My Motorcycle Won't Start!

Headed out for a Spring ride and your motorcycle wont start? Here's a checklist for you.

• Check for proper starter operation. With the key "on" and the starter button pressed, does the starter operate normally? A slow turning starter or one that does not turn at all signals a weak battery. Connect your motorcycle to a battery tender until the battery is fully charged and then try again.
• Check the fuel. Is there gas in the tank? How old is the gas? Was your motorcycle stored where water could get into the fuel tank? Old, bad gas smells really bad and won't burn properly. To check for water, drain some fuel from the tank into a clear container. Water and gas don't mix and water is heavier than gas. If there is water in your gas, you will easily see it in the bottom of your clear container.
• If your motorcycle still won't start, make sure you haven't forgotten the safety lock-outs. These are in place to prevent you from starting your motorcycle in gear and on some models even when the side stand is down.

If you still have no luck, consult your motorcycle repair manual for ignition and fuel system troubleshooting.

Is that motorcycle ready?

We're making our way through February. Thinking about getting that motorcycle out of the garage and going for an early ride? I've written a few pieces about motorcycle storage already, but with Spring coming I've just added one about why your motorcycle won't start.

Maybe you have a restoration project you've been meaning to start. Its not too late. You could still be riding that classic by summer! I've found tons of model specific motorcycle repair manuals and motorcycle books that you may find useful.