One of the charms of motorcycle riding is the smooth-shifting manual clutch and gear system. Therefore, it’s incredibly frustrating when your clutch or gear shifting action is inhibited by a problem making it hard to change gears on your motorcycle. This article dives into the 12 most common reasons why a motorcycle develops clutch or …
Motorcycle Clutch & Gear Shifting Problems: 12 Common Issues (solved) Read More »
There’s nothing more frustrating than turning your key to fire up your motorcycle or pushing your starter button only to hear a cough, a whine, a click, or absolute silence. This article dives into the 7 most common reasons a motorcycle develops starting problems and how to solve them. We’ll also look at some models …
Motorcycle Start Problems: 6 Common Issues (Solved) Read More »
One of the most charming aspects of motorcycle riding is twisting the throttle and feeling the wind rush against you as you accelerate. But if your motorcycle suddenly loses power or bogs down while accelerating, you’ll likely feel, at best, frustrated and, at worst, like your life is in danger. This article explains the 12 …
Motorcycle Acceleration Problems: 12 Common Issues (Solved) Read More »
Engine overheating occurs when a motorcycle engine produces more heat than it can dissipate. Due to the nature of their engine manners, high-performance motorcycles, and race bikes commonly experience overheating, as do air-cooled engines, poorly maintained, and hard-ridden motos. This article explains the 8 most common reasons motorcycle engines experience heating problems. Before we delve …
Motorcycle Engine Heating Problems: 8 Common Issues (Solved) Read More »
A motorcycle backfire is a loud, startling popping sound that comes from your exhaust pipe when unburned fuel ignites in the hot pipe or intake manifold. Backfires happen on most bikes every once in a while, but if your motorcycle is backfiring on a regular basis, it indicates a problem somewhere in your air, fuel, …
Motorcycle Backfire Problems: 11 Common Issues (Solved) Read More »
A motorcycle’s chain is essential to the power transmission system that connects the engine to the rear wheel. A clicking noise from your motorcycle chain can, therefore, indicate numerous problems, either with the chain or with other components on your motorcycle. In this article, we will explain the eight most common causes of chain noise, …
Motorcycle Chain Making Clicking Noise? 8 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
The average motorcycle has a fuel efficiency rating of roughly 44 MPG. Meanwhile, modern moto-tech has allowed some motorcycle models to achieve much higher averages. Also, huge tank capacities on modern touring motorcycles allow for some long-distance travel between fuel stops. Of course, these numbers may vary depending on real-world conditions and how you ride …
How Far Can Motorcycles Go On Full Tank? (11 Examples) Read More »
Maybe your motorcycle exhaust used to purr like a kitten but somehow developed a louder, more aggressive exhaust tone. Or maybe you are tired of your neighbors plugging their ears and rolling their eyes when you rip in and out of your driveway or building complex. Either way, you’ve come to the right place – …
Motorcycle Exhaust TOO Loud? 8 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
It’s a beautiful feeling when the Spring sun is shining bright enough to finally wheel your motorcycle out of the garage to take the season’s first ride. But if your motorcycle chain is rusty, corroded, or dry enough to impair your bike’s momentum, your ride might be cut short. This article lists seven steps to …
It’s easy to blame the battery when your motorcycle doesn’t start—it’s not uncommon for the battery to be the issue. That said, there are some cases when you know for a fact your battery is good, but your motorcycle still won’t start. This article lists nine troubleshooting solutions to employ if your motorcycle won’t start, …
Motorcycle Won’t Start But Battery Is Good? (9 Solutions) Read More »
A modern motorcycle is only as powerful as its battery. It doesn’t matter how well-tuned your bike’s engine is if its battery won’t hold a charge. This article therefore lists the most common reasons a motorcycle battery doesn’t charge and how to fix the various problems. Let’s check them one after the other. 1. Using …
Motorcycle Battery Won’t Hold Charge? (8 Reasons) Read More »
If the chain of your motorcycle isn’t adjusted to the tension specified in its owner’s manual, a slew of problems can unfold while you ride. If it’s too loose, your motorcycle chain causes a dip in your bike’s performance, and the chain can fall off track and slap around, risking damage to engine parts and …
Motorcycle Chain Too Loose? 9 Things That May Happen Read More »
Modern motorcycles rely heavily on their electrical systems for their fundamental functioning. While electricity is essential on ECU-powered fuel-injected bikes, any motorcycle with a headlight, backlit-instrument display, and electric starter requires battery current for healthy operation. This article lists the most common reasons a motorcycle loses electrical power while riding. 1. Test your Regulator/Rectifier …
Motorcycle Lose Electrical Power While Riding? (11 Solutions) Read More »
While many modern bikes incorporate many of the same bells and whistles as cars, a bike engine is still a pretty straightforward operation. Once it starts, a combustion-based motorcycle engine requires air, fuel, and ignition to stay in motion. This article explores the most common reasons why a motorcycle shuts off while riding but then …
Motorcycle Shuts Off While Riding – But Starts Back Up? (8 Solutions) Read More »
One of the simplest pleasures of motorcycle riding is the sweet sound of a crisp motorcycle engine puttering along in the wind. However, a rough-running motorcycle engine adds insults to an injury. Not only is a rough-sounding engine indicative of a mechanical problem, but it also interferes with the state of your ride. This article …
Motorcycle Engine Sounds Rough? 11 Typical Reasons (Explained) Read More »
All motorcycle clutches miss grabs occasionally, but if your motorcycle clutch doesn’t engage at all, it could indicate a severe issue. And because motorcycles are dynamic machines that comprise integrated systems working together, if the clutch isn’t grabbing correctly, it may be a result of damage elsewhere in the bike. This article lists 11 reasons …
Motorcycle Clutch Won’t Engage? 11 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
As the world moves towards a greener future, many countries are considering banning gas motorcycles. While the idea of reducing pollution and carbon emissions is appealing, there may be negative consequences to consider. We see the U.S. move toward banning gas motorcycles. One of the main concerns with banning gas motorcycles is the impact it …
Why Banning Gas Motorcycles WON’T Work (9 Reasons) Read More »
If your motorcycle pulls to one side while you’re riding, it not only takes the fun out of the situation, but an uncontrollable lean to one side is also a dangerous, potentially fatal affair. The most common reasons a motorcycle leans to one side are uneven or unbalanced tires or misalignment between the handlebars, forks, …
Motorcycle Pulls To One Side? Here’s Why (7 Solutions) Read More »
For some, the purring oscillation of a rip-roaring motorcycle engine is a valued part of motorcycle riding. But if your motorcycle starts vibrating to the point of feeling dangerous, unmanageable, or uncomfortable, it may indicate a problem with the bike. Failure to fix a vibration-causing motorcycle issue early on can lead to a collision or …
Why Does My Motorcycle Vibrate? 8 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Popping motorcycle seats off in the field is necessary for all riders at some point. Whether you’re trying to access your bike’s battery, motor, air box, or fuel tank on some bikes, you’d need to take your motorcycle seat off for various reasons. Not all motorcycle seats function the same way. Some are just a …
Motorcycle Seat Is Stuck? 8 Common Issues (Solved) Read More »
One of the most exciting parts of motorcycle riding is how it leans through the corners. Rather than turning the handlebars to the left and right the way you would turn a steering wheel, you can turn a motorcycle by leaning your body towards the direction you want to go. There are more than a …
Why Do Motorcycles Turn When You Lean? (Explained) Read More »
Like all combustion engines, the power of a motorcycle is generated by the smooth functioning of its ignition, fuel and air intake systems. Therefore, if there’s a hiccup with the ignition spark, timing, fuel supply, or airflow, the motorcycle’s power supply and throttle response will drag. This article elaborates on the most common problems that …
Motorcycle Loses Power At High RPM? Here’s Why (8 Solutions) Read More »
Combustion engines are made functional by the dynamic relationship of the air intake, fuel, and ignition systems which power the pistons to generate the force that spins the rear wheel. A slight interference with either of these systems can cause a negative impact on a motorcycle’s performance. This article has dived into the specific failures …
Motorcycle Lagging When Accelerating? Here’s Why (8 Solutions) Read More »
It’s a frustrating enough story, running out of gas during a motorcycle ride. If you refill your motorcycle’s fuel tank and the bike doesn’t fire up, you may be frustrated and stranded. This article covers the most common reasons a motorcycle won’t start after running out of gas and how to get it back on …
7 Reasons a Motorcycle Won’t Start After Running Out of Gas Read More »
One of the most typical issues motorcyclists encounter during their riding career is a motorcycle that jumps out of gear. Gear engagement difficulties commonly result from clutch and oil systems problems and failures within the chains, sprockets, or shifting equipment. This article explores the typical reasons a motorcycle jumps out of gear and how to …
Motorcycle Jumps Out of Gear? 7 Typical Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Motorcycle starting issues can be hard to deduce, even for the most experienced motorcyclist. While motorcycles are simple machines overall, riders may find that a bike lags at startup due to various issues. Sometimes it takes some old-fashioned trial-and-error style troubleshooting. Still, if you familiarize yourself with the following list, you can jump right to …
Motorcycle Takes Too Long to Start? (11 Common Reasons) Read More »
Any motorcycle can feel a little unstable once it’s blazing over 100 MPH or if you’re leaning through a turn at high speeds and try to brake at the last second. That said, if your motorcycle feels unstable often, whether intermittently or for the majority of the time while you’re riding, it could indicate a …
Motorcycle Feels Unstable? 8 Typical Reasons (Solved) Read More »
As fuel for motorcycle operation, gasoline is one of the more obvious critical components of a fully-functional motorcycle. That said, engine oil is just as critical to the healthy functioning of a motorcycle as it provides proper lubrication and cooling to the motor, transmission, and gearbox components. If your motorcycle engine oil smells like gas, …
Motorcycle Oil Smells like Gas? Here’s Why (For Beginners) Read More »
One of the most common problems motorcyclists experience during the course of their riding career is jerking or shaking while shifting. Shifting problems generally result from failures within the clutch and oil systems, chains and sprockets, or the shifting equipment. This article explores the most common reasons why a motorcycle jerks while shifting and how …
Motorcycle Jerks When Shifting Gears? (9 Reasons & Solutions) Read More »
Giving your motorcycle engine ample time to warm up before riding is critical to ensuring your motorcycle performs reliably and lasts for years. Although modern, fuel-injected motorcycles shouldn’t require a much warm-up as their carburated ancestors do, warming your bike engine also loosens the thick viscosity of cold oil for more efficient circulation and lubrication. …
Motorcycle Warms Up Too Slowly? (Beginner’s Guide) Read More »
Numerous aspects of motorcycle riding make it one of the most enjoyable pastimes, from the crisp air in your hair and breeze on your knees to the instant access to power a combustion-engine throttle puts at your fingertips. For some riders, one of the highlights of ripping pavement is the royal roar of their bike …
10 Motorcycle Noises Solved (Explained For Beginners) Read More »
While motorcycle engines are still much more straightforward than cars, they get increasingly sophisticated every year. Revving and accelerating problems on a motorcycle generally mean issues with the fuel supply, air supply, or ignition system, but these days, navigating these three systems can be pretty complex. This article lists the most common reasons a motorcycle …
10 Reasons a Motorcycle Won’t Rev Past 4000-6000 RPM Read More »
A motorcycle battery is the first step in firing up your starter and sparking your engine. Once your motorcycle is up and running, your charging system converts engine power into a current the battery can use to recharge, regulating the current so the battery never draws more energy than it can handle. If your motorcycle …
Motorcycle Battery Getting Hot? 10 Common Reasons (Solved) Read More »
A backfire is a term used to describe the loud gunshot sound from your motorcycle’s exhaust. A backfire on a motorcycle is the result of fuel that didn’t ignite in the combustion chamber flowing into the exhaust. The heat in the closed space of the exhaust combusts the untouched fuel inside the pipe, causing a …
Motorcycle Keeps Backfiring? Here’s Why (6 Solutions) Read More »
Shifting on a motorcycle is different than on any other manually operated vehicle. For starters, instead of a clutch pedal, there’s a clutch hand lever; instead of a hand shifter, there’s a foot shifter that shifts up and down through the gears in both directions. Â The eye-hand-foot-hand-foot coordination required for riding a motorcycle can already …
Motorcycle Making Hard Gear Shifts? (Explained For Beginners) Read More »
Most motorcycle engines are combustion engines, meaning the compressed fuel and air mix are combusted or ignited to move the piston. These days, that mix is regulated by an Electronic Fuel Injection or EFI computer via the bike’s ECU. Before fuel injection became the standard, most motorcycles equipped a part called a carburetor for maintaining …
Motorcycle Dies When Choke Is Turned Off? 6 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
A rough idle on a motorcycle is when the RPMs develop inconsistencies and go up and down sporadically while idling. Rough idling is often accompanied by vibrating and shaking, causing riders to bounce up and down in their motorcycle saddle under challenging situations. In some cases, the motorcycle idle RPMs will return to their typical …
Motorcycle Idles Rough? (RPM Goes Up And Down) SOLVED Read More »
White, bluish-white, and black-colored smoke can indicate some serious problems with your motorcycle engine. The first section of this article will examine the common reasons a motorcycle blows white smoke. The second section looks at the various reasons a motorcycle blows black smoke. Reading both article sections, the reader will learn how to recognize and …
Motorcycle Blows White or Black Smoke? 9 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
We know the story. The homie came through and hooked your bike up to their jumper cables, and now you’re all set to ride, but as soon as you take the jumper cables off, your motorcycle dies. Intuition says to check the battery first, but electrical failures, charging system problems, poor maintenance, and even improper …
Motorcycle Dies When Removing Jumper Cables? (6 Reasons) Read More »
It’s generally suggested to start your motorcycle in neutral and let it idle for a few minutes before shifting into first and riding. In neutral, the rider can still manipulate the throttle and rev the bike’s engine, but the motorcycle won’t move. That said, if you shift your motorcycle down first and nothing happens, you’ll …
Motorcycle Getting Stuck in Neutral? 7 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
If your motorcycle dies while you’re riding, it can be unsettling, to say the least—it can also be dangerous. If your motorcycle dies every time you slow down, there’s a problem with your fuel supply, throttle, or shifting capabilities. That said, why your motorcycle stalls when decelerating can vary depending on whether your motorcycle’s injected …
Motorcycle Dies When Slowing Down? 10 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Every circuit in your motorcycle’s electrical system has its fuse—a safety mechanism integrated into an electrical circuit to prevent melting and electrical damage. The fuse detects excessive charge drawn into the circuit, absorbs the extra energy, and blows itself up to get rid of the current before it fries any of your bike’s components. Fuses …
Motorcycle Keeps Blowing Fuses? 9 Common Reasons (Solved) Read More »
1st gear is the jerkiest gear on most motorcycles since the gear engages differently than the rest of the ratios in your gearbox. Engaging the first gear from neutral will cause vibrations not noticeable in other gears; riding in first gear gives you less control than any of the higher gear ratios simply due to …
Motorcycle Jerking in 1st Gear? 8 Common Reasons (Solved) Read More »
All motorcycle clutches engage late periodically due to mechanical hiccups or certain riding conditions. That said, if your motorcycle is regularly experiencing late clutch engagement, it could be the sign you need to catch a critical issue at the earliest stages. But a motorcycle clutch is an intricate system of components, all working together with …
Motorcycle Clutch Engages Late? 11 Common Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Your motorcycle’s drive chain is an essential component responsible for moving the rear wheel of your bike. Therefore, a chain failure can render an otherwise healthy bike unusable, making chain inspection and upkeep a critical part of motorcycle ownership. If a chain develops a tight spot, its momentum and fundamental operation are impaired, meaning there …
Motorcycle Chain Has a Tight Spot? 8 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Engine vibration is a typical, celebrated aspect of motorcycle riding, as motorcycle engines contain combustion-powered pistons that shoot up and down. That said, if your motorcycle starts shaking to the point that it feels unsafe, intimidating, or at the very least uncomfortable, you likely have an issue with your bike. We’ve listed the most common …
Motorcycle Starts Shaking? 11 Typical Reasons (Solved) Read More »
All motorcycles have a threshold speed range that, once pushed past, results in some startling jiggling in your motorcycle’s front wheel. That said, if your front end is vibrating so ferociously that its handling is unmanageable, you could have a significant failure on your hands. This article will list the most common reasons why a …
Motorcycle Front Wheel Wobbles? 8 Common Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Modern motorcycles are equipped with safety features, some to protect the rider, others to protect the bike. One of the security features pre-installed on more bikes every year is a steering lock, a key-and-barrel lock concept on the fork or steering head that prevents the handlebars and front wheel from moving. A motorcycle steering lock …
Motorcycle Steering Won’t Lock? 7 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Shifting problems on a motorcycle can be easily detectable because of the high resistance experienced while shifting your bike’s gears. But while symptoms of shifting issues are easy to detect, the culprit behind your shifting problems can be challenging to nail down. This article explores the most common reasons why a motorcycle won’t shift up …
Motorcycle Won’t Shift Up Into 1st Gear? 6 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
A well-tuned motorcycle engine is a straightforward machine. Most bike engines are combustion-powered, meaning they use a system of air, fuel, and ignition to power their pistons and generate momentum. Therefore, any interference with the air, fuel, or the ignition system will cause a motorcycle to die while accelerating— we’ve broken down the most common …
Motorcycle Dies When Accelerating? 10 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
It can be an incredible experience, ripping around curves when suddenly you smell burning to waft up from your motorcycle. It could be issues with your gearbox, brakes, exhaust, or even your engine, making a burning smell an important reason to pull your motorcycle over and troubleshoot. We’ve come to speed up your troubleshooting process …
Motorcycle Smells Like Burning? 9 Common Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Most motorcycle engines are internal combustion units, which generate mechanical power via various moving metal parts. As these motor parts chug along to create power, they also manifest heat from the friction created as they rub up against each other in close quarters inside your bike’s engine cylinders. While liquid-cooled engines rely on a combination …
Is My Motorcycle Overheating? 9 Classic Symptoms (Solved) Read More »
Some riders are lucky enough to catch their shifting problems early by detecting an increase in resistance via the clunky downshifting on their motorcycle. If inference while downshifting goes undetected, however, it may result in the bike getting stuck in neutral and not shifting into first gear. Whether your bike is stuck in neutral or …
Motorcycle Won’t Shift Into 1st Gear: 5 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
We know the feeling; you start your motorcycle and rip down the block, only to smell coolant as soon as it gets hot. Or maybe you haven’t even started your engines yet. Perhaps you walked up to the sitting bike in your garage, and the stench of liquid engine coolant is sweet in the air. …
Why Does My Motorcycle Smell Like Coolant? (Solved) Read More »
A motorcycle is only as good as its tires, they say, and for a good reason—your tires are the only point of contact between your ripper and the road. Maintaining proper tire PSI is critical for engine and suspension performance, as well as protecting the wheel rim from the pavement and laying down the cushion …
Motorcycle Tire Won’t Take Air? 6 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
Few riding scenarios are more frustrating than being ready to rip roar around some corners when you start your bike, only to realize it’s stuck in first gear. All motorcycles require proper storage etiquette, riding habits, and routine maintenance, all per the OEM’s suggestions in the owner’s manual, and disobeying these basic moto manners will …
Motorcycle Won’t Shift Out of 1st Gear: 5 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Starter fluid is projectile combustion, usually sprayed into the air intake to aid with the ignition process to help your motorcycle start, but why does a motorcycle only start with starter fluid? If your motorcycle only starts with starter fluid, it’s likely due to a weak ignition spark. That said, there are close to a …
Motorcycle Only Starting With Starter Fluid? (8 Common Reasons) Read More »
A strong-smelling exhaust odor can mean more than just turning off your fan club of onlookers. Unconventional engine and exhaust smells can serve as a valuable warning sign that a problem is developing in the machine. Catching a whiff of a strong engine odor can be synonymous with catching a problem while it’s still minuscule, …
Motorcycle Has Strong Exhaust Smell? (11 Common Reasons) Read More »
If your motorcycle is in neutral while it’s running, you should be able to idle and brap your throttle as always, but your motorcycle won’t move. That said, whether your moto’s engine is running or off when your bike’s in neutral, you should be able to push and walk your bike forward and backward without …
Motorcycle Won’t Move in Neutral? 8 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
It’s a tired old tale, especially when it’s happening in real time. You jump in the seat and fire up your motorcycle—she starts up just fine. But as soon as you put it in gear, the bike stops moving; if you let the clutch out, the bike dies, and if you don’t, the bike won’t …
Motorcycle Won’t Move When Put In Gear? (Solved) Read More »
We know the feeling of waking up early and hitting the street at sunrise when the air is cool, and the town is empty. After a little warm-up rip, you stop for gas and a refresh of coffee. You get back to your bike after the quick gulp, and her pipes are still hot—nothing happens. …
Motorcycle Won’t Start After Long Ride? 9 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
A motorcycle backfire is a loud noise coming from your bike’s engine, usually while the bike is already running, due to the presence of uncombusted fuel in the exhaust pipe. Backfiring is generally the result of poor tuning or improper air/fuel ratio. That said, in more serious situations, you might find that your motorcycle won’t …
Motorcycle Wont Start But Backfires? 5 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
It’s finally here; your Sunday morning. The bike’s polished up, and you’ve got all your fly riding gear on when you flip down your visor, flick up the side stand, and fire her up… but the bike clicks one time and won’t start? Here are the three most common reasons why! 1. Failing Starter Relay …
Motorcycle Clicks One Time And Won’t Start? (3 Solutions) Read More »
Even with a fully charged battery running at peak voltage, a motorcycle won’t start. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re all geared up and ready to ride! If you’ve confirmed that your battery is good, but the bike still won’t squeeze the juice and make the rumbles, we’ll help you figure out why! …
Motorcycle Won’t Start Though Battery Is OK? (10 Solutions) Read More »
After riding your motorcycle for any extended period, have you noticed that you smell like a diesel mechanic’s pocket rag? Have you gone to kiss your sweety on the cheek only to be turned away with a look of revilement and horror? If you’ve ever gotten the stink eye at any rest stop or roadside …
Smelling After Riding A Motorcycle? Here’s Why (Solved) Read More »
It is an idyllic Sunday morning in mid-April; the sun is shining, and the temperature has finally risen high enough above the bone-chilling cold of winter that a motorcycle ride is finally in the works (if you’re anything like me after the cabin fever of winter, that’s about 40 degrees Fahrenheit). To escape the memory …
Motorcycle Won’t Start After Long Winter? (9 Solutions) Read More »
It’s a frustrating scene—you’re all geared up and ready to rip roads, leaning forward in the saddle when you stick your key in the ignition to fire her up. You jab once, thrust twice, but the key won’t lock into place in there, which is obviously a requirement for starting your motorcycle and enjoying your …
Motorcycle Key Won’t Go in Ignition? Here’s Why (SOLVED) Read More »
As motorcycles become more technologically advanced, ignition systems become more and more specialized. From keyless ignitions to passcodes to electronic fabs, the game has changed quite a bit; in some cases, the key is still present, but the ignition is also wired into and therefore governed by the bike’s electronic Computer Unit (ECU). Regardless, there’s …
Motorcycle Ignition Won’t Turn | Here’s Why (SOLVED) Read More »
We all know the frustration of trying to get a dead bike to start, especially on the first few beautiful riding days after the cold, unrideable winter. The motorcycle might have been garaged for the bad weather season, or you simply want to take it out of storage and dust off your riding skills, but …
Motorcycle Won’t Start After Sitting For Months? (Easy Solutions) Read More »
Loose motorcycle handlebars can be more than just annoying; they can be dangerous. If your bike’s bars slip while riding, it can throw your front tire, cause unexpected throttle input, pop the clutch out, release the brakes, etc. Bars on motorcycles do more than controlling the steering—they house the controls to some of the most …
How to Fix Loose Handlebars on Motorcycles (Explained) Read More »
I cannot think of a more disappointing or frustrating thing than a motorcycle that just won’t start. If the motorcycle has power but won’t turn over, here’s help for you! Before you dig through this list of possible reasons your motorcycle won’t start, be sure to check your bike’s battery for the correct voltage. Most …
Motorcycle Won’t Start But Battery Is Good? (Solved) Read More »
Motorcycle electrical systems have come a long way since the days of the original gas-lamp design. Today we have everything from multi-faceted LED-comprised headlights to simple-but-bright, tried-and-true halogen setups, both of which are powered by the motorcycle battery. Most motorcycle headlights illuminate automatically at the turn of the key. If it doesn’t, electrical troubleshooting can …
Motorcycle Headlight Won’t Turn On? Here’s Why (SOLVED) Read More »
From hydraulic jacks to scissor jacks to motorcycle-specific jacks, it’s frustrating when you’re ready to wrench, so you reach for your jack only to find it’s stuck in the up position. Now you’re taking up physical space-time, mental clarity, and emotional energy, And it’s even more stressful when you’ve already been wrenching on your motorcycle, …
Motorcycle Jack Won’t Go Down? Here’s why (SOLVED) Read More »
It’s your day off, and you invite your buddy to meet at your place for a moto rip and a river dip. You’ve got a few hours to kill before he frees up, so you figure you’ll change the oil quickly before he shows up. You grab your trusty hydraulic motorcycle jack, but it’s stuck …
Motorcycle Jack Won’t Stay Up? Here’s Why (SOLVED) Read More »
When I bought my first, used Harley-Davidson, the greasy dealership salesman told me that the Dyna Wide Glide I was purchasing was bogging a little at higher speeds, but that I just needed to blow some of the old fuel out of the carb and it would be in tip-top shape in no time. Although …
Motorcycle Won’t Go Over 40-50 MPH? (Here’s Why) Read More »
A common problem we see out there on the forums is grossly limited rpm and speed in the higher range. This can be devastating news for any rider, but especially for anyone who rides a motorcycle that has more power in the higher ranges, such as performance sportbikes. So what happens if a motorcycle won’t …
Motorcycle Won’t Go Over 7,000 RPM? (Here’s Why) Read More »
It’s your day off, gorgeous outside, and you’re stoked. Ready to rip up some roads when you get the bright idea to start your bike while you gear up so the oil can warm to riding temp. Helmet in one hand, gloves in the other, you lean over your motorcycle to press the starter button… …
Motorcycle Won’t Start With Kickstand Down? (Here’s Why) Read More »
A motorcycle tire bead is the inner strip of the tire that is sealed to the wheel’s rim, reinforced by a thin steel or copper strip to prevent air from leaking out of the tire via the slitted opening between the rim and the rubber tire. The friction between the seal that binds the tire …
Motorcycle Tire Won’t Bead: 7 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
It’s gorgeous outside, sunny with the perfect cool breeze. You jump in your motorcycle seat, flick up the kill switch, and hear the fuel pump activate… but wait for a second; before you push the starter switch, you notice something– The motorcycle dash and instrument cluster won’t light up? Read on to find out why …
Motorcycle Dash Won’t Light Up? Here’s Why (SOLVED) Read More »
For safety during both the day and after dark, motorcycle lights should always function correctly. In most states, it isn’t illegal to have a headlight out, but a traffic stop for any other reason could get you a ‘fix-it’ ticket. Sometimes replacing a bulb seems like the quick fix, but a new bulb hasn’t solved …
Why Won’t My Motorcycle Lights Work? (7 Reasons) Read More »
The brakes we use are fundamental to our safety while out riding on our bikes, so it’s alarming (and a bit confusing) when they won’t hold pressure. Fortunately for the reader, yours truly has spent the last week tearing apart the entire braking system on a finicky motorcycle. So let’s go ahead and dig into …
Motorcycle Brakes Won’t Hold Pressure? Here’s Why (Solved) Read More »
You’ve adorned your riding gear and are all set to roast the pavement. After idling your iron steed for some time, you ease it onto the pavement. At the next traffic stop, you find out there’s a problem. You decelerate and try to slow the bike, only to find out it won’t downshift gears. In …
Is your motorcycle dying while starting or on rides when you should be able to idle? This issue can be frustrating when you try to fire up and head out, but can’t. If this happens while you are out riding, you can be stranded or stuck pushing your bike all the way home. If your …
Motorcycle Won’t Idle Without Throttle? (Here’s Why) Read More »
Most older bikes were made to kick start by applying force to an external crank arm. In many cases, the kickstart was replaced with an electric motor starter, but a lot of dirtbikes have retained this feature because it is a very mechanically sound way to start a motorcycle. If your motorcycle won’t kickstart, we’ll …
Motorcycle Won’t Kickstart | Here’s Why (Solved) Read More »
The garage door is opened, the sun is shinin’, and you’re all geared up and ready to go, but when it comes time to crank her up and turn her over, nothing happens; your motorcycle won’t start. As soon as you start tinkering around to troubleshoot, you swear you smell gas. If this problem-combo rings …
Motorcycle Won’t Start & Smells Like Gas (Solved & Explained) Read More »
If your motorcycle brake caliper won’t release, your bike won’t move. Or if it does, you’ll feel the resistance when you let off the throttle. It can be frustrating to be having problems with your motorcycle brake calipers. Here is a list of reasons your motorcycle brake caliper won’t release, and how to diagnose or …
Motorcycle Brake Caliper Won’t Release? 5 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
Every beginner rider has had the dreaded, knock-knee moment when the first little thing feels off on your new (to you) bike. Presumably, when we pick up a bike from a dealership or private seller, it should be running as smoothly as possible, or it will be a tough sale. But entropy dictates that the …
Motorcycle Not Running Smoothly? 10 Common Reasons (Solved) Read More »
It’s springtime and everybody’s firing up their bikes and getting ready for riding season. After sitting for a while, lots of people like to take the bike out for a short, fast rip to make sure everything is working in tiptop shape. So, you pull out onto the highway to gun it up, but the …
Motorcycle Stutter When Accelerating? Here’s Why (SOLVED) Read More »
Bleeding the brakes can be a piece of cake, but what happens if they won’t bleed out? It’s essential to the brake system that the brake line be cleaned of dirty old fluid and maintain the brake pressure. If either of those things isn’t taken care of, brake system failure is imminent!    …
Motorcycle Brakes Won’t Bleed? 4 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
You hop on, turn the ignition, flip the killswitch to RUN, and hit your starter button, but nothing happens. Maybe you hear a rapid clicking or whirring, but you’re not getting a spark. Your starter might have finally kicked the bucket, you still have to get to where you’re going. So what do you do …
How To Start Motorcycle With Bad Starter? (Solved) Read More »
One of the critical components of sparking your motorcycle to life is the starter relay. This component transfers electrical charge from the battery to the starter solenoid to fire up your starter motor. While starter relay problems aren’t necessarily widespread, all mechanical parts wear out, eventually. Knowing how to fix a failing starter relay might …
Has My Motorcycle Starter Relay Gone Bad? (Explained) Read More »
You’re in the saddle, all geared up and ready to rip. The bike started just fine; you rolled it out the driveway, it’s idling like a champ, but as soon as you hit the throttle… the motorcycle won’t accelerate. It’s one of the most mind-boggling things to figure out, which is why we put together …
Motorcycle Idles But Won’t Accelerate? Solved (Explained) Read More »
A motorcycle’s gearbox is similar to a manual car in that it allows the rider to input when to disengage the clutch for shifting gears. As far as most modern bikes are concerned, the difference is that while a car uses a pedal to manipulate the clutch engagement, a motorcycle uses a hand lever. Still, …
Motorcycle Clutch Won’t Disengage: 12 Reasons (Explained) Read More »
A bike is only as good as its battery. No matter how fresh your tires are, how fly your paint job looks, how much extra bread you spent on the stage 1 air cleaner or those stage 2 cam upgrades, none of it matters if your battery is shot. Still, a battery can be tricky …
Motorcycle Battery Won’t Fully Charge | Here’s Why (SOLVED) Read More »
The biker is the heart of a motorcycle, but its soul is undoubtedly its engine. Without a motor, a bike is just a bicycle you can’t pedal—just how essential is the engine oil to the soul of your motorcycle? Most understand oil as a functional engine coolant or lubricant, but are motorcycles damaged when the …
Are Motorcycles Damaged When Oil Runs Low? (Explained) Read More »
You’re in the saddle of your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to eat up some curves. Or maybe you’re choppin’ it up on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin’ on the scene. Or even worse, you’re on the full-dresser, hard bags stuffed-up and ready for a cross-country tour when you …
Motorcycle Clicks Instead Of Starting? 3 Reasons (Solved) Read More »
The battery is an intricate part of fundamental motorcycle operation. Whether you’re on an old vintage-goldie or a high-tech modern moto-masterpiece, the battery is critical to starting the bike and powering your headlights, gauge displays, and your ECU and fuel injection systems when applicable. The battery can perform these essential functions thanks to a charging …
Motorcycle Battery Won’t Charge While Riding? (11 Reasons) Read More »
You’re sitting in the saddle of your cold iron steed, ready for action. You push the starter button, but nothing happens. Then you look around, realize the bike is not in neutral, and you can’t help but ask yourself, why won’t your motorcycle start in gear? Read on to find out. Here’s the Short Answer …
Motorcycle Won’t Start In Gear? Known Issues (Explained) Read More »
Motorcycles have come a long way since the days of popping out your choke and kicking your starter like it’s a bad dog until your motorcycle’s ignition yelps on. Nowadays, most of us have electric push starters to ensure that our bikes spark to life hot or cold, rain or shine, at any altitude. Of …
Motorcycle Won’t Push Start? Known Issues (Explained) Read More »
A motorcycle stall-out is more than just embarrassing; it can be hazardous. The joy of motorcycling is the harmony maintained between mind and machine, knowing that where you look, the bike glides… When you stall out, you’re not going anywhere. So, to prevent our readers and riders from being a sitting duck on a bike …
Motorcycle Keep Stalling? 9 Known Issues (Solved) Read More »
