Motorcycle Lights Turn On But Wont Start
As a motorcycle rider, it can be frustrating to turn on your bike's lights only to find that the engine won't start. There can be a number of reasons why this happens, but don't panic. In this article, we'll go over the most common causes of a motorcycle that won't start even though the lights are on and provide you with solutions to help you get back on the road.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons why a motorcycle won't start, even if the lights are on. Over time, your motorcycle's battery will lose its charge if it's not being used or if the charging system is not working properly. If you suspect that the battery is dead, you can try jump-starting it using another vehicle or a portable jump starter. If you're able to jump-start the bike, it's recommended that you take it for a ride to recharge the battery. If the battery doesn't hold a charge, it may need to be replaced.
Faulty Starter
If the battery is good and the lights are on, but the engine won't turn over, the problem may be with the starter. A faulty starter may not be able to generate enough power to start the engine, which can cause the motorcycle to turn on but not start. If you suspect that the starter is faulty, you should have it inspected by a professional mechanic. They may be able to repair the starter or replace it if necessary.
Bad Fuel
Another common cause of a motorcycle that won't start even though the lights are on is bad fuel. If your motorcycle has been sitting for an extended period of time, the fuel in the tank may have gone bad. Bad fuel can cause the engine to sputter or not start at all. To fix this problem, you should drain the old fuel from the tank and replace it with fresh fuel. It's also recommended that you clean the carburetor and fuel lines to ensure that there is no residue from the old fuel left in the system.
Faulty Ignition Switch
If the lights turn on but the engine won't start, it's possible that the ignition switch is faulty. The ignition switch is responsible for sending power to the starter and other electrical components of the motorcycle. If the switch is not functioning properly, it may not be sending power to the starter, which can cause the engine to not start. If you suspect that the ignition switch is faulty, you should have it inspected by a professional mechanic. They may be able to repair the switch or replace it if necessary.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why a motorcycle may turn on but not start, even with the lights on. These include a dead battery, faulty starter, bad fuel, and a faulty ignition switch. By identifying the root cause of the problem, you can take the necessary steps to fix it and get back on the road in no time. If you're unsure of how to diagnose or fix any of these issues, it's recommended that you take your motorcycle to a professional mechanic.
