You’re all geared up, ready to go. You turn the key, press the starter… and nothing. No rumble. No roar. Just silence or a sad little click.
We’ve all been there. Don’t panic. We’ll walk you through the first things to check when your motorcycle refuses to start. And if it’s still not playing ball, we’re just a message away.
1. Start With the Simple Stuff
Don’t laugh—these catch people out all the time:
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Is the kill switch on?
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Are you in neutral?
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Is the side stand up?
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Got fuel? (Yes, we’re asking. We’ve all been caught out.)
Double check these first. Sometimes it’s the easiest thing.
2. Battery – The Usual Suspect🔋
If your bike won't start, the battery is almost always the first thing to check. Dash lights dim or not turning on? Hear a click but no crank? That’s classic low-battery behaviour.
If you’ve got a multimeter, check for a resting voltage of at least 12.6V. Anything under 12V usually means the battery needs attention or replacing.
At JR Motorcycles, we use a professional Yuasa battery tester (yes, we paid over $1,000 for it!) to get an accurate reading of your battery’s health. If you're unsure, bring it in and we'll test it properly.
One word of warning: don’t use a car battery charger on your motorcycle battery. It’s like cooking your battery on high heat. It can damage or kill it. We've seen it too many times.
Instead, use a purpose-built motorcycle battery tender. We’ve been using the Deltran Battery Tender Junior 800 in our own workshop for over 10 years. It's safe, smart, and works with both lead-acid and lithium batteries. You can find it here on our website.
If your bike sits for long periods, a trickle charger like this can save you from a dead start every time.
3. Connections Matter
Loose battery terminals or corroded cables can ruin your day. Grab a spanner and give those terminals a quick check. If they’re crusty or loose—clean and tighten them.
4. Spark Plug Check🧨
No spark = no start. If your bike’s cranking but not firing, pull a spark plug:
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Is it wet, black, or crusty? Might be time for a new one.
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Spark leads tight and tidy?
Don’t know what plug you need? Flick us a message.
5. Fuel and Air – The Breathing Bits
Even if your tank’s full, blocked fuel lines or filters can choke your ride. Same with your air filter—it might be clogged with dirt or soaked from a wet ride.
6. Still No Luck? You’ve Got Backup
If you’ve tried the basics and your bike still won’t start, it might be something deeper—ECU faults, sensors, immobiliser quirks, or a tired starter motor.
That’s where we come in.
📍Riders from both the South and North Islands trust us with their bikes. Whether you’re local or sending your pride and joy down to us, we’ll treat it like our own. You can also book workshop service, ask us technical questions, or get parts and gear online, wherever you are in New Zealand.
🧰 Need a Hand?
Reach out. We’re here to help, not just fix bikes, but get you riding again with confidence.
👉 Contact Us | 📦 Shop Online | ☕ Or pop in for a chat in Rolleston
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