Starting device for motorcycles, part 1

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Start-up aid, part 1: "First aid" for problems with starting

Startup problems always arise at the most inopportune moment. Indeed, breakdowns (whether small breakdowns or large breakdowns) do not take into account our plans! If it's a minor problem, the following list of items to check first may allow you to get to your engine starter. 

Sometimes startup problems have very simple causes. Then the question is just how to find them ...

The note : the only prerequisite for applying our recommendations for easy starting: the battery must not be completely discharged, because the only solution is to recharge it ... and this takes time.

Getting Started, Part 1 - Let's Get Started

01 - Is the circuit breaker in the "WORK" position?

There is a circuit breaker on the right steering column switch, in most cases labeled "RUNNING" and "OFF". However, most riders hardly use this "emergency ignition switch" and forget about it.

However, some little pranksters know this button and enjoy flipping it to the OFF position. Small drawback: the starter continues to work, but the ignition current is interrupted. Some motorcycles have already landed in the garage for this reason ...

02 – Are the spark plug assemblies securely fastened?

These little pranksters were also able to remove the spark plug sleeve. So make sure all of your engine's spark plug connectors are in place. Are the cables securely attached to the terminals and are the terminals securely attached to the spark plugs? 

03 - Side stand switch clogged?

The side stand safety switch should prevent starting with the side stand extended. It is integrated into the body of the side stand and is therefore located at the front to absorb moisture and dirt from the road. However, its malfunction is easier to detect than that of a circuit breaker. Indeed, when you press the start button, nothing happens. The first measurement to be taken is a visual check. 

Even if the sidestand appears to be folded correctly, it is enough to have the dirt move it just one millimeter from its correct position to fix the problem. For cleaning, use whatever you have on hand: a cloth, rag, or some penetrating oil or contact spray. 

On motorcycles equipped with a clutch switch, the clutch must be engaged to allow ignition current to flow. This switch may also be defective. To ensure this quickly, you can bypass the switch by attaching two cable lugs to it.

04 - Idling on?

Even if the idle light comes on, there are times when the idle is not yet properly engaged. Some motorcycles have an interrupted starter or ignition circuit. On other models, the starter motor pushes the motorcycle forward if the gear is engaged. Therefore, as a safety measure, check briefly if idle is actually enabled.

05 – Are power-hungry components turned off?

Some ignition systems are very selfish when it comes to battery power. If it is even a little tired, or if it has to feed other consumers at the same time (headlights, heated grips, etc.), the spark generated may be too weak for a cold engine. So stop all other consumers to start the motorcycle. 

06 - Problems with contact with the ignition switch?

Turn on the headlight briefly and check if the lights go out or are interrupted when the ignition key is moved. Then spray a small amount of the can inside the contact. The problem is often solved. If not, you may need a new ignition switch.

07 – Is there enough fuel in the tank?

 “I can hear the grinding in the tank, so there is enough gasoline. This statement may be true, but not required. Most tanks have a tunnel-shaped recess in the middle to make room for frame pipes, air filter housings, or other components. There is a fuel cock on one side and it is on this side of the tunnel that reflux can occur. The gas is effectively rubbed against the other side of the tank, but does not pass through the tunnel. 

Sometimes all you have to do is lean the bike hard on its side (from the side of the fuel cock - pay attention to the weight of the car!) to be able to use up the last remaining fuel before returning to the pump.

There are times when you reach your destination with the last drops of gasoline. You were able to turn off the ignition before the engine stopped, you just arrived at the end of the day. But when restarted the next morning, nothing works. You may still be able to get your motorcycle to cough timidly, and then nothing else. All you have to do is switch to "standby" mode.

08 - Does the starter work?

A cold engine will not start without a cold starter. In particular, when the steering wheel throttle is operated via the control cable, it is possible for the cable to become stuck or extended, preventing the throttle from functioning. 

If in doubt, trace the steering cable to the carburetor and check that the choke is working properly. If the cable is stuck, lubricate it thoroughly. If you are in a hurry, the problem is often solved with a small amount of penetrating oil. If the cable is too long or torn, it must be replaced.

09 - Bubbles in the fuel filter? 

A large air bubble in the external fuel filter can interrupt the fuel supply to the carburetor. To remove air, all you have to do is loosen the hose on the carburetor side of the filter quite a bit, with the fuel cock open (with vacuum cocks, move them to the "PRI" position). Then quickly connect the hose to the filter to prevent ejection of too much fuel. Avoid skin contact with gasoline if possible. 

A kink in the fuel hose can also obstruct the flow of fuel to the engine. Therefore, the fuel hose must be wound around sufficiently wide knitting needles. When this is not possible, it may be sufficient to pass the hose through the coil spring.

10 - Frozen carburetor?

When gasoline evaporates in the carburetor, it creates an evaporative cooling effect that absorbs heat from the environment. When the relative humidity is high and the temperature is only slightly above 0 ° C, the carburetor sometimes freezes. In this case, there are two possibilities: either the engine no longer starts, or it stops quickly. Heat can help alleviate this problem, as well as a small fuel additive such as PROCYCLE Fuel System Cleaner that can be used as a preventative measure.

11 – Diesel?

Smell the contents of the reservoir briefly. Does it smell like diesel? If this is the case, take a different mode of transport to reach your appointments, as it will take time to empty the tank and the constant carburetor level tank. 

If our checklist still hasn't resolved the issue, allow enough time to complete the detailed ignition and carburetor checks. For more information, see Part 2 of our Getting Started Help ... 

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Mark !

Mechanical recommendations provide general guidelines that may not apply to all vehicles or all components. In some cases, the specifics of the site can vary significantly. This is why we cannot make any guarantees as to the correctness of the instructions given in the mechanical recommendations.

Thank you for your understanding.