Your bike is a trusted travel companion. Swift and smooth, it takes you from one place to another without much effort. It can be confusing when you unexpectedly find out that your bike is not starting with kick and self-start. But before you pin it all on the bike, be sure to see if you can at least figure out what might be causing this problem. There are a few obvious reasons why this issue might crop up, and if are able to figure that out, you can make the problem go away in no time.
It is advisable to consult with your two-wheeler insurance provider and check if they cover a servicing session. Ensuring that your bike is in good condition will prevent frequent visits to the repair shop and allow you to enjoy your purchase for years to come.
Read on to understand your plan of action if you ever find yourself asking: "My bike is not starting. What to do?"
Reasons why your bike may fail to start
You may be surprised to learn how many maintenance-related issues may cause a situation where your bike is not starting with the self-start. Here are the top reasons why your motorcycle is not starting:
1. The battery is drained out
Often, your bike may fail to start because the battery is dead or low. Without power, the battery cannot initiate the bike's engine. If this happens, you only need to plug in a power supply to recharge this ‘dead’ battery. If you have an electric bike, you can take the battery out and simply recharge it. For a traditional motorcycle, you may need to explore other options. To avoid getting stranded because your bike is not starting with the kick start, inspect the battery before leaving each time and make sure it still has enough 'juice' left in it.
2. The carburettor is dirty
Another reason your bike won’t start may be a dirty carburettor. Dirt and grime collected over time can prevent the bike from starting. To prevent this problem, you should clean your carburettor regularly. If you cannot do it yourself, regular servicing of your bike can also get the job done.
3. Blown fuse
There are several fuses in a bike, and it is not uncommon for one of them to blow, creating a situation where your bike is not starting or keeps halting. Always check for a blown fuse, and if you can detect it, get it repaired.
4. The stand is down
Most modern two-wheelers require the stand to be up for the bike to start. This may sound like a minor problem, but it is a possible and a common reason for the bike not starting. You should always check if the stand is up to prevent any unfortunate situations.
5. Check the clutch
Even if your two-wheeler is in neutral gear, you must pull the clutch on many modern two-wheelers. If you're a new bike owner, you might not be aware of this fact. Start the bike, pull the clutch and pump it up a few times. This will prevent any issues while riding.
6. The bike is too cold
The bike getting cold is a common problem that vehicle owners face, especially in the winter and rainy seasons. If you have parked your bike outdoors for too long, the battery may get cold, making it difficult for your bike to start. Sometimes, you may even discern small ice formations inside the carburettor. To prevent your bike from getting excessively cold, try to park it indoors or in a protected area.
7. The injector is
This typically happens when you haven't used your bike for several days. Not having fuel run through the injector can block it since the residue from old fuel forms a gel that settles in the injector. In this case, you must clean these injectors (there are specific cleaning products for this job). After they're cleaned, your bike will start as usual.
8.The spark plug is broken
Bike spark plugs should be replaced periodically, or you risk your motorcycle not starting. With continuous use, the ceramic coating in the plug can develop cracks, or oil from the engine can cause it to malfunction. If you haven't changed your bike's spark plug recently, it may be advisable to do so as early as possible, lest your vehicle refuse to start one day. Fortunately, replacing the spark plug is an easy fix.
9. Loose Wires
If your bike is not starting, check the electric wires and connectors. Sometimes, the reason behind the bike not starting is as simple as a loose connection. Manually inspect the connectors to rule out this issue. If you find any loose wires, fix them, and you should be good to go.
Understanding the reason for your bike not starting can save you time and frustration. Instead of immediately filing a bike insurance claim, carefully inspect the bike and see if any of the aforementioned issues are present. If so, rectify them. Otherwise, send your bike to the garage for an expert analysis.
Conclusion
By remaining calm and performing some minor checks on a halting bike, you may find that the problem is something you can fix yourself, allowing you to continue riding without much hassle. Regular maintenance and checks of your bike can help you avoid instances like 'bike not starting'. And for repairs and replacements beyond your control, you can always rely on a trustworthy comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy.