my baby running smoothly again?

Hi Tony, the first thing that you can check is your battery. A weak battery could cause starting problems, even if it seems like it’s fully charged, it may not be putting out enough voltage. If you are still experiencing problems feel free to contact our tech team for more troubleshooting at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

Wow, sorry to bring up an old post. I have a 2011 FZ-1. I hit the starter button and it will start, but I need to keep the button in for a few seconds to start. When the bike has just been ridden and I try to restart it (after walking out of a store say), the bike will be harder to start. It sounds like it starts so you let off the button and it stops. Press and hold button for a few seconds and it will the start. I checked the battery and it registered 13.2x volts. I turn the key to get lights on and it drops to 12.6-12.7. Turn the key back of and it climbs back up to 13.xx volts. Any ideas please? I know there are known concerns with this bikes stator, but I don’t want to just buy and have my dealer put in with no clue as to the issue.

I forgot to say, I just got this bike at the dealer used. Other than this it’s perfect. They just did the 8k service and new spark plugs before they sold it. Sometimes it does start right up. I checked the battery connections and they are tight. Thank you

2014 Harley Breakout. I turn the key to start the bike and nothing happen. The light inside the tachometer flickers. I charged the battery over night…same result. Any advise would be appreciated.

Hey Eddie, that’s not a whole lot to go on. Feel free to contact our tech support at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]. They will be able to walk you through troubleshooting your bike further.

My Bike stops suddenly and ll nevr start again for few days.It is happening regulalrly.After some days if i try it l start but again the prob perists.I tried choke also but it l never start for few days.Please advice.Its 120cc hondqa passion

Hey Sandeep. It sounds like you may have a air/fuel issue. Try cleaning your carbs, check the air cleaner. Make sure that the gas tank is vented properly. Make sure the fuel lines are not clogged or pinched. Also make sure that your spark plugs are not fouled. If you need more help, feel free to contact our tech team.

Hay I have a 2002kwa.nig. I was going down the road. My brike died on me.it want started. But it will trum over. But wanted start

Greetings. I have an 02 gaze 1000 that would start fine. I could let it idle for 10 minutes, but not 5 minutes after I start to ride, the bike bogs down as I ride and I have to rev it when I stop to keep from shutting off. So I drained the tank and purchased some Seafoam. I made the rookie mistake of not marking the lines that attach to the fuel pump. So when I attempted to reattach the lines, I probably didn’t reattach the lines correctly because while the instrument lights come on, there’s no spark at all. There’s only 3 or 4 lines but I haven’t found anyone who can help me put them back correctly. I haven’t ridden in around 4 months-hope you can help.

Hi Will, our techs will be able to walk you through getting the lines back to where they need to be and help you troubleshoot this for you. You can contact them at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected].

Ryan,
I have a bobbered out 2002 Honda rebel 250cc. I took a trip to the store the other day and noticed first that my bike would not idle down at stop signs or lignts it continued to rev/high. Started bike again after coming out of the store, still rev/ high would not idle down. Made it back home with same problem. Shut bike off let sit for a few minutes and tried re-starting. The only thing that came on was the headlight. No blinkers or taillights or brake lights worked. Engine did not turn over/ no sound or click of any kind. Assumed my battery had died because the guy I bought bike from said he had never changed it. Replaced it and still nothing is happening. I do not know very much about bikes/engines etc. What do you think is the problem ? Thanks for any advice you can give me. sincerely, Lee

Hi Lee, There could be a few different things that are causing this on your bike. For help troubleshooting, feel free to contact our tech team at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]. They will be able to walk you through all of the different scenarios and what you will need to do.

I have a 2003 yamaha v star 650. And I just replaced my neutral safety switch o ring and front blinkers and now wont start. Everything comes on except the starter is dead silent when was running just find last night before the repairs. Battery is brand new and charged. Please help. List of ideas and options to avoid the expensive shop thank you Daniel

Hi, my 91 carb Electraglide starts ok. However after a warm up, it hesitates about 2 minutes into the ride. Feels like that out of fuel feeling but only briefly. After this short stutter…all fine. Any ideas?
Thanks

Hi Simon. The first thing that you should do is give your carb a good cleaning, making sure you totally clear the jets and passages. Also be sure that the float is working properly. If that doesn’t fix it, feel free to contact our techs.

When I press the starter button sometimes it’ll start sometimes it won’t. The bike is in 800 Suzuki intruder 1996. Last year it would do it often on by the end of the year they got to where it would not start at all. Not sure where to look or what to look for the find out what the problem is

Hi Mr.walker, maybe corroded battery cables or just your ignition switch. Sometimes the switch gets moisture in it and will rust/ corrode. Soda and a wire brush works well! Be sure to disconnect your battery!

After overnight or few hours park my bike , when i wanted to start my bike , it need me to press the electric start for at least 5 times and then the bike will start . Whats wrong with my bike? Honda xr125L

Hey I have a buell blast it will turn over but shut right back off and when I spray some starter fluid it will start but want stay on for long. What could be the problem??

Hi Ryan can you advice me. Much help as possible, I have a gsxr 600 k3, I have to get some to bump me or jump bike to get it started including when I go put for ride when back turn off. Switch engine on again won’t start not charging .check volt 12.4. Bike has been sitting over winter, I don’t know if be a new battery sort it or stator. Rectifier readings are fine.help

Hey Robert, is the new battery charged with all wires connected back up? Does it crank over, or is everything dead?

helo. my hyosung gtr250 doesn’t give a self start and when i push it a little and only the self works and starts what is the remedy for this please do reply

Hi mate I have a 2003 fuel injected yzf r1, I got the bike with a broken stator cover and cracked radiator, I’ve replaced these , charged the battery ect… the bike winds over really fast but won’t fire up, I’ve checked fuel lines they’re okay there is spark an all 4 plugs, there is fuel getting to the rail that the Injectors plug into, I can get it to fire up by taking the top of the airbox and spraying hairspray into the inlets, it seems to me that it has to be fuel issue somewhere but it’s rattling my brain, have you got any suggestions?

Hey Brandon, does it seem like the fuel is being pumped? You could have a bad fuel pump relay. You may also have dirty/bad injectors. Hit us up at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected] to help you troubleshoot your issue step by step.

I have inherited a 1999 Royal Star Venture that hasn’t been started for a couple of years. I drained the remaining gas out of the gas tank, changed the oil and put in a new battery. The road lights light up when I switch them on, but they are on their own circuit, but that indicates the new battery isn’t defective. Other than that she is completely dead. I sprayed the ignition switch with contact cleaner thinking maybe it was gummed up, but still nothing. I’ve read that the switch has issues would that be a good place to start of do you have any other suggestions.

Hey George. Does it not turn over at all? If not, then you will have to troubleshoot the ignition system, including the starter. Can you turn the motor over? It could be locked up. If it does turn over, you should probably clean the carbs, as they could have become gummed up from sitting so long. Check for rodent nests in the intake and exhaust too. For more help troubleshooting, contact our tech team at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

I found on a Venture Website about how to jumper around the starter switch.to determine if it had failed which is an issue with these bikes. Sure enough it started right up. New ignition switch on order. Thanks to everyone who responded.

Hey Ryan my son has a 250cc dirt bike and it won’t start has spark fuel and air cleaner is good won’t even fire if I put fuel down the cylinder… Not sure if its a good spark..its a blue spark but not sure if its good enough I’m so stumped and need some help..thankyou

I have a ’09 Harley 80 Evo. Wouldn’t fire so I replace the ignition coil. Ran fine for 2 wks. Now will turn over but not fire. Has New battery and clean carb. Plugs are getting fire. Checked all connections and fuses. Combustion test reads fine as well. Suggestions

I have a 1982 Suzuki gs550l. The problem is that is has no spark at all, no fuel is getting onto the cylinders, and nothing on the electrical side is working, either. I can make the engine turn over with a screwdriver on the starter. Here’s the fun part, fuel gets to the carbs, a lot of it. If I turn on the fuel line, it floods out of the air filters. The battery is brand new and fully charged. Please help me. If it helps, I just installed a new cdi, so that is not an issue.

Hey Ryan,

I have an 86 Suzuki Intruder, and it is not getting fuel somehow. Or maybe the Air/Fuel ratio is messed up. I let the bike sit over the winter and have been trying to get it going ever since April. Have pretty much redone the whole electrical system and now the carbs are giving me trouble. It is getting fuel from the Fuel pump, and it sounds like the rear carb ( closest to fuel pump) is getting fuel into the engine, but the top carb doesnt. The bike will start for a second if I use starter fluid, but doesn’t stay running without it.
What do you think?

Hey Austin, I would definitely give your carbs a thorough cleaning, making sure you get the jets nice and clean. Sometimes it doesn’t take much time to gunk up a carb. If you’re still having some issues after you go through the carbs, feel free to contact our tech team to help troubleshoot further. 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

Hi guys I have a yamaha vstar 650 that acts like it floods when sitting over night, I have to shut the petcock off when I shut her off and I have to fight to get it to fire up in the morning. Once the bike gets running its acts fine and will fire right up. Is this a carb issue or should I try fuel filter?

Hi Keith, I would definitely start by cleaning the carbs. Make sure the needle/seat is clean and the float is working properly.

Hi Ryan, I have a 1997 Suzuki GSX-R600. Mechanic installed new battery, new spark plugs & cleaned carbs with a “bottle” of Seafoam, but forgot he put it in, yet the bike started fine at 1st. Got it home, leaked oil, started rough, kept stalling and smoking. Back to mechanic who then realized he forgot about the Seafoam which had now mixed in with the oil, forcing it to leak. He drained oil & gas, cleaned it and it was running perfect. Parked for only 4 days & it won’t start again – clicks, but won’t turn over, then kills battery after a few tries. Any ideas? Thank you.

Hi Michelle, if you have access to another battery, I would try that first. The new battery could’ve gotten wrecked if you were cranking it until the battery died. If you are still having problems, our techs can help you troubleshoot further 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

OK Ryan I hope you can help me out as well as you have very knowledgeable information for the previous rider issues.
I have an 07 ZX6R and she runs great! My bike had ran out of gas and after filling her up she would not start. The bike is fuel injected. Ive tried push starting it and would only get a sputter and engine kill. The bike is turning over with seemingly full power but wont catch. More specifically, when I try to crank it up it turns over and over proudly until it sounds as is if it about to sputter again while the power of the crank is still very high… Once again the bike runs perfect without this issue and I ride everyday. Little more information.. Ive had the bike since it was at 13,500 miles and it is now at 23,000 and although it is a well kept bike, ive never changed the spark plugs. I’m not sure if there is a direct correlation between the two but…yea. Reminder, the bike ran just fine before I run out of gas. Sorry so long just very anxious

Hey Breeze. Fuel injectors are able to draw all of the gas out until the system is bone dry. You most likely just need to reprime it. Try cycling the fuel pump about 5 times to get the gas pushed through. Just turn your key on and you will hear the fuel pump kick in. When it stops, turn the key to off and then do it again. Don’t twist the throttle. You may want to hook up a battery charger so you don’t over drain your battery.

Hi guys My cousin have custom built chopper 1800cc. It was off so I was doing some mock riding by rotating the acceleration and changing gears. You know just fooling around. Now his bike won’t start. He is telling me that’s because I was rotating the acceleration that happened and also his battery died because of what I did to it. The bike was off, gas was off everything that’s suppose to be off they were all off. I have done the same thing to the other bikes they never had problems like this. Is this problem because of me?? Help!!

My 97 Harley Dynamic Wide takes several attempts to start. Once warned up it runs fine. It’s just about to start. Instantly I lose all power. Bad battery connection?

I Have Jet Automatic Motorbike Which I Bought It The 3th April 2015,It Has A Problem,It Doesn’t Wanna Start.I Cleaned The Carburettor And I Check The Plug And Cleaned It And it Does Spark,After I’ve Done It I Started My Motorbike Still It Doesn’t Start.Please Help Me.

Hi, this could be any number of things. Make sure it’s not getting flooded. Is the plug soaked after trying to start it? You can try a new spark plug, the spark may not be strong enough. Make sure your air filter is cleaned. Check the compression. Check your valves. If you need more help, you can contact our tech and they will be able to help you troubleshoot the issue step by step- 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

Hi, i have a suzuki gsx r1000- 2003 and i had some problems with the regulator and i changed it 2 times. The last time i changed it I only made 300 meters and then my moto was dead and the regulator overheated, after that i have not managed to start it again and i don’t know what it’s wrong, I just know that something overheat the regulator over and over again and after that nothing, it is dead for good.

Hey Madalina. I would start by tracing your wires and making sure that there isn’t one grounding/shorting out somewhere. Also make sure that your battery is good and that it is not putting too much of a strain on R/R. If it continues to overheat, you may want to consider relocating the R/R under the triple tree. Hope this helps!

Good morning i have a question . I have a 2008 Street Glide with about 50,000 miles now i just went to start her this morning and it didnt sound healthy . She turned over like there were no spark plugs on. It just sounded like no compression at all. So i just stopped turning her over tried again and she started sounded good lots of air flowing so i turned her off and tried again and did the same . So i was wondering could it just be a bad plug or could it be internal.?

I just bought a 1983 venture royale, it was a barn find with 6600 miles on it, it starts with starting fuel and then dies after I try to adjust the choke, do you think I need carbs synchronization, or fuel filter? Please help, it looks like they just made it yesterday. Thank you

Hey Vincent. If it has just been sitting, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to clean the carbs. Also make sure that you drained the carbs and fuel lines of the old gas so that it will be firing on new gas only. Check the air filter to make sure that it isn’t plugged up too.

Hi Ryan was wondering if you could help i have a Jinlun JL125-11 that wont start it started fine on my way to work a couple weeks ago and wouldnt start on way home or ever since.
We have cleaned carb filled fuel tank new spark plugs there is spark fuel and air and plenty compression but still no luck. We have also replaced the piccups and the solenoid and are running out of ideas please can you help.

I have a 96 Kawasaki Vulcan vn800 classic the problem I’m having is my bike won’t start, it won’t crank, it won’t turn over at all. I checked all fuses, connections, wires, battery, etc. It acts as if the kickstandis still down and i even played with that too. Everything else works it just won’t start. Please help

Hi Juwan, it sounds like you might have a faulty relay. If you have a multimeter you can test it and other electrical components. Our tech team can help you troubleshoot the issue. You can contact them at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

Hi 97cbr900rr. Bike idels ok it runs at 1200 then it wiill sound like it wants to die warm or cold. Bike will cruise any gear with easy throttle bring up rpm to 3500 up. Get on it hard. And bucks and stumbles. Soon as i back off throttle it rides fine. If i get on it
Say 75 mph and really push it. It stumbles to 115 and no matter how much throttle i give it its not going any faster. I have had this bike to 165 many times with no problems. New pugs full rebuilt carb tank clean FILTER clean petcock new no pitched lines. Coil? Cdi? Vacuum leeak?? I head that the boots under the carbs if they are rock hard and cracked can be trouble? And as im righting this i M checking. ROCK HARD. CRACKED AND NOT TIGHT ??? ITS pouring rain now. Cant test ride. Think this is culpeit. Three of four bad shape

Hey Trevor, cracked carb boots could definitely be the problem. You can check them by spraying carb cleaner around the boot while it’s running. If the RPM’s go up, you’ve found your problem.

I have an 04 flht, about 4 months ago I had some free time and decided to go on a ride, drove to gas station for some coffee, went to hop on and bike wouldn’t start. Since then I have replace the spark plugs, wires, and coil. Taken of the carb, witch looked amazingly clean. Checked all fuses, and replaced the crank position sensor. Still will only turn over but not start. I am in total confusion. I have checked the spark by taking plugs out and holding up against the block, they work. Any direction will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

00 kawasaki zx6r no spark. turns over fine but doesn’t fire up, i check ignition resistor it was burnt-out so i replace and resolder a 100ohms resistor, also i replace ignition coil,sparkplugs ,pickups,stator,rectifier,battery main wire harness,junktionbox. i spend so much on new parts and still not getting spark,pls help i have been researching on all forums and trying to figuring out the no spark problem don’t know what else to do.

I have a 07 Honda VTX1800t. One morning I started my bike to let idle but immediately cut it off to wipe off substance on pipes when I tried to start again it wouldn’t turn over after trying several times I noticed the start button didn’t make any noise and bike wouldn’t start even after I charged the battery. What did I do to cause the start button not to fire

Hi Thomas. You may have an issue with either your starter switch, kill switch or the starter solenoid. If you have a multi-meter you can troubleshoot to see what the culprit is. If you are getting power to the solenoid, than that is likely the problem. Our tech team can walk you through all of the steps to check each part. 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

Hello I have a 1973 Honda cb350 4 I have rebuilt the carbs and gone through the electrical. Bike does turn over. Has a new battery. Fresh oil and gas. And have also replaced the rectifier. Still does not run. What else could be the problem.?

am having a problem with my motorcycle model type is honda baja250
its hard for me to start the engine even by kick also when its start cant take a time the engine its overheat i had check my oil cooler, last day it work properly please help

Hi Brandon, is there spark? Did you check the points? Check the points cam. If it is rotated 180 degrees out, you will need to rotate it in 180 degrees. Also check to make sure the engine has sufficient compression to run.

Just had battery checked and it was fine just needed charged. Bot a charger and hooked it up. Green light came on saying was charged so I tried starting bank. As soon as I hit the button it turned once and acts as if the battery is dead again. Any suggestions. Thanks

Hey Jeff, what did the battery test at? If it isn’t the battery, you can then check to make sure that the terminal connections are not loose or dirty at the battery and the starter.

I’m 250cc dirt bike won’t start has good fuel…air mixture.. Has a OK blue spark but not sure how good it has to be . the bike won’t even fire if I put fuel into the cylinder…..I’m stumped

Yeah just bought the bike not going…but I thought the bike would at least fire when I put fuel strait into the cylinder…

Hi Dan. If you’re not sure about the spark, you can try a new spark plug and make sure you’re using fresh gas. Also make sure that the bike has good compression. Make sure that the cylinders are not flooded as well. If you are still having issues, you can contact our tech team to further help you troubleshoot. 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

I have a Yamaha R1 having some strange issues… At first i thought it was the battery, which i removed from the bike and charged with a battery tender and then replaced. The bike turns on, lights and all, but when I hit the start button it doesn’t fire up… something also sounds different.

It wont turn over at all. Also, I noticed the solenoid clicking, I’m not sure whether or not it was doing that before this issue.

It still may be the battery. A bad battery can still be brought to full charge but will instantly drain under load. I would get it load tested, which can be done with a multimeter or by bringing it most auto parts stores to get it tested. In most cases like this it will be a junk battery. If you can totally rule out the battery, you can contact our tech team to help you troubleshoot 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected] or you can check out this article- https://www.denniskirk.com/learn/how-to-diagnose-motorcycle

Message…Hi, My bike starts well when the engine is cold and I can ride for about 1km then it runs off. I have to wait for a couple of minutes before it starts again. What might be the issue? it is a King-bird 150 cc.

Hi Kefa, this sounds like either a fuel issue or an electrical issue. I would start by cleaning the carb and making sure the jets are clear. However, the problem is most likely electrical. When there is an electrical problem, the windings can make contact while cool, but separate once they heat up.

Hi, I have a gsxr400 gk71f. It struggled to start when I first got it but I eventually got it going. I have since stripped it right back, iyt of frame. I gave stripped the carbs and clesnex, new oil and plugs. There is spark. I have checked valves, I. Used a small moped fuel container to hold the petrol so I could see it. The air box is off. Now it fires, there is a good starter sound…then a back fire. The only thing I haven’t done is compression. Can you think of anything else? Cheers Andy

Ok I have a 2001 pw yz 80 pit bike to mess around on.I have cleaned the carb air filter and cleaned the spark plug too.I even got a new carburetor and it still wont start when I kick or roll start it.I really need help.

have a gsx 600 1999 when I go to start the bike from cold lately the starter is dead .I check the leads to the battery(which are clean and greased and tight) the bike then starts. If I stop any where or return home I have to go through the same proceedure to restart ?

Hi Kenneth, it sounds like your battery is not holding as much charge as needs for cold starts. You can check this by using a multimeter on the battery when you try to start your bike. If it drops below 9.5 you will need a new battery.

Good day Ryan.

I have a GSXR 1000 K5 Suzuki.Last night I webt riding and when I got back home I parked in yhe yard switched of the bike to close the gates.when I want to start my bike again it doesnt want to start.I have done the ‘duh’ issues.when I switch the ignition on.all my lights go on.but my petrol pump doesnt reset/buildibg pressure. the motor crank but doesnt want to start.what could the problem be?

Quentin

99 yamaha vstar 650. Put a new fuel filter in and now it won’t start. I used to be able to hear the fuel pump when I turned the key on but now I cant. It ran just fine before I did the fuEl filter. Why would the fuel pump just stop working like that

Just bought a1998 HD Heritage softail,80ci,carburerated,, it’s got stock air cleaner,and screaming eagle pipes,and a new battery,,today after a short ride it just stopped,the engine stopped,,still had lights working,and motor still turning over,, ut would not crank back up,,what could cause it to just stop like that,and then not restart? Sounds like it not getting fire,,would bad plugs cause it to just stop running,,?? Ran the new battery down trying to start it,,was g ona try and find some new plugs tomorrow,and I have the battery in charge now! Been running fine so far,,but iI’ve just owned it for about a week,,,It does need a good tuneup,it sat for awhile before I bought it!

I am having power problems. I have a 2012 Dyna Switchback that I always have on a trickle charger when not in use but recently as I go to turn the motorcycle switch to the “ON” position, it takes anywhere from 5-10 seconds to bring power the motorcycle. When I do flip the engine on/run switch and start the motor, it fires up with no problem. The problem is the initial power to the bike. Could you please point me in the direction of what the problem might be? Thank you!

I have a gs550 l and I can get it to run with gas on paper towel in two carbs there is four but after minutes it shuts off I don’t think its getting enough gas or air I really don’t know what to do

Hey Richie, I would clean the carbs on the bike, especially if has been sitting for a while with ethanol gas.

Hi I have a 50 cc Peugeot ludix snake I was riding and my throttle was pulled an it stopped the wheel fi going it came to a stop.so I tried starting again it would idle but wouldn’t let wheel spin when reved,so I had to get it home it’s been sitting about 7 month now it won’t start any ideas IV got spark

Hello, I just got my hands on an 83 Honda CB1000 and I’m having joyful time. Last time it was touched was ’90 and had fuel left in the tank. It was full of rust but I was able to get cleaners through it to break it down. I am curious if there are any tips or tricks to get the chunks of rust out. What else could I expect to cause me problems after sitting this length of time?

Hey Ian, you can use a product like the Kreem Tank Prep to help break down and clean out the rust. Then seal the tank with the liner to prevent any more corrosion. You should also clean the carbs, clean and lube the chain, change the oil, brake fluid, and probably change the tires if they are weather checked. Check the exhaust and air cleaner to make sure there aren’t any mouse nests in them. Make sure the cables are operating smoothly as well. Give the bike a close inspection to make sure everything else checks out fine and have fun riding!

Hey Ryan I stumbled on your site and this is a long shot but here goes. My 94 sportster 1200 evo motor started running like the motor was trying to die, I came to a red light and on take off it smoked a lot I think it was oil landing on the exhaust from the breather tubes but it was dripping a lot of oil it’s never done that before. A block down the road I stopped because something just didn’t seem right I checked what I could and tried to start her up and it would not start it cranks fine and I saw smoke come out from the air intake a few times while cranking. After waiting about 30 minutes it stared but ran rough barely idles. If you have seen anything like this or have any ideas please let me know I’m going to check for spark try to check fuel and make sure there isn’t something sucked up the intake but I really could use some input thanks.

Hey Victor. Do a compression check. You may be getting some blow by past the piston rings. Also check to make sure your crankcase vents are hooked up correctly and not clogged. If you need any more help troubleshooting, contact our Tech Support Team- 320-358-3409 and email is at [email protected]

I asked a previous question on this page, I have the 83 yamaha venture royale, thank you for the help, got it running, been riding until the other day, started in the morning it ran for five minutes, jumped on, dropped it in 1st, it shut off, and now just clicking, changed relay, same thing, don’t know what happened, thanks for any suggestions

Hey Vincent, the first thing that I’d check is the battery. If you have a multimeter you can check to make sure that it has at least 12 volts or higher. If it’s around 10.5 it’s shot. If you don’t have a multimeter, any autoparts store should be able to check it for you.

I have rebuilt carbs (2nd set actually, my mechanic buddy thought something was wrong with the set I had), all the seals been redone, new o-rings, float sets, float needles, floats, diaphragms are supple, not tears or pin holes, all passages cleaned and cleaned…they are nice. Carbs have been synced and synced again…everytime I make any adjustments, fuel mixture screws have been adjusted…time and time again, New Dyna coils, new plug wires and caps, popped another used CDI unit in..(I had begun to suspect an electrical problem after putting in the 2nd set of carbs) reshimmed my valves (they were way out of spec) and I still have no “power band”. I have a 1987 Yamaha FZ 600. Bike sat for 21 years, inside a buddies garage. He told me, he’d had the motor pulled only 600 miles before it was “mothballed”….had the valves redone. I just can’t figure out where to turn next. My bud said the bike ran fine before sitting. I’ve been fiddling with it for most of the winter months. Have, spark (strong now) fuel (clean…no gunk…gas tank was thoroughly flushed), in-line filter, good carbs, new coils, swithced out CDI, caps, wires, plugs, etc….but still only have 1/2 a bike. Cycle won’t climb above 8000 rpm in 1st, 2nd….feels…like it just isn’t getting enough fuel at 6000-6500 rpm’s in 3rd, 4th. Wants to go….and doesn’t. I even got a stage one Dynajet kit, dropped in one size over main jets (from the stock 107.5) adjustable needles..with clip position..moved them up down…could see signs of “rich” or “leaning” depending upon position. Nothing changed. A mechanic buddy….said…”take them out…not the problem”, I did….still can’t solve this. He’s convinced…it’s not the motor…cracked piston ring, worn cylinder….or valve not seating. His premise being….bike would be running like crap..earlier in the RPM range….it is not. Idles….is perky up to the mid-point of my RPM gauge..bike redlines at 11,000. It will wind out….in neutral…..but in gear…under load….NOPE. Has me so……bummed…..and I ain”t a dummy or ham handed. Got some skills!! One of my mechanic buds…even did a compression test on cylinder 3 (I was having issues with it warming up…ealier in the rebuild process. It was strong). No test on 1,2 or 4…at the time though. Leak down test….?? Cool little bike. My favorite bike from back in the day. They always handled…amazingly.I’m seriously depressed about this. Bout to dump it at my mechanics doorstep…Thought I could solve this…..ugh.

New manifold boots…as well. New air filter in the stock airbox. Doesn’t seem to be vac-leaking anywhere that I can detect. Earlier in the process…yes….with bad rubber and worn seas. Not for months now. Pulled the bike into…pitch black, darkness….tank off….looked for any signs of “arcing”. Nada….
I read somewhere….not likely it’s the stator…or the battery wouldn’t charge. Brand new battery as well. Holds charge well. Also read that the ignition timing doesn’t go “off” on CDI bikes….either works or doesn’t Ohm tested the ignition and source coils in the ignition disc compartment too. They tested…to spec. I just can’t figure out….”what’s going on under load”?? I keep thinking…it’ll snap to attention after….this next thing….and does’t. Man…twisting my mind!!

Hey Jon this sounds like a frustrating situation. Please contact our Tech Support Team- 320-358-3409 and email is at [email protected]. We will be able to dig deeper into troubleshooting and faster through these channels than we can in these comments. Thanks

Thanks man. Talked to your “tech support” about my 1987 Yamaha FZ 600. I gave …a very thorough explaination of what was going on. Suggested….checking my stator….”high output”. Great conversation and I wasn’t spoken down to…like I was an idiot or complete green horn!! Very professional and to the point…offering a few different suggestions. Then narrowing it down…or pointing me to the next direction.
Been banging my head now….for months. Bike wants to get up and go…but hasn’t. I’ll hit you guys back…if it turns out to be that!! Jon Man…from Philly.

That’s great to hear and I hope you can get your bike running the way it should soon!

Just checked your parts. It wasn’t clear if the stator that showed up….when I typed in Yamaha 1987 FZ 600…would work?Let me know. I’d rather buy new then used. OEM from Singapore….slow boat…and ridiculous price. Still have to ohm check mine…

E mail me. I got a Honda 70 f I have no compression in neutral when you put it in gear it wants to move the so I tried pop starting it and it will not do anything

Ryan….thanks for the info. I thought I looked there but didn’t see this stator. For now, I’m back to the “air/fuel” mixture on the bike. I tested my stator as per your “technical supports” suggestion. The mechanic, I spoke with.. name escapes me? He was great!! My stator, ohm tested to spec in all three positions. I also voltage tested and it showed nothing out of the ordinary. Very consistent in all three positions. Can they fail…..under load? That I can’t test. I had a mechanic buddy….look through my second set of carbs…AGAIN. We adjusted the float heights a good bit. Didn’t seem to change much….maybe a little perkier. Still no power band above 8500 (in first and 2nd)…..struggles mightily in 3rd, 4th….at 6500 rpms. Compression tested too. All four cylinders are strong!! Your tech also suggested a smaller main jet. As my plugs show rich, no matter how I change the air/fuel mixture. Stock is 107.5 on a Yamaha FZ 600 (86-88)….waiting on some 105’s. If I see/feel any bump in the powerband….after installing the 105’s, I’ll know that’s the right direction to turn. I should have ordered some 102.5’s as well. One thing at a time. Still scratching my head…unfortunately.

Ryan, I have a kicker 5150 bobber and I was riding it to town last night stopes at a stop sign and when I let of the clutch it died I tried starting it it will turn over but will it start i have rebuild the carb it has a nice blue spark it’s getting fuel but it won’t start

Ryan, I have a kicker 5150 bobber and I was riding it to town last night stoped at a stop sign and when I let off the clutch it died I tried starting it it will turn over but will it start i have rebuild the carb it has a nice blue spark it’s getting fuel but it won’t start any ideas

hi i bought some new ht leads for my harley and the bike wont fire up turns over ok everything was ok before

Is there any spark at all? Make sure you did not reverse the new spark plug wires. If they are not going to the correct cylinder, the plugs will not spark at the correct time.

Hi,
I have a 1982 Honda Rebel and when I go to start it nothing happens it won’t even try to turn over. I have charged the Battery and still nothing. I need to get it to start so I can clean the jets any suggestions?

2008 Honda Nighthawk started fine when I bought it . started 3 weeks ago too.Battery went dead so I got a new one. Now with new battery it wont even light up when you turn on key. Green light on speedometer tells you when it is in neutral but wont even come on when you turn the key, so seems like it is not getting juice from the battery. Please help

Hey, I got me a 2007 suzuki Gz250. I just got my new ignition coil from eBay today, installed it an still nothing. I try turning it over and over an No Spark! I bought new spark plug, new fuses, electrical seemed good. CDI ?? My job is at risk for the cause of lack of transportationtransportation.. Please time Running out

Hey Ryan I have a 96 vn800 bike starts but shuts back of in couple of seconds what could be the problem

hi just wondering if any one noes about yamaha wr 426 r 2001 model its got fresh fuel spark and plenty of compression will start iddle a bit but as soon as u rev it its like it looses power and sounds like shit iddle sounds normal till ya rev it wat could it be any ideas i thought electrictrical problem but not to shore and one other thing if it was the cdi uniti would it still start

Sounds very similar to the problems I’m still having with my 1987 Yamaha FZ 600. It has new manifold boots, a 2nd set of rebuilt carbs, cleaned…all properly jetted (I’ve experimented with larger and smaller ‘Main jet’s…not much has changed..) everything inside the carbs..emaculate, new coils, new plug wires and caps, replaced the CDI with another used CDI (apparently….from what everyone says…they either fail…or they work. I’m not sure that’s true…but that’s what I’ve read and heard from my mechanic buds). Ryan suggested that I call their tech advice hotline. I did….had a great conversation. I got pointed in the direction of my STATOR….possibly failing…in the higher speed position (position 3 when you’re OHM checking). I checked my stator…and it was dead on spec in all three positions. I also checked it to ground and the AC current. All seemed normal. Problem of no power after 9000 rpms (in Neutral) and under 8500 in 1st….under 8000 in 2nd and struggling to reach even 6500 rpms in 3rd. Had compression checked on all 4 cylinders. They are are solid…180 psi. Did a leak down test.,,.. good there too. Problem still has to be electrical. Sounds like something similar is going on in your case. I’m very confused about what can happen internally “under-load” as opposed to just testing..OHM’s and AC voltage…not under-load….in gear..bike weight and rider weight. As Stators…have wound wiring…I’m fairly sure they can fail,,,,but maybe still test within spec…bike sitting still. Anyway….I don’t have a clear cut answer for you. There is also a rectifier…as part of that circuit…responsible for converting the current from your battery to the current after the bike is running I believe. I’m not sure…if that goes bad (I’d guess your battery just won’t charge properly..?)…what to look for.

I have a suzuki bendit v 250 bike. One day I tried to start my bike and it wouldn’t start up. Then I fully charged the battery and then bike starts normally. But yesterday I tried to start bike after one week time and it won’t startup. Then i again charged the battery and this time bike didn’t startup. So, today I bought a new battery and tried to start up bike again. But this time bike didn’t startup. I can’t understand this matter. Please help me.

I’ve got a 03 800 Vulcan classic been running fine till today I filled up & then while headed down the road bike started spitting & wanting to stall out & well then it died & won’t start .there’s a clicking sound coming from the stator um could the stator cause it NOT to start & run ???

If it stalled while riding check the battery,most likely a connection. If the coil don’t get 12v it can’t make spark and will stall out.

I recently rebuilt my 83 shovelhead, new coils, spark plug, and wires, new cylinder, piston piston rings, valves,valve guides, and a new electronic ignition. I’m getting gas an spark but won’t start. It will go to start like a pot pot then nothing any suggestions?

Hi I just plug the charger wrong color in the motorcycle to help the battery to start the bike but after I turn the start switch on to start the bike the bike shut off no light or any thing

You are fucking awesome dude. My bike wouldn’t start I tried push starting it down Griffith Park, and had almost lost all hope. The first line of your blog check the kill switch. saved me. Thank you sir

Thanks for your help. I asked for help with a Honda 250 Nighthawk and you helped me determine it was the solenoid relay. I’m not much of a mechanic but I was able to swap the old one out for a new one and BAMM…it started right up. YOU ROCK !

Hi, have a 84 Honda nighthawk 700.
Drove great, ran out of gas while warming up.
Filled tank, started but ran rough and had white smoke. Had cards rebuilt but still running rough and emiting white smoke from tailpipe
Any ideas
Thanks so much

please my motorbike cant start because the electrodes from coil to the plug wasn’t enough to spark what should i do?

hey buddy have a 07 yamaha v star 650 i had ot sitting for about a two weeks went to start it it started ran and then shut off as soon as it got warm. Now it cranks but dosent start up. Heeeeelp before i get gray hair!

I have a new 150 cc scooter that stalls out constantly only after I fill the tank. Once it starts draining down, the bike works perfectly. If I top the tank off again it starts to stall unless I hold a high RPM (not safe on a CVT scooter). Is it a venting problem?

Hey Tony, it most likely is a venting problem. My guess would be that a completely full tank is blocking off the vent tube.

Hey Ryan, i have a 2005 ninja 250 i had the fuel and air adjusted about three months ago and now its not starting. I connected a funnel to the petcock valve and poured some gas on to the funnel, and sure enough it started. Does this mean i need to flood and clean my gas tank? If so how should i got about doing this? I just filled my tank with apple cider vinegar, and now I am letting it sit in a tub. Am i headed in the right dirrection?
please help, thank you.

Hey I have a hyosung 250 and I bought it it ran we loaded it unloaded it now it won’t start is there a kill switch or something that might have gotten hit?it won’t turn over at all now lights come on I put it in neutral I just don’t get it

Please someone help i have a 1996 honda 750 i boght a brand new battery and i even hooked junper cabels up from a truck to it and made sure the key was on and the run switch and kickstand was good and i can not get any power to the bike like i cant even get any kind of light or lights to come on what do i do or how much am i looking at about to take it to a shop any one please

I have a 05 rc51 with 39k miles on it. Just had it tuned up and all the junk cleaned out for sitting for almost a year.everything was great for about a week the my bike just stopped working. Everything powers up but bike will not turn over. I took the bike to the shop and they were lost, they couldn’t figure out why my bike wouldn’t start. They called a honda rep to come out and they came to the conclusion that it was my cdi box. Had a new one installed but bike still didn’t start. Now they are telling me that it is the cdi conversation unit. Do you have any idea on what it may be? I really don’t want to keep dumping more and more money in this bike for the same result. Any idea will be helpful

Very strange electric problem. Hi, I have a 1985 honda shadow vt500c . It won t start when hot but runs fine otherwise. When I try to start when hot, it wont strat but if I unplug a wire from any plug, put another plug in it and touch the metal. That plug will spark well and the engine will start!! Even on 3 cylinder. I have sparks and gas. Checked the plugs they look ok, the compression is a little low but ok. The coils look good ohms are ok on prim and sec. I replaced the transistors on the spark unit. Got 4 volts on each coil when cranking. After 10 min. It cools down and starts well with all the same readings? Don t know what to think. Thanks

Hey Dan, you most likely have a break somewhere in your ignition circuit. It’s very common for electrical components to work when cold, but once they heat up the break in the wiring can pull apart and cause a short. If you have access to spare coils, you can try swapping parts or you can test the parts with a load tester. For more in depth troubleshooting, feel free to contact our Tech Team at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

Hi there.

When I started engine it stopped 5 seconds later and when tried again it didn t start
and some petrol poured on the engine and then floor. What the problem could be?
thanks

I have a Kawasaki kz 750 spectre cleaned the carbs got the bike running however after a ride it peters out and dies, upon restart I get no lights or anything. Also it seems like it wants to die when I’m stopped so I rev up at stop signs. I’ve been told electrical but have no idea on where to start. This is my first bike and I have no experience with troubleshooting.

Hey Robert, it does sound like an electrical problem. You can check out this article for troubleshooting tips-https://www.denniskirk.com/learn/how-to-diagnose-motorcycle
If you still have questions, you can contact our Tech Team and they will be able to walk you through the troubleshooting process step by step- 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

Hi sounds like the same problem I was having, I replaced my rectifier and problem solved, give that a shot, hope I was of some help

Hi I have a 95 Suzuki intruder vs1400 and it was running good then the stator went out and after it sat for a few days I tried to crank it and it has great compression and turns over great but won’t start can you help

So, I had a little gas leaking from a hose under the bike (I assumed to be some overflow hose?). Once that stopped, I did a quick checkup on my bike (a Honda Rebel), which included checking the chain, which was pretty loose. So I put it on the lift and tightened the chain, which I’ve done before.
When I took it off the lift, the rear tire was locked. The break was super stiff. So I put it back on the lift.

I started the bike on the lift (not sure why) and it started. I killed the power, and now the transmission won’t shift (except 1st and neutral), the bike won’t start, and the rear tire/break is still locked.
Advice?

Good day. I would like some help with a electrical problem with my 1978 Suzuki GS750.I found it in a barn it’s been sitting for 13 years. I did get it running by jumping the solenoid yellow wire to the hot wire which turns the engine over, if I hold the starter button down at the same time I’m jumping the solenoid the bike starts and runs beautiful. Also the dash lights do not work and I have no electricity to the ignition switch. Thank you for your time.
John

Hi i have a o5 Harley sportster 1200 that has been stood for 1 year, When i started it up it ran perfect for about 3 secondsn quits then tried it a couple more times runs perfect then dies. took the carb off gave it a good clean checked the float and everything in the carb checked, checked the filter in the tank, checked the gas pipe clear, checked for a spark and got a good. Checked and cleaned every thing.engine getting gas. Tried to start it same problem , starts runs perfect 3 seconds shuts down.Hope you can help, thanks Frank

I have a 1998 Suzuki katana 600, has about 25K miles, I’m the original owner. recently after charging the battery, I pressed the starter, I only heard a clicking noise, and the engine wouldn’t turn over to start. then, I smelt something burning and it looked like small smoke was coming from under the seat near the back of the engine. any idea what this could be? I’d like some ideas before I have to take it to the shop for service. thanks

I’ve got a carb issue. I turn petcock on and fuel just pours out of overflow tube. It obviously won’t start. Any advice would be awesome!

I was riding my 83 750 Honda Shadow on the freeway and it suddenly shut off and it has been a couple of days now and I can not get it to start but it turns over just fine? Any idea what is wrong? Thanks

Hi I just purchased a 1999 honda cbr600. And when I was purchassing it from the owner it had a dead battery so we. Hooked up the cables to my friends truck and it fired up nice.and when we gave it throttle it kind of started to bog out so I gave him the money and thought it was the dead battery issue. So since then I have purchased a new battery.and. installed it and now it turns over but. Sounds like it wants to start but doesnt. Now it wont start at all. Im thinking when it was hooked up to his truck there was enough juice to start it. And it did start. But since he said there was a dead battery issue. It never dawned on me that there was any other issue with the bike.. Dont know how to trouble shoot this issue.

Hello!
I just purchased a 2010 Suzuki GZ250 and it was running well for a month. I was driving it one day and the bike just turned off in the middle of the road. I checked my fuel, spark plugs, and all the “duh” issues. When my friend and I started taking things apart, I saw that there was a long hairline crack on the cylinder head. Could this be the culprit? I will attempt to clean the carburetor soon.

Hie I have a Suzuki gpr150 it was hiten at the back and now its not starting what might be the problem but the dashboard is lighting

i have a 97 gsxr750 with 20k miles and when i first got bike it would start fine as long as temp was below 140 but above 140 it would turn over great and had great fire at plugs when checked using NGK CR9E plug! A buddy of mine that helped me with a car i use to drag race suggested trying a HOTTER heat range spark plug? so i got a set of NGK CR8E plugs and bam that fixed it!!!!! yes the plugs did cost $7.49 each plus tax and the ngk cr8eix plugs cost only $15.00 each x4 but it depends on how well you want the motor to preform for you! just a little food for thought! i would like to know if it helps anyone else please

Hi I have pulsar 150 , 2007 whine i ride long time like 2hours, engine getting too heat then it won’t start early , even I changed power plug but Its not starting, what is main problem . Can u gide me please.

Just bought an 85 virago 1000….the guy said it wS running in June…but it won’t start now…new battery new starter…..he said it plumed white smoke and hasn’t run since….I don’t know what it could be…can u give me some direction in where to start? It wants to turn over but can’t….thank you

Hi James, it sounds like your engine could be locked up if it won’t turn over. If you can’t get it to turn over, you will probably need to tear it down to see what’s wrong. For more help, feel free to contact our Tech Team.

It has compression….I filed the gears down a little…they looked like hell….but now I gotta get stuff lined up right n put back on….so we’ll see tomorrow I guess lol

Help I my carb was pouring gas out of it I cleaned the carb and put everything back together and now it will crank and it acts like it is starving for gas and it will quit running

So I just got a new battery for my bike as it was not starting. It has been charged adequately. Once putting it on the bike I encountered the same problem as before. The lights work, and when I go to start it the lights go off and it has one ‘effort’ to start (sounds like a loud click engagement) and then silence. No turning over or anything. Once I release the start button it then makes a release noise. I don’t really know what to do! Thanks!

glenn, Either you got a new battery that does not have enough cold cranking amps or you need a new starter motor!

Hi! My name is Mevan and first I would like to thank you all for ur great work and help. I have a Honda cb250f hornet. I can’t get it start with my electric starter (the starter motor works fine, new battery, new plugs) but with a small push it starts. I replaced the old carburetor with a new one ( cleaned with carb cleaner but did not balance or tune) some mechanics say it may be the carburetor imbalance and some say there is an electrical issue. What is ur view? Thanks again.

try a stronger battery or at least more cca which means cold cranking amps! i went thru same problem on mine!

Yes there is a electrical issue! Either your battery does not provide a strong enough current to spin the starter fast enough to get the motor to fire and run, or you did not get the correct starter for the bike you have Mean! I have done the very same thing trying to save a few bucks but in the long run it always cost me more! You get what you pay for, you want cheap you’ll get junk! Have a great day

I took my bike to a mechanic and he suspects it is fault in the ignition pulse generator. But the question I have is it was all ok before the starter burned off. Like u said i replaced it with a substitute starter motor.

Hi… i have a suzuki gsxr 600 k6 in the shop , bike came in and the owner said the previous owner did bearings , big ends and mains , and he also did the head, he told me there was no compression, so as i opened the bike , i saw the timing was not set right, took out the motor , looked for bent valves and the was nothing, i re-seeted the valves , set the timing right, checked valve clearance and everything, bike does not want to start, injectors fuel pump everything 100%, but looking at the spark, took out one supressor plug and i fitted a new plug to see if it has spark, found that it only has spark when its not earthed , holding it close to the throttle body it sparks nice, holding it strait against the throttle body , then it does not have spark, can that be the problem why its not starting, and if so whats wrong?

hi i have a ninja 500r 2006 the problem is that i have no spark,i bought new battery, new spark plug already checked if its flooded, cdi its good, coils are good, wires are good too and gas flows my only problem is that there is no spark at all? please help?

Hey guys just bought a new starter from you put it in and I get a crank then spinning sound won’t start could it be the stator

Hello, I have a 1996 honda shadow 600. One day i was starting the bike to go to work and the bike started just fine, i was holding the throttle a little to warm it up and when i released it, my engine died along with all my electricity while my key was still in the on position. I turned it off then on again and there is no electricity going through the bike even though it has a brand new battery with a full charge. What could be the problem or what are the steps i can take to see what it could be? Thank you.

Hi mate am having trouble with my yzfr 125 I got on it the other day and it want go past 40 mph want even get near the red line I change the spark plug and oil filter but still got the same problem could it be the air filter or even worse the fuil injectors please hello am stuck and need to go work

Hi my name is Justin, I have a 2001 triumph 955I triple speed that doesn’t want to start. I have spark, turns over with new battery, pulled fuel injectors out and tested them. They fire two inch rings in 3-5 seconds. Kickstand Is up kill switch is off. Runs on starting fluid until it burns off. Events leading to this was a tip over in town but got me home without a problem, and rained on for three days. Fired up but died while warming up 5 min later never came back.im stumped. Bought a new fuel pump thinking it was getting enough fuel. It’s whining now when turning the key on. Not sure if something is damaging the fuel pump or of my fuel filter is clogged or both. A better fuel pump is on the way.

Hey man. Before I pulled the carbs out and cleaned them, my bike would turn over and fire up but now that I removed them and put them back in my bike won’t stay running. It will turn over for about a second or two and just die. Suggestions? Oh and if it helps at all, my bike is a 1986 Honda Shadow VT700.

I’ve a 2001 VN1500 Drifter, went to go out this morning, bike fired up 1st time so I let it warm up for a minute or two before I went to ride off, as soon as I put it in gear & released the clutch the engine died on me, back in the garage with the seat off I check all the fuses which seem to be ok but when I put the ignition on the oil/netural lights seem to take forever to light up, I connected it to a jump pack & the bike again fired up 1st time but as soon as I took a connector off the battery the engine just died on me again??? could it be a dead battery or not recharging?

Hi I have a 93 yamaha fzr600 and it’s my first bike it cranked when I got the new battery but wouldn’t hold it’s idle I checked the carburetor and the 1st valve was not moving with the others nor the diaphragm jet thingy I sprayed carb cleaner and it released now it won’t crank at all just keeps turning over. Then it’ll backfire out the exhaust..
What do I do please help

Hello. I have a 2000 gx250. My electrical start button starts the bike once. Then after I let it idle for a few minutes 3-5. I can ride. If I turn the bike off. It will not start with the push butto. I do not hear my stator engage or click. But I can roll start it. Any help?? Where to start. I have a newer battery. 1 season old. I start the bike 5-12 times a month.

Can anyone help me I’ve got a Kawasaki Gpz 600 when i push the start button i get nothing no starter motor nothing

hi. i have a mt125 and having a problem starting it. it will not start on electric start button. battery charged and new spark plug oil changed fuel full. all lights working on dash indicators working and horn is good. any suggestions please

92 Suzuki intruder vs800. Replaced stater rectifier n battery due to faulty wires. Maybe unrelated ? But now bike will only run/idle with choke out, push choke in n she dies. With choke in, will only run with a bit of throttle,let go she dies.

In addition to the 92 intruder…Fuel pump working fine,no blockage in gas or air lines. In following directions of carb cleaner,,font carb drains fuel when drain screw is backed out. Rear carb releases no fuel. Bad choke ?? Dirty carb ?? What.

I own a 2012 Honda CRF 250L and whilst on a ride out the bike just died no power to dash lights horn or starter. However battery is fully charged.
Any advice please
Thank you

I have a 1999 Heritage Softail that won’t start. It has good spark, petcock is on, battery is strong. Seems that gas is not making it to the McCooney carb or once gas makes it to the carb it still won’t fire. The bike sat for a year and a half. I bought it and had the lower engine rebuilt. I rode it about 60 miles at end of season last year. This spring it fired right up and rode it twice with no problems. The third ride I rode for 1/2 hour fine then just died on me. I tried to start it and it started for a second and died. Again, started for a second and died. After that it would not start. Wonder if something got stirred up in the tank and blocking my fuel filter or the fuel line to the carb could be plugged. ? Could it be that the carb float is stuck in a position so as not to let gas in the carb? Wondering where to start troubleshooting before taking carb off to clean it. Advice ?

I have a 1981 Husky WR250 (2-stroke) that will not start. It has spark and the compression seems okay (about 110psi cold). Has new air filter. Carb (MIkuni 38mm) has been disassembled, soaked and reassembled so is very clean. Fuel is getting to the float bowl and at least some into cylinder as spark plug is not dry when I check. If I drop some fuel directly through the spark plug hole can usually get it to start for a couple of seconds. Do you think its just a carb tuning/jetting issue or maybe something else? Thanks

Hi Ryan, I’m Diane.
I have a 1996 Yamaha Varago 1100
It has been sitting since 2014 I drained the fuel completely out.
Yesterday I put in New gas, and new battery fully charged. I’m getting spark and it sounds like it wants to turn over but wont. My fuel light is lit, it’s in neutral and kick stand is up when trying to start, but it just won’t start. I’ve tried with choke on and off. Kill switch is on. Can’t figure it out. I’ve looked for fuel on off switch…. I don’t think it has one. Help!

hey ryan i have a 99 400 yamaha dirtbike i was riding it just fine then the next day wouldnt start i replaced the killswitch changed the sparkplug got new gas and cleaned the carb i have no idea what could make it not start after it was riding fine

i have a similar problem. i have a 1978 Kawasaki kz750, the engine wont fire up but will sit there and try to and tick while trying to turn on. Spark plugs are good, new charged battery. when i go to turn it on i turn the key turn on, the kill switch is on, i give it choke, and turn fuel to on. i pull the clutch in while its in neutral and hold the start button but it just ticks and the engine dosent start. there is gas and new oil in it so i dont know the problem.

I have a 2000 yamaha vstar 650 classic. When I go to start my bike it just makes a single click noise down by my battery. I bought a brand new battery and it still does the same thing. This problem is driving me crazy. Any body have any suggestions. Please help. Thanks

Rocdahitman. I’ve got a 2001 Yamaha 600r and it’s been sitting for a couple of years. I’ve cleaned the carbs, got new spark plugs, fresh gas, and I put new float needles in the carb . Bike has spark , and fuel . But won’t start . I’ve checked all fuses and they are all good. Bike just turns over and over but no start at all . Please help I’m trying to get my baby back on the road.

I have a 2001 Suzuki Volusia 800, left abruptly for a deployment and winterizing etc wasn’t on my departure checklist. So this spring after not being run for a year, I replaced plugs, oil, gas, and battery. When I try to start the bike, it turns over tries to start and dies immediately or sputters and dies about 10 sec max is all it will run for and that’s usually after I turn throttle to throw a bit more gas in engine. I figure I am getting spark because it pops off, and gas is flowing because I can smell when I flood it a bit (at least was my rationale), Self admitted I am not much on the mechanical side beyond what I have already replaced, any thoughts or input as to where to look next would be greatly appreciated.

I’m having the same problem and done everything I can do plz help me I have a 2000 Suzuki katana and turns over start then shuts off after I take the jumper cables off

Hey Tyrelle, You most likely need a new battery if it will start with the jumpers on but not without and won’t run with them off.

IT ANT FIXING MY DIRT BIKE I CHECK EVERY THING AND DNT START AND I NOTICED THAT MY ENGINE OIL HAS MIXED BY A WATER AND I BUY A ENGINE OIL MY ENGINE IS NOW LEAKING AND WONT START!

Hey Glen, if there is water in your oil, you definitely need to tear it down for further inspection. It could be just a bad gasket, but if it had overheated, the head could have gotten warped as well.

G’day Ryan. Got an electrical issue with my 2000 royal star venture. Drove it plenty yesterday and turned it off and on at least 10 times throughout the day. Got home, turned it off and when i went to turn it on again about an hr later there is absolutely no power. No radio, no dash controls, nothing. Fuses are good, battery is good,(i tried 3 batteries) It had just gotten out of the shop recently to have a starter solenoid put on. But had no problem for 3 days until now.

am using yamaha scooter, fuel injector. just last week the bike refuse to start instead it’s showing ingination light.
my rewire have tried all he can do but still no positive result. but we notice the light on parking plug is not much. can coil be d problem? Pls help oooo

i have a 1987 Kawasaki zl1000 and when i went to start it i heard a loud bang from the engine . it seized up , but then after a few more trys , it started but runs very ruff . everytime i try to start it now it takes allot of cranking before it finally turns over and i can smell gas strong . have to give it full gas to get it to start . any ideas ? Thanks

Hey Brad, the first thing I would do is check for good compression. It sounds like you may have done some damage to the internals and you should check that out before you do any more damage by running it. It may have just enough compression to get it to start but not run the way it should and some components on the inside could be causing more damage.

Scooter not starting !!! Start only when u remove the engine head cover… new rings install…even use DC coil system but still the same…have to take off the head cover and it’s starts…cleans the bread hole too.same thing…easy advice ????

Hi Ryan, I have 2007 Yamaha Royal Star TD. Bike won’t start. I have checked all of the fuses, all good. Have replaced the battery and checked neutral safety switch, it seems to be working fine. Bike isn’t turning over at all. I have power to cluster, all lights work fine, horn is strong. Any ideas of what to check next. Bought bike new, only has 10,000 miles on it and has never been stored outside. Drove bike in shop and parked it, bike hasn’t started since. About three weeks now. Thanks for any help.

I need help! I have a 2005 Kawasaki ninja 250. I’ve cleaned the carbs, it’s got new oil change and filter, and new petcock. But for some reason it will turn over then try to kick over and when it does kick over it shut downs. Carbs been synchronized. I just don’t understand could you help me.

Hey Mike, Does it seem like it is flooded? Could you see light through the pilot jets when you cleaned the carbs? Also make sure that you are getting good spark. If you need more help, you can contact our tech team for free at 320-358-3409 or by email at [email protected]

Hey I have a Honda cb750 1994. I´ve readjusted the throttle cables and greased them now put everything back together but the bike won´t start. I´ve emptied all carbeurators and let them fill up again still no luck. What else can I try??

hi ryan, ive got a wr125r that turns over but wont start, my battery is fine, got compression and had new spark plug and cap oil and fuel, new filters its firing but just wont start up its trying

Hello Ryan:
I own a 2012 Triumph T100. This bike has only 29 miles on it. When I bought it I thought that I would have time to ride it, however, that was not the case. At first I fired it up and rode it a mile or so, however after time I just let it set, so now it has been 2 to 3 years just setting. I decided to sell this bike, but it will not start. The battery is brand new, I replaced it and kept a battery tender on it, and the engine turns over. I can hear the fuel pump come up and see the pressure indicator go out. Also the Oil pressure light goes out when I crank it, but no start. I put new gasoline in it, but I imagine there was still some old gas in the tank left when I turned it over. I think I am in for some work trying to get this bike back in running shape. What is your take on this?

Sir , i have a 2005 model herohonda karizma r. now it had a starting problems. it has a all new oe parts, self start is cannot sucessful. then, main problem is kick start had struck and it pumping on oppositle side. what i do now sir, please kindly reply my question. thank you

hi
i have a honda xr250 it was standing for 1 and half year without starting now i tried to start i changed the battery it electric power goes ok i guess neutral sign blinkers horn works fine but it doesn’t get power to the motor it doesn’t have a kick pedal please tell me what can i do?

Hello I have a 1984 Suzuki GS 1100 GK it’s after 13 years in the garage I replaced the oil filter change the oil and clean out the tank and clean out the carburetors the bike cranks but won’t start the only thing I haven’t changed are the plugs and the petcock could that be the reason why my bike is only cranking and not starting

Hey Tanner, the spark plugs would be a good next place to look. Check to make sure you are getting a good spark. If not, switch out the plugs to check to see if that makes a difference.

What if you have changed the stator. Cleaned the front and back carbs. It’s getting spark. The air fuel ratio is good. Getting compression. And STILL won’t start.

Help! Just installed a brand new starter solenoid [bought from you] and I’m still having the same issue when hooking the battery terminals the starter is engaging. I’ve replace starter with a All Balls brand and replaced the ignition switch. I have a 85 fxr

Hi today my son in law done an oil change on his 125 bike in bad weather he then drove it for few miles and it stalled on him now won’t start have u any ideas what can possible be wrong please

I have a 1975 Yamaha Enduro DT175. I rode it for about 10 minutes, engine died and started smoking. I haven’t been able to start it again since then. Any help?

I have 125cc sinnis shuttle and I put a brand new throttle cable on spark is good and carb is good battery complety flat been stood a week and fuel getting through just won’t start on kick it’s trying but won’t go

Great article…so my issue is a little weird. The bike started for the first time after winter storage, I rode it for about 5 miles. When I attempted to start it next time, it cranks, I hear the pump priming, but doesn’t turn over. I check the spark plugs, they appear to be good. The battery shows good voltage and is brand new. So I figured it might be something with the fuel delivery. I unplugged the fuel line from the tank and cranked the bike, fuel came out. So plugged the line back in and the bike fired. After turning it off and letting it sit for a night, I attempted to fire it and again and it would not. So, that’s weird. Its 2003 HD Deuce EFI with a Thundermax tuner. Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

My Honda msx 125 doesnt start, it cranks over and thats it. Checked all of this all of it is fine. Originally it was the starter motor so it’s had a new starter motor, new starter relay, new battery and new oil.

HELP !!!!!!! I have a 1974 TL 125 honda it hasn’t been started in 40 years but was running when parked I have restored in the last three months can’t get it to fire I have put it in time put a new coil w/t condenser I have new stater a new plug ,new points gap at .14 plug gap at.28 have contact to flywheel,contact to plug and coil ! what else is there that im missing ???

I have a 2007 Honda shadow 750, its been sitting for about 6 months with out a start, i have drained the old gas out of the tank, unscrewed the carb drain screw some gas came out then stopped, i changed the spark plug. it tries to turn over but wont catch. i put a new battery in the bike. I put premium gas in the tank and some seafoam. still wont fire. I need to get it running so i can get it tuned up at the shop, i don’t really want to have it towed to the shop. any help would be awesome. thanks

Hey I have a 1981 Yamaha xt250 that’s been sitting for about 6 years and it won’t start I have deeply cleaned out the carburetor and fresh fuel it sputtered and tried to start but nothing substantial I have also replaced spark plugs and oil the battery is good I need help

Alright in dyier need of good news hopefully, I have an 02 cbr600rr f4 with excessive amounts of unwrapped wires unfortunately unaware until I went to snooping around but it started just fine all day popped some wheelies and I killed it out side a store when I went to start it all power went out like dead battier but then it would connect and disconnect like bad connection so I checked the battery everything’s tight I had to get home so push started it just fine and then at my house as it died my fbh? Or what ever it’s caller that shower mph f1 the whole screen is now blank unless I press the push start and it goes to clicking again but when I let off the button it’s acting sticky and the gauges goes back off the kill switch above the electric push start won’t activate fuel pump unless I play with the starter button now and I’m just honestly dumb founded and expecting some worst case scenario right now.. thanks for the help in advance if you can help me figure it out

I have a problem with my 2002 kawasaki ninja zx6r e10. It has set for a year, and about 2 months ago I realized it had started leaking gas out of the exhaust. Then I drained the oil and it was full of gas. It will start up if I crank on it for a minute and find the right spot in the throttle, then itll only run as long as I hold the throttle half open and it runs at 6000 rpms

Today I was changing spark plug of my bike hero Honda street 100cc old modal.but I have force too high and inner part of plug break and set in the engine.remain part of plug come in my hand.
Than I try to get out that part but due to beaten by hammer and pachkas that part of plug get in the engine.
Than I open the engine only few to get out that part.I was succeed.
I change plug new.start bike and bike start.but suddenly close.
Now that is close.inner part of plug in ingine has damage .what should I do to start the bike.

Hi I have 125 scooter cleaned all carb and new battery new spark plug was running and riding good and today it won’t start it firing up but just not enough to get the engine started

My bike has a starting problem.
I have removed the spark plug and had cleaned and after that for a day there was no problem.
Then again starting problem occurred .Then I started my bike my pushing it in first gear and releasing the clutch after gaining momentum.
So could any one help me out to troubleshoot this problem.
Thank u

Hi I have a 1993 Suzuki gsxr 750 just bought it I drove it home it was having a hard time shifting and the temk was running really high. Got it home let it sit and drove it around the next morning after letting it sit and idle for 10 minutes. It died while driving it just shut off. Put a new battery in it wont start tried to jump it solenoid just clicks so I tried to push start it and the tires spins and it just slows to ok a stop. I need some advice anything will help. Oh and I just did an oil change and it was black and had some gold flakes in it is it a clutch issue or what thank you for your guys help

Hi I have a 2006 Suzuki blvd c50. A month ago it wouldn’t start, no lights or anything. I had it towed back home and just parked it for a few weeks. I went out to start it Friday and it started right up. I rode it to work Saturday, Sunday, and yesterday. Well when I came out to go home it wouldn’t start, no lights or power nothing. What could be causing this issue?

Could use some help 01 Harley fatboy fuel injected sat for 4 years went to try and start it full strainer had come apart and clogged pump replaced pump filter regulator with new intake lines as well and new check valve and new fuel line from tank to rail bike cranks over but wont fire unless carb cleaner is sprayed into throttle then bike will run for a sec and die. Plugs seem to be dry but smell of old fuel even after draining tank and putting fresh fuel in. Is it possible the injectors are clogged as well

Im having an issue with 96 kawasaki vulcan 800 classic please help! Motorcycle been stop for about a year. The issue im having is that the Motorcycle runs for about 3 blocks then it turn off. What should i do?

Hey there. I have an 86 Suzuki GS450l that I’ve owned for 7 years now.. Everything was fine. The battery had a tender on it and finally needed to be replaced this spring which I did. Now nothing, except the neutral light. No horn, blinkers, nothing. Thought it was the solonoid, nothing. Made sure the kill switch was off and fuse was good
Help! When you touch the two terminals on the solonoid it cranks

70 plate 125cc direct bike yellow engine light flashes 9 times engine turns over got spark but still not start bike done 200 miles any one got a clue what’s erong

So I built my own bike, I used a 2006 88″ twin cam motor 5 speed tranny. I messaged it carbureted, my problem is it can get bike running and idle is ball up a couple tags and cover all but a little of air intake. When I install charged air filter bike won’t start. Need help. It’s a cv 40 carb. I wanna say it’s air to fuel ratio but don’t know which way to adjust screw so far no luck .

I have a 2003 Yamaha yzf r1, my bike will start and idle high fine when first started then begin to misfire a minute after being started and won’t accelerate at all and I’m unsure of what the issue maybe

My boyfriend has a 2000 CBR 600 f4 no spark no taillights and no blinkers fuel pump is working anyone have any suggestions on what might be the problem

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