What is the reason why a motorcycle cannot start when in gear?
2 Answers
Motorcycle cannot start when in gear for the following reasons: Idle speed issue: Sometimes it cannot start due to low idle speed. Normally in summer, the tachometer needle should point to one mark or slightly more, while in winter it should be adjusted to between one and a half to two marks. Spark plug problem: Replacing it can solve the issue. Sometimes the spark plug can be flooded with fuel. Check if the spark plug head is oily or wet, which can also prevent the motorcycle from starting. Cold weather in winter: This often leads to difficulty in starting. In the warmer climate of the south, unless there is a fault with the motorcycle itself, starting issues are rare. In northeast China during early spring or late autumn when temperatures drop below 0°C in the morning, the engine oil becomes viscous, making it difficult to start.
Last time my motorcycle wouldn't start after shifting gears, and I found out it was a neutral sensor issue. Motorcycles have a safety design where you must fully pull in the clutch to start when in gear. If there's still no response after pulling the clutch, it's likely a faulty clutch switch or oxidized wiring connectors. Additionally, inaccurate gear signals can cause the ECU to misjudge, thinking the bike is in gear when it's actually in neutral. I opened the side cover to inspect the clutch switch and found it clogged with grime, causing poor contact. After spraying it with carburetor cleaner, it worked fine again. While a weak battery can make starting difficult, it's not directly related to gear position. For such issues, don't force the key; try shifting back to neutral first.
