Resolving the Unexpected
General Guidelines
If Your Engine Quits or Will Not Start
If you encounter trouble during a ride, the first thing you should do is stop as soon as it is safely
possible. Do not continue to ride if you have a flat tire, if you hear an unusual noise, or if your motor
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cycle just does not feel right. If you continue to ride, you will cause more damage the motorcycle and
endanger your own safety.
If the engine was not making unusal noises before it quit running, and it feels normal when you oper-
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ate the kickstarter, you can probably rule out a major mechanical problem
After you stop, take time to carefully look over your motorcycle and identify the problem. Always
consider all of your options before you make a decision. Sometimes a problem can be relatively minor
and can be permanently repaired on the trail provided you have the tools, supplies and skills needed
to do so. In addition, you may be able to make a temporary repair and ride slowly back to your base
where you can get further help and/or supplies.
When a problem appears to be more serious; or you do not have the tools, supplies and skills needed
to make a repair, you will need to choose a safe way to get yourself and the motorcycle back to your
base. If you are close enough, you can often push the motorcycle back.
Whatever the problem may be, always follow the instructions below:
First, Check the fuel system:
Recommendations for specific problems follow.
1. Always put safety first.
2. If the problem is minor and you have the tools, supplies and skills needed to make a temporary
repair, be sure to make permanent repairs as soon as possible.
3. Do not continue riding if you are hurt or if your motorcycle is not in safe riding condition.
1. Make sure you have fuel in the gas tank and the fuel valve is set to the “ON” position.
2. Check the fuel tank cap breather hose to be sure it is not pinched or clogged.
3. Turn the fuel valve to the “OFF” position. Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and
momentarily turn the fuel valve to “ON”. If fuel does not flow out, there is an obstruction in the fuel
tank, fuel filter, or in the fuel line.
If the fuel system appears to be okay, check the ignition system.
If you cannot identify or correct a problem, you will have to push your motorcycle back to your base or
get some help.
1. Check the spark plug cap. Be sure that it is not loose or disconnected.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove the spark plug. Connect the spark plug to the plug cap
and place the threaded end of the spark plug on a metal part of the engine.
3. Kick the kickstarter while you watch the spark plug. If it sparks, the ignition system is probably
working. If there is no spark, replace the spark plug with a new one. If there is still no spark, there is
a problem with the ignition system.
37 Troubleshooting
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