{"id":6845,"date":"2021-04-03T10:13:37","date_gmt":"2021-04-03T10:13:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/notsealed.com\/?p=6845"},"modified":"2023-07-27T04:49:50","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T04:49:50","slug":"tips-if-your-motorcycle-wont-start-but-turns-over","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/notsealed.com\/tips-if-your-motorcycle-wont-start-but-turns-over.html","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips if your motorcycle won’t start but turns over"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After repairing motorcycles for the last 30 years I have compiled the top 10 things to look for if your motorcycle won’t start but turns over. None of us likes to be stranded especially with fuel-injected motorcycles that are all electronic nowadays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With some basic DIY knowledge and some simple tools, you should be able to get your motorcycle back on the road fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Flat battery<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"motorcycle
Getting access to your motorcycle battery can be a challenge.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This is the number 1 reason motorcycles won’t start but turns over. If your battery is extremely flat you may only hear a ticking sound. This is the starting solenoid kicking in and out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way is to place the motorcycle battery on charge overnight. I use a Ctek smart motorcycle battery tender charger<\/a> which is proven to prolong the life of your battery. If you need to get on the road fast you could get a jump start from a car, another motorcycle, or a portable jump starter with an inbuilt air compressor.<\/a> These are great for motorcycles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because the battery is hard to access on my Yamaha MT07 I have installed a short fly lead so I can quickly remove the rear passenger seat and charge the battery. It is a 10-second job now to top up the battery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every three years I like to replace the battery on my Yamaha MT-07<\/a> and Harley Davidson Motorcycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if your motorcycle won’t start but the battery is good read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Bad Fuel<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Water<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If your motorcycle is left in the rain or you don’t use it for a while you could get water in your fuel. Check the fuel tank lid that the seal is in good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a bad motorcycle cap seal when it rains water will be able to enter the fuel tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that you have bad fuel you can undo the fuel line going from the tank to the fuel pump\/carburetor and drain the tank into an approved container. Take care to not set yourself or your motorcycle on fire. A blocked fuel filter can also cause your motorcycle not to start but to turn over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refill your tank with premium octane fuel. This will provide you with cleaner burning, higher power, and easy starting fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the USA Premium is the highest octane<\/strong> fuel\u2013generally 91\u201394 AKI. In other parts of the world like Europe and Australia, the Premium octane fuel is 98 RON.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Air Filter blocked<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"MT07<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Motorcycle air filters need to be changed out every few years. This will keep good airflow to your engine. Over time the air filter can get blocked with dust, insects, and even moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will restrict airflow and cause your motorcycle to run rich which can cause hard starting issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replace the air filter regularly so your engine can breathe easily. A blocked air filter will cause trouble starting your motorcycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the air filter out now would be a good time to squirt some starter fluid or some alternative product<\/a> into the air intake port to see if the engine will fire up. If it does you have a fuel delivery problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Faulty battery terminals or earth connection.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Yamaha<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Over time motorcycle battery terminals can corrode and cause a hot joint. This resistance will cause a drop in voltage from the battery to the starter motor. If you notice white or green powder on the positive terminal you may have a hot joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean the active and neutral battery terminals with water and 300-grit sandpaper. Once the copper clamps are clean and dry you can bolt it back down. Any leakage from the battery acid can also cause corrosion on the battery terminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the main neutral earth cable that it is attached to the frame and or motor. Clean the terminals and tighten them up if it is loose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Fouled spark plugs.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I like to replace my motorcycle spark plugs every year at its service interval. They are a cheap part that if replaced regularly will help your motorcycle start at the first crank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to follow the spark plug instructions to gap the electrode and how to tighten them down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you tighten spark plugs without a torque wrench?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can tighten spark plugs without a torque wrench if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Often this will be to hand tighten the spark plug and then use a socket to tighten the spark plug an additional 1\/2 to 2\/3 turn for new plugs with a gasket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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