How to start a scooter: expert advice


For true fans of traveling on two wheels, a motorcycle is not just an ordinary means of transportation, but also the meaning of life, a separate philosophy. In this regard, it is not surprising that some motorcyclists ride bikes in winter. Many people are familiar with the problem when the bike does not start after a long period of inactivity. Especially in frosty weather.

A decrease in temperature adversely affects how the motorcycle engine starts, the clutch and other mechanisms operate. Experts note that the requirements for the quality of motorcycle operation in winter increase significantly. In the summer you can close your eyes to some errors, but in the cold season this is unacceptable. How to start a motorcycle correctly in winter?

How to start a motorcycle in winter

For true fans of traveling on two wheels, a motorcycle is not just an ordinary means of transportation, but also the meaning of life, a separate philosophy.
In this regard, it is not surprising that some motorcyclists ride bikes in winter. Many people are familiar with the problem when the bike does not start after a long period of inactivity. Especially in frosty weather. A decrease in temperature adversely affects how the motorcycle engine starts, the clutch and other mechanisms operate.
Experts note that the requirements for the quality of motorcycle operation in winter increase significantly. In the summer you can close your eyes to some errors, but in the cold season this is unacceptable. How to start a motorcycle correctly in winter?

Basic requirements for a motorcycle in winter:

  • The engine should start easily in any weather.
  • Since the battery will discharge faster due to cold temperatures, it must be fully charged at least once a week.
  • The oil should be taken more liquid , since under the influence of temperatures, it tends to become thicker. Alternatively, you can dilute the oil with a small amount of kerosene. With the arrival of spring, the oil will need to be replaced with regular oil.
  • The cables must be generously lubricated as they may freeze. It is better to use lubricant with silicone.
  • If the design of the motorcycle provides for the presence of casings for the carburetor, they must be installed in winter. This will reduce the amount of snow that will get into the carburetor, and then melt and freeze in the cold.
  • It has been proven in practice that any serviceable engine starts well at temperatures down to -15°C. With lower temperatures, starting a motorcycle in winter can be quite difficult. In this case, the crankcase should not be heated. It would be better to warm up the candle.
  • For winter, it is better to adjust the engine a little. You can enrich the mixture a little by raising the carburetor needle.
  • You should always have a spare candle with you.

Starting a motorcycle in winter, especially if it has been sitting in the garage for several months, is quite problematic. The problem may lie in the fuel or ignition system. Many people do not drain the gas tank when it is idle, and then wonder why the vehicle does not start. The problem is obvious - gasoline tends to stagnate. Fans of winter trips should play it safe in advance and refill the fuel.

How to properly start a motorcycle from a pushrod

Many people have encountered the problem of how to start a motorcycle if the battery is dead, not only in the winter, but also in the main season. Push starting involves pushing the motorcycle forward until the engine with the transmission connected starts automatically.

Before starting the motorcycle this way, you should make sure that the reason is a dead battery or problems with the starter. The fuel indicator must be checked carefully. Perhaps the reason lies in the lack of gasoline in the tank - a banal oversight, but anything can happen.

The bike may not start if the fuel valve is closed , if the side stand is lowered, or if the ignition is turned off. Another reason could be a lack of spark and many other technical failures. If any of the items listed above are present, there is no point in starting the engine using a pushrod. It's a waste of time and effort.

List of steps on how to start a motorcycle from a pusher:

  1. It is necessary to install first or second gear. Most often it is necessary to set it to second gear.
  2. The clutch needs to be depressed. Then you can start pushing the bike. Many instructions indicate that the motorcycle must be accelerated to at least 8 km/h. This requires quite a lot of space. Alternatively, find a descent and slide down. Physical costs with this method are minimal. You just need to control the trajectory of the bike. Management control should be minimal.
  3. Having gained speed, you need to release the clutch and press the gas. After the engine has started, depress the clutch.
  4. To prevent the engine from stalling again, you need to add speed.
  5. The motorcycle is ready to ride. If the cause of the malfunction was a dead battery, it will charge while driving.

It will be easier to start the engine if you push the bike well and engage a higher gear. If using the above method does not help, and you have little experience in performing repair work, it is better not to risk it and send the bike to a specialized workshop.

Malfunctions in the spark plug cap

It may also be that the cap has poor contact with the high-voltage wire. This needs to be checked.

The operation we perform is almost similar to the previous one. We release the wire from the cap and bring it closer to the metal part, maintaining a distance of 2-3 mm, this is very important. They cannot be combined closely.

Don't forget to turn on the ignition if you turned it off. We turn the crankshaft either from the starter or from the foot. If the spark is clearly visible, we can relax and inspect the cap itself. Perhaps moisture has gotten into it. This happens often. Dry it with a hairdryer, insert a spark plug and check for a spark. If there is a spark, then you can drive; if not, you need to change the cap itself.

How to start a push-pull motorcycle?

Question: How to properly start/ start a motorcycle “from a pushrod” ?

Answer: If the motorcycle does not start with an electric starter, and there is no kick starter, try using the pushrod, IMHO, the most effective way to start a motorcycle , even a modern one, even one “stuffed” with electronics. It is better to call an assistant with you, although if the motorcycle is light (up to 160 kg), then you can start the motorcycle “with one”.

And so, we start the motorcycle from the pusher!

Starting a motorcycle “from the pusher” - when together: We sit on the motorcycle , of course we put our feet on the ground, engage second gear - squeeze the clutch .. push until you start running (the assistant rests on the passenger’s footrest , this is most convenient), as soon as you start running, you drop it sharply clutch, you can continue to push the motorcycle , as soon as you “grab” the motorcycle and the engine of the motorcycle starts, squeeze the clutch and gas again.. maintain the gas until the motorcycle warms up, then you can try idling but controlling the speed..

Starting a motorcycle “from the pusher” - when alone: ​​Stand on the left side of the motorcycle, engage second gear, squeeze the clutch, accelerate to running speed, drop the clutch, and as soon as the motorcycle grabs, sharply squeeze the clutch and add gas, it takes practice!

Basically everything. It’s still easier to push the motorcycle up a small hill. A 10-degree incline on the road greatly facilitates starting the motorcycle from the pushrod . It will not be difficult to start a 250-400 cc motorcycle in one, but starting motorcycles with a larger volume alone is more problematic, due to the weight, of course, although it is still possible depending on the place.

What to do to prevent the battery from draining?

To extend the life of the battery, it is necessary to provide it with the necessary care and storage. A motorcycle battery requires regular recharging. This must be done from time to time, even if the battery is not used and is lying on the rack. Depending on how high the level of self-discharge of the battery is, this procedure on average needs to be carried out at least once every 1.5 months, and sometimes more often.

If your motorcycle battery is draining quickly, there could be several reasons for this. It is possible to start a motorcycle without a battery, but this method does not always work. There are several ways to revive a dead battery, including recharging it from a car battery or charger.

Gregory

Blog author

To push or not to push: starting a motorcycle in an unusual situation

Sometimes the motorcycle simply refuses to start when you turn the key - most often this happens when cold weather sets in or after a long period of parking. Beginners in such a situation often begin to panic, but experienced bikers first check the condition of the vehicle, and then use one of the backup methods of starting the engine. Everyone should know about them, since any equipment is prone to breakdowns and may refuse to start at the least opportune moment. Understanding how to start a motorcycle in an emergency will at least help you get to a specialized service center where you can repair your two-wheeled vehicle.

Preliminary diagnosis

Before using one of the methods for starting the engine in an unusual situation, you should check the serviceability of the motorcycle. The main thing is to check whether there is gasoline in the tank, since the fuel consumption of two-wheeled vehicles can vary greatly depending on the riding style and some bikers do not have time to monitor the availability of fuel. It is useless to look at the sensor, since it often malfunctions. The best way is to unscrew the tank cap and look inside to make sure there is fuel.

To start a motorcycle after a long period of inactivity, you need to make sure that fuel can reach the engine. The fuel system pipes must be in place, the carburetor caps must be closed, and the fuel tap must be open. The ignition must be turned on, since the engine will not be able to start without firing the spark plug. Also remember if there have been any symptoms of engine failure recently - strange knocking noises at high speeds, a sudden stop in fuel supply, and others.

Before starting the engine, perform one more small check:

  • The footrest must be raised;
  • The key is turned to the working position;
  • Neutral gear must be selected.

If everything is normal, you can begin the procedure. Try not to lose control of the motorcycle while starting the engine, as this often leads to disastrous consequences.

A little effort

The classic way to start the engine when there is no battery charge is with a pusher. It is used by bikers of all ages and nationalities as this method is effective for all manual transmission motorcycles. Unfortunately, the latest technology with semi-automatic and robotic transmissions cannot be started in this way - you can only damage its expensive components.

A motorcycle with a low compression ratio or with an engine capacity of up to 350 cubic centimeters can be started from a pushrod yourself. But modern Japanese sportbikes or choppers with huge engines will require a lot of effort - so you will have to find an assistant. If you are in a remote area where you cannot expect help, try to find a slope at least 100 meters long - this will make solving the problem much easier.

The motorcycle will need to be accelerated to approximately 10–12 km/h, that is, jogging speed. Before starting acceleration, squeeze the clutch lever and select second gear - starting in it is noticeably easier than in a lower gear. The only exceptions are Kawasaki motorcycles - their owners are recommended to engage first gear when starting from a pusher. When the desired speed is reached, carefully release the lever and wait for the corresponding sounds from the engine.

If the engine does not start, it is best to stop and rest for a few minutes before trying again. After four or five times, you should come to terms with the fact that your equipment is faulty and needs the help of a professional mechanic. If you succeed in starting the engine, you need to squeeze the clutch lever again so that the motorcycle does not drive away from you on its own. Stop and rev up - this will help stabilize the fuel supply and also recharge the battery, which will take about half an hour. If you are trying to start a motorcycle without a battery, you can go in search of a new battery after a couple of minutes, since there is not much point in long-term revving.

Complex issue

Every motorcyclist can experience such a nuisance as losing the ignition key. It is very easy to solve such a problem using domestic technology. You need to take two nails and solder them together to get a T-shaped handle. The base should be flattened with a hammer or a vice to obtain a thin, wide plate. All that remains is to insert it into the lock to start the two-wheeled vehicle without a key.

However, the problem may not be the loss of the key, but the breakdown of the vehicle. It is necessary to completely remove the ignition switch and directly connect the wires responsible for starting the engine. Which ones exactly depend on the motorcycle model, year of manufacture, as well as the availability of tuning components. In order not to take risks over trifles, review the instructions for the motorcycle in advance and look through the pages of specialized forums on the Internet. Be careful - if you accidentally connect the wrong wires, you will have to change the fuse, which will probably blow.

It is also possible to start the vehicle using a kickstarter. You need to make sure that the wires responsible for the ignition are connected to each other, but do not touch the cable that is responsible for automatic starting. After this, the motorcycle starts with a strong blow to the kickstarter pedal - usually 3-5 attempts are enough to get results. However, this option is only suitable for small-capacity vehicles - on motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 250 cubic centimeters, there is usually no kickstarter.

If you need to start without an ignition switch on modern technology, it is better to go straight to a specialized workshop, since you will have to deal with the electronic immobilizer. However, it is possible to start such a motorcycle, although you will need a special device - an immobilizer bypass. It is installed under the ignition switch or instead of it, depending on the model of the device and the motorcycle. The electronics are turned off, and your only task is to choose the right wires to connect.

Lost keys to your scooter: what to do?

Experts advise making a spare set to avoid situations like this. But if you still don’t have them, how to start a scooter without a key? You can try to do this yourself or contact a specialist.

Let's look at how to start a scooter without a key yourself. To gain access to the ignition switch, remove the front panel. Then unscrew the two screws and remove the contactor. Afterwards you will need a flathead screwdriver. Using it, you should turn the core until it stops. It happens that an action can only be done up to the penultimate position. It is called safe engine starting mode. It is used to prevent the scooter from moving abruptly.

If the ignition switch cannot be disassembled, then you will need to remove the chip from it. After this, you should find a contact pair.

Remember that incorrect actions can lead to damage to the scooter. In addition, following all the recommendations does not guarantee that the scooter will start right away.

Winter way

Not all owners of two-wheeled vehicles refuse to drive them in the cold season. However, starting an engine with a high compression ratio becomes a real pain at low ambient temperatures. Therefore, experienced motorcyclists advise using a method that has been proven for decades.

To understand how to properly start a motorcycle in winter, you need to choose the appropriate chemical. It is most often sold under the name “Starting Ether” or “Starting Fluid”. The liquid is supplied in spray cans, which make it easier to get it into the desired area of ​​the fuel system. It should be applied directly to the surface of the filter element - it can be located next to the carburetor or under the motorcycle tank. It is not necessary to tighten all the bolts after the first attempt, since this may not be the only one.

After applying ether to the fuel filter, try to start it normally, using the starter, or by accelerating the motorcycle yourself and putting it in gear. To start the engine, you will need 2-3 attempts - if the engine does not show signs of life after the third time, it can be considered faulty with a 99% probability. Be very careful - you are allowed to use ether 1-2 times during the winter season, since its use accelerates engine wear several times. It is much better to pre-warm the motorcycle in a warm garage, starting it at normal fuel and metal components temperature.

If you need to start the motorcycle after a long period of inactivity, you should first drain the gasoline and wash the carburetors. On vehicles with electronic injection control, it is also recommended to clean the injectors, since they may contain remnants of a mixture that has long since become non-flammable. To prevent this from happening, before storing it, you should fill the tank with a special liquid, which is called a fuel stabilizer. Be extremely careful, since a regular bottle is enough for 1-3 full car tanks, and excessive concentration of such a chemical compound in fuel can lead to motorcycle engine damage. It is also worth removing the battery before winter storage, storing it in a warm place and recharging it every 2-3 weeks, so that later the motorcycle has enough charge to start the engine using the starter.

Ways to revive a dead motorcycle battery

To reanimate a motorcycle battery you will need:

  • distilled water;
  • electrolyte of nominal density;
  • hydrometer (a device that measures the density of an electrolyte);
  • charger with adjustable current;
  • desulfating additive.

When everything you need is collected, you need to determine the reason for the battery discharge and act based on it.

If the reason is short circuit of the plates

During charging, the electrolyte begins to boil immediately in one of the sections. In this situation, the motorcyclist should not attempt to charge the battery; using distilled water to rinse the can will suffice.

It is necessary to carry out washing until you see that the leaching of coal chips from the can has stopped. Then it will be necessary to bring it to the required density in the battery and put it on charge.

If this option turns out to be ineffective, then it is best not to deal with such a battery in the future - you can throw it away without regret. In this situation, in order to get to your destination or the nearest workshop, you can mechanically close the plates, but this option is only suitable on the road.

Sulphation of battery plates

As a rule, this is noticeable by a significant drop in battery capacity - the indicator may approach zero. To eliminate the problem, it will be useful to apply a desulfating additive to the electrolyte. In most cases, a description of the technology for cleaning battery plates is included in the attached instructions for using the additive.

Only the most important points should be considered:

  1. Fill the electrolyte into the battery with a nominal density of 1.28 g/cc.
  2. An additive must be added to each jar. The sequence may be different, since certain types of additives are allowed to be added to the electrolyte before filling into the battery.
  3. To completely dissolve the additive you need to wait 2 days.

After this, we “race” the battery, maintaining a certain charge/discharge cycle. The essence of this procedure consists of a sequence of operations: first charging and immediately discharging, but not using the motorcycle starter (for this you can, for example, use a brake light bulb). It is necessary to discharge until the battery voltage reaches 10 volts. The procedure is repeated until the electrolyte in the battery reaches its nominal density.

Choosing the right method

You can start a motorcycle using various methods, but it is worth remembering that all of them, from starting at speed to using starting ether, harm the engine. If we talk about removing the ignition switch and independently connecting the wires to each other, then in this case there is a very high probability of a short circuit with dire consequences for electrical and electronics. Therefore, you should first find out if there are other options, for example, recharging the battery, taking a spare key, or contacting a specialized workshop. It is also not recommended to install various devices that bypass the motorcycle security system or move wires outside. If you can use them, then the motorcycle will be easily stolen by criminals who always target such easy prey.

Method for Alpha mopeds, Japanese mopeds and scooters

The method is to disable the switch, but it only works on scooters and mopeds from Japanese and, sometimes, Chinese manufacturers.

To disable it, you will need to remove the ignition switch protective shield. Under it there are 4 wires according to the standard, white, black, red and green - these wires supply power. The remaining wiring is the switch; after disconnecting it, the moped can be started using the kickstarter.

You can see more about this method in the video:

How to start

For example, when your motorcycle battery runs out, don’t be too upset because there are methods on how to start your bike:

Check to see if there are any other problems that are preventing the bike from starting. Before starting with a pushrod, you should carry out a quick diagnosis . For example, check whether you may have simply run out of gas - to do this, just look at the fuel gauge.

Start in first or second gear. When you start a motorcycle from a pushrod, you need to put it in a relatively small gear.

It often happens that a parked bike is in neutral, which is easy to verify - just push the bike forward. Neutral is just one gear selector position where the bike can be driven both backwards and forwards.

Depress the clutch lever and push start. First, make sure you have enough space in front and remove all obstacles along the way.

There is the most optimal method for obtaining the desired speed: you need to find a suitable slope and carefully slide down the slope.

Release the clutch once you reach the desired speed and apply gas. If the engine starts, press the clutch back in to prevent the motorcycle from driving away from you.

If your battery is dead, drive around for a while so that the battery can be charged as quickly as possible.

Before you turn off the engine, you need to understand why the motorcycle won't start. If the bike starts moving only from the pusher, then the problem is either in the battery or in the fuel system, which means you need the services of a specialist.

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The starter does not turn

What actions should you take if your starter does not turn over? There are three ways to fix this problem :

  • the side stand is installed, and the bike in this case is in gear - remove the side stand;
  • the battery is discharged - recharge it;
  • problems with the starter or fuse - try to push start the engine or seek help from a mechanic.

When the starter is operating satisfactorily, check the fuel valve; if it is closed, open it. If everything is in order, make sure that there is gasoline in the gas tank.

How to restore starting from the starter

The moped does not start well from the starter, however, doing it from the foot is simple and easy. If the engine does not start well from the starter, you must first check the fuse located in the battery compartment.

The location of the fuse on the battery is marked with an arrow.

Due to the often poor quality of the manufacture of the fuses, and, consequently, the entire starter, the wire located inside the starter glass bulb can barely touch the contact caps, which is why the fuse contact becomes unsuitable. After the low-quality fuse has been replaced, the moped can be started using the starter.

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