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How Do I Start My Bike?

Published in Motorcycle Operation 2 mins read

To start your bike, ensure the kickstand is up on modern models, then press and hold the start button until the engine begins to run.

Understanding the startup process for your motorcycle is crucial for a smooth ride. While older bikes might differ, the process for many contemporary models is straightforward, with a key safety feature integrated.

Key Steps to Starting Your Motorcycle

Modern motorcycles have safety features that prevent them from starting or running if the kickstand is down. This is a vital detail to remember.

Here's a simple breakdown of how to start your bike:

  1. Prepare Your Bike:

    • Ensure the motorcycle is in neutral. You should see an 'N' indicator on your display.
    • Crucially, make sure the kickstand is up. Modern bikes will not start with the kickstand down. Putting it down later will also cause the engine to stall.
  2. Engage the Starter:

    • Locate the start button, typically on the right handlebar.
    • Press the start button and hold it until the motor turns over. This means the engine is beginning to crank and start.
  3. Listen for Idling:

    • Once the motor turns over, release the start button.
    • Your engine should now be running and idling smoothly.

What If the Bike Doesn't Start?

Sometimes, a bike might not start on the first attempt or might stall immediately after starting. Don't worry, this is not uncommon, especially in colder conditions or if the bike hasn't been run in a while.

  • If the engine stalls or fails to start on the first try, simply attempt to start it a second or third time, as needed.
  • Ensure you are still following the correct procedure: kickstand up, in neutral (usually), and holding the start button until the motor turns over.

Starting your bike correctly ensures safety and readiness for your ride. Always refer to your specific motorcycle's owner's manual for model-specific instructions, though the general steps outlined here apply to many modern bikes.