What's the reason for a motorcycle not starting and making noise?
4 Answers
The reasons why a motorcycle won't start and makes noise are as follows: 1. Fuel system failure: Mainly caused by the fuel switch not delivering fuel, clogged fuel filter, carburetor not supplying fuel or having an overly rich fuel mixture, or bent fuel pipe issues. 2. Electrical circuit failure: Short circuits in vehicle electrical components (such as ignition switch, ignition coil, ignition module, or magneto failure), or open circuits caused by loose wiring harness connectors. 3. Air pressure failure: Insufficient cylinder compression, improper air intake resistance of the air filter element, engine intake/exhaust system failures, etc. 4. If any of the above problems occur, it is recommended to take the motorcycle to a professional repair shop for inspection and maintenance.
The motorcycle won't start and makes noise - this issue mostly stems from the electrical system. I encountered the same problem when helping my neighbor repair his old Yamaha. When you try to start it, you hear a clicking sound, right? Nine times out of ten, this indicates a weak battery causing the starter relay to repeatedly engage. I recommend first checking the battery voltage with a multimeter - if it's below 12 volts, charge it immediately. Another detail to note: oxidized battery terminals can cause poor contact, so sand the connectors and try again. If you hear the electric motor humming but the engine won't start, the starter motor gear might be worn and slipping. For electrical circuit issues, carefully inspect the fuse box, especially the 15A fuse on the main power line. If all else fails, it's best to take it to a repair shop and have the mechanic check the starter relay's working condition.
The issue of abnormal noise during startup depends on the specific sound characteristics. Last month when I rode my Kawasaki into the mountains, I encountered a rapid ticking sound—turned out the battery was dead. You need to pay attention to distinguish: if it's a clicking sound, it's the starter relay tripping, indicating insufficient power; if it's a whirring idle sound, it's mostly the starter motor's small gear not engaging with the flywheel. First, check if the voltage output from the ignition switch is stable, then try starting a few more times while holding the clutch. Older bikes often have aging wiring—I frequently encounter poor contact in the side stand switch causing failure to start. It's also recommended to check if the spark plug cap is loose, as this affects ignition. If cold starts are difficult, check the carburetor fuel level or the fuel injection system's oil pressure.
When a motorcycle won't start but makes noise, the most common issue is a weak battery. I learned this the hard way during a road trip - when the battery voltage drops to 11 volts, starting becomes difficult. Besides charging, check if the rectifier has failed and isn't charging properly. The clicking sound during startup is the relay repeatedly engaging - don't force start it then, as this can easily blow fuses. If you hear the whirring sound of the motor spinning freely, it's likely the overrunning clutch slipping. Also check if overly thick engine oil is increasing startup resistance. Take a quick look at the ignition switch wiring for any exposed wires grounding out. Doing these basic checks can save you towing fees.
