Troubleshooting Common Motorcycle Issues

Even the most well-maintained motorcycle may have the occasional glitch. When you are dealing with an unresponsive engine or noisy brakes, you can always rush over to a service shop, but the problem might have an easier solution than you think. If your bike is not performing as it should, this guide will help you determine if a simple fix can save the day.

If you do encounter an issue that requires the expertise of a mechanic, you can call on the certified technicians here at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. We welcome customers from all over Orange County at our dealership in Westminster, CA.

Engine Won’t Start

You go to start your motorcycle, but the engine refuses to turn over. When this happens, your first order of business is to make sure the kill switch is not engaged. This is easy to forget, especially when you use the key to power down your bike after a ride. Once you have ruled out the kill switch, you can grab a multimeter and check the battery voltage. If the battery has plenty of charge, make sure there is gas in the tank, and that you are engaging the clutch.

If your motorcycle has just been through a long period of disuse, the culprit could be the fuel injector. When the engine is inactive, fuel starts to solidify and build up inside the injector. This can interfere with startup and overall performance. Clean the fuel injector per manufacturer instructions to get your engine back in working order.

Poor Performance

Is your motorcycle not accelerating smoothly? Does the engine misfire, run louder than usual, or emit a strong odor of gasoline? In these situations, a spark plug is the most likely suspect. A single faulty spark plug can wreak havoc on your engine’s performance. Most motorcycles have 4 to 6 spark plugs, so be sure to thoroughly inspect each one. They might just need to be cleaned or adjusted, but if the ceramic coating has cracked, you should spring for a replacement.

Keep in mind that if one spark plug is damaged, you will need to replace all of them. Luckily, spark plugs are inexpensive and easy to install. You can find replacement spark plugs anywhere motorcycle parts are sold.

Noisy Brakes

Brakes inevitably wear down over time. Sometimes, they make a show of it by squealing whenever you come to a stop. Noisy or not, if your brakes seem less responsive than usual, you should check the brake pads right away. They could be loose or dirty, or they could need replacement.

Excessive Vibration

If you are experiencing more vibration than usual when riding your motorcycle, the bolts might simply need to be adjusted. Grab a wrench, tighten the bolts, and see if that helps. If it feels like your wheels are vibrating, you should check the tires for excessive or uneven tread wear, and make sure the wheels are able to spin freely. You might need a new set of tires, or to replace some component of the wheels.

We hope this guide helps you get back on the road! Do you need more advice on motorcycle repair? Never hesitate to consult the experts here at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. We proudly serve Westminster, CA, and our neighbors from Los Angeles.