3 ways to start a motorcycle

Do you want to start a motorcycle? If it's in good condition, it shouldn't be difficult. Read this basic tutorial to start a motorcycle!

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Analyze the situation

Step 1. Determine if the motorcycle has a carburetion system or runs on fuel injection

Many motorcycles, especially older and cheaper ones, do not have a modern fuel injection system. If you are not sure, examine the control valve. It is usually located on the left handlebar, under the horn. Carbureted motorcycles have a primer, but fuel injection motorcycles do not.

Step 2. Sit on the motorcycle to start it

So you will have full control of everything that happens when you turn it on. If for any reason you decide to start the motorcycle without sitting on it, be sure to put it in neutral (between the first and second gear) before starting the engine. You don't want the bike to go away without you!

Step 3. Make sure the motorcycle is in good condition

It must have fuel and the battery must be charged. Proper services are important, especially if you are in a cold and humid environment. Put new spark plugs on it. If they are not worn, calibrate them. Examine the ignition timing and adjust if necessary. If tight, replace breakout points. A good idea is to check the carburetor and clean it.

Replace the spark plug wires if they are old, worn, or aging. Only use the spark plug wires recommended by the manufacturer. Find the instructions in your motorcycle's owner's manual

Step 4. Check the oil

Before starting any vehicle, make sure it is lubricated. For this, you will need to check the oil level. If you are out of oil or low on oil, do not start the engine. Otherwise, it will overheat and may break.

Step 5. Check the battery

Put the key in and turn it clockwise until the light comes on. If the lights don't turn on, the battery may be dead and you need to recharge it or put in a new one.

Method 2 of 3: Starting a Carbureted Motorcycle

Step 1. Find the choke lever or kill switch

To start it cold, there is usually a choke lever or a kill switch on the handlebar. On some motorcycles, the choke lever is mounted on the carburetor. Doing this when the engine is cold will provide a rich fuel mixture when it has not been used for more than a few hours. The dirtier the carburetor or the colder the engine is, the more you'll need the primer.

You do not need to use the choke lever to start a motorcycle if the engine is hot. If the engine has been running and is still warm, you won't need as much power to start it. You will only have to accelerate a little to get the engine to start.
Many motorcycles have a kill switch on the kickstand, so make sure it's up. If you have the motorcycle in neutral, you will disable the cut with the kickstand.

Step 2. Open the choke lever

Make sure the kill switch is "on". You will need to keep the throttle grip closed when operating the starter or kickstart lever. Otherwise, the engine will flood and starting it will be very difficult and even impossible. Remember: Generally, you don't need to use the choke lever if your motorcycle was in operation a few hours before.

Step 3. Turn the starter to the "on" position

The dash lights should come on in this position. Also, if the bike is in neutral as suggested, you should notice a green light indicating that it is in the neutral position.

Step 4. Start the engine

Squeeze and hold the clutch lever (found on the left) and press the starter button (found on the right). You should hear the blissful sound of the motorcycle starting.

Step 5. Turn off the primer and open the throttle

Shortly after you start the engine, progressively turn the choke off and open the throttle as the engine warms up. When you are riding the motorcycle, you may need the primer for a short distance. However, try to close the choke as soon as possible so the ride of the motorcycle is smoother. Do not overshoot the motorcycle when it is warming up.

Method 3 of 3: Starting a Fuel Injected Motorcycle

Step 1. Put the motorcycle in neutral

Generally, you will be able to find it between the first and second changes.

Step 2. Don't worry about the primer

On motorcycles with an electronic injection system, the engine management system will automatically take care of fuel needs in the event that the engine is hot or cold. These motorcycles do not have a primer. Use the throttle a bit when you turn it on, whether it's hot or cold.