Motorcycle won't start

Starter, fuel, and spark checks

This free guided diagnosis asks up to 8 questions about what the bike is actually doing and narrows it down to 9 possible faults, each with a safety call, what it costs to fix, and the guide that fixes it.

Start the guided diagnosis

What causes motorcycle won't start?

Likely dead or weak battery

Battery voltage is below starting threshold. Charge and test, replace if under 12.4V after charge.

Safe to ride. Not a safety issue, but charge or replace it before it strands you somewhere less convenient. Typical cost: $0-140 DIY, $90-260 at a shop.

Kill switch was off

The engine kill switch cuts power to ignition. Simple fix — switch it back to RUN position.

Safe to ride. No repair needed. Set the switch to RUN and ride. Typical cost: $0 DIY, $0-60 at a shop.

Starter relay or switch fault

Power is present but cranking fails. Check relay clicks and starter circuit connections.

Safe to ride. Fix it before your next ride. An intermittent relay will eventually leave you stuck at a fuel stop. Typical cost: $15-45 DIY, $90-200 at a shop.

Starter motor or solenoid issue

Single click indicates solenoid engaging but motor not turning. May need starter rebuild or replacement.

Safe to ride. Nothing here is dangerous once the bike is running, but you are stranded until it is fixed. Typical cost: $60-220 DIY, $250-550 at a shop.

No fuel reaching engine

Check fuel level and ensure petcock is in the correct position. Fill tank if empty.

Safe to ride. Simple fix. Top up and check the petcock before your next ride. Typical cost: $5-25 DIY, $20-100 at a shop.

Fuel delivery issue

Fuel is present but not reaching cylinders. Check fuel pump, filter, and injectors.

Ride with caution. Do not set off on a long trip. A failing pump or blocked filter usually cuts out without warning. Typical cost: $25-180 DIY, $150-450 at a shop.

Spark plug or ignition problem

Fuel is present but no spark. Replace spark plugs and check ignition components.

Safe to ride. Fix it before your next ride. Running on misfiring plugs washes oil off the bore and fouls the catalyst. Typical cost: $15-70 DIY, $90-220 at a shop.

Engine flooded

Too much fuel in cylinders. Wait 10 minutes, hold throttle wide open while cranking to clear.

Safe to ride. No damage done yet, but stop cranking now and find out why it flooded if it happens again. Typical cost: $0-25 DIY, $60-140 at a shop.

Ignition coil or CDI issue

Spark plugs are good but no spark. Check ignition coil output and CDI unit.

Safe to ride. Fix before your next ride. An intermittent coil produces a misfire that gets worse with heat. Typical cost: $40-160 DIY, $180-420 at a shop.

Guides that fix these faults

Other symptoms