Yamaha Motorcycle Won’t Start? (Solved & Explained)

Yamaha motorcycles are known for their versatility, consistent performance, and reliability.

Whether your interested in sports bikes, cruisers, dual sports, dirt bikes, or scooters, Yamaha makes a bike for you.

Still, even the most reliable motorcycles in the world develop issues from time to time.

This article explores the most common reasons why a Yamaha motorcycle won’t start and how to solve them.

Here’s Why your Yamaha Won’t Start:

Starting issues on Yamaha motorcycles can be caused by battery, fuel system, spark plug, or carburetor problems. A weak battery, clogged fuel filter, faulty fuel pump, closed fuel valve, or dirty spark plug can all prevent your bike from starting.

Yamaha Won’t Start

Here are some of the most common reasons Yamaha Motorcycle won’t start.

Kill Switch Set to OFF

The kill switch is a safety feature that cuts off the ignition and stops your Yamaha engine from running instantly. If the kill switch is OFF, the motorcycle will not start even if the key is turned on.

And while this advice may seem basic, even experienced riders forget to check their Yahm’s killswitch during no-start scenarios.

The kill switch on your Yamaha motorcycle needs to be set to RUN before attempting to start the bike.

Petcock

A petcock valve controls the fuel flow from your Yamaha tank to the carburetor.

Some older Yamaha motorcycles have a manual petcock with three positions: ON, OFF, and RESERVE. If the petcock is set to OFF, no fuel will reach the engine, and the motorcycle will not start.

To fix this problem, turn the petcock to ON or RESERVE, depending on how much fuel you have left in the tank.

You can usually find the petcock under or on the tank’s side.

Side Stand Extended

Some Yamaha motorcycles have a safety feature that prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is extended. This is to avoid accidental bike movement when the rider shifts into gear.

The side stand has a sensor that detects its position and sends a signal to the ignition system. If this sensor gets blocked, the bike won’t start.

To solve this problem, attempt to remove the dirt, moisture, corrosion, and debris off your side stand sensor.

If the sensor is faulty or the wiring is loose, the bike may not start even if the side stand is retracted, and you’ll need to check and replace the sensor, or the wiring as required.

Yamaha Won’t Start Just Clicks

On a Yamaha motorcycle that clicks but won’t turn over, the clicking sound usually comes from the starter solenoid, a relay that connects the battery to the starter motor.

When you press the start button, the solenoid is activated by a signal from the ignition switch.

The solenoid may not have enough power to engage the starter motor if the battery is weak or dead.

Alternatively, if the solenoid is faulty or corroded, it may not contact the starter motor properly.

“My 2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100 won’t start just clicks. I replaced the battery and the solenoid but still no luck. I can hear the fuel pump prime, but nothing else happens.”

To fix this problem, check the battery voltage and charge it if necessary.

You can use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals.

A fully charged battery should have around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is below 12 volts, charge it or replace it with a new one.

We suggest you check the solenoid and its connections for any signs of damage or corrosion. 

Yamaha Won’t Start in Gear

Another common problem that can prevent your Yamaha motorcycle from starting is when it won’t start in gear, even if you pull the clutch lever. This can happen if the clutch switch, the neutral switch, or the side stand switch are not working correctly.

These switches are part of the safety system that prevents the bike from starting in gear with the clutch engaged, or the side stand down.

“My 2012 Yamaha FZ6R won’t start in gear with the clutch pulled in. It only starts in neutral. I checked the clutch switch, and it’s fine. I think it’s the neutral switch that’s bad.”

To fix this problem, check the switches and their connections for any signs of damage or corrosion.

You can use a multimeter to test the continuity of the switches and see if they are working as they should.

You can also use a jumper wire to bypass the switches and see if that makes any difference.

If you find a faulty switch or section of wire, replace it with a new one.

Yamaha Won’t Crank

If your Yamaha motorcycle’s engine won’t crank or turn over, and the lights and gauges won’t come on, it can be a sign of a dead battery, a bad connection, or a faulty ignition switch.

The battery provides electricity to the starter motor, which spins the crankshaft and starts the engine. It also powers the lights, the gauges, and the ignition system.

If the battery is weak or dead, it won’t be able to supply enough power to any of these components.

The ignition switch is the device that turns on and off the electrical system of your Yamaha motorcycle.

It has four positions: OFF, ON, PARK, and LOCK. If the ignition switch is faulty or worn out, it may not make proper contact with the electrical circuit and prevent the bike from cranking.

To fix this problem, check the battery voltage and charge it if necessary.

You can use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals.

A fully charged battery should have around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is below 12 volts, charge it or replace it with a new one.

We suggest you check the connections and cables from the battery to the starter motor and the ignition switch.

Look for any signs of corrosion, damage, or looseness.

Clean and tighten the connections as needed. You can also use a test light to check for power at different points along the circuit.

Finally, test the ignition switch with a multimeter and see if it works as it should.

You can also try to wiggle or tap the switch and see if that makes any difference. If you find a faulty ignition switch, replace it with a new one.

Yamaha Won’t Start In Cold

There are several reasons why your Yamaha motorcycle won’t start in cold weather, but some of the most likely ones are related to the battery, the fuel system, the spark plugs, or the choke. These components are all affected by low temperatures and may not function properly.

When the temperature drops, the battery loses some capacity and may not have enough power to crank the engine.

To repair this issue, check the battery voltage and charge it if necessary.

When cold outside, the fuel may become thicker and harder to flow through the system. This can cause a lean condition, with insufficient fuel for combustion.

To fix this problem, use fresh fuel suitable for cold weather. You can also add some fuel stabilizer or antifreeze to prevent the fuel from freezing or gelling.

Finally, when it’s cold, spark plugs may become fouled or wet with fuel or oil. This can prevent them from creating a strong enough spark to start the engine.

To solve the problem of weak spark plugs, check and clean or replace them if they are dirty or worn out.

Yamaha Won’t Start After Laying Down

Your Yamaha motorcycle won’t start after laying down; the culprit could be related to the fuel system, the oil system, or the tip-over sensor. These components are all affected by the change in orientation and may not function properly.

When the bike lays down, the fuel may spill out of the tank or the carburetor, causing a flooding condition where there is too much fuel for combustion.

Alternatively, the fuel may drain out of the carburetor or the fuel lines, causing starvation with insufficient fuel for combustion.

Furthermore, the oil may leak out of the tank or the engine, causing a low oil pressure condition where there is not enough oil for lubrication and cooling.

Finally, modern Yamaha motorcycles contain a tip-over sensor.

This device detects when the bike falls over and shuts off the ignition and fuel systems to prevent damage and fire.

It is usually located under the seat or near the battery. When the bike lies down, the tip-over sensor may activate and stop the bike from starting.

To fix this problem, check and reset the tip-over sensor if triggered. You can do this by turning it off and on.

Yamaha Won’t Start After Winter

Suppose your Yamaha motorcycle has trouble starting after storing it for winter or without use. The most common culprits, in that case, are stale fuel, dead batteries, faulty spark plugs, or corrupted oil.

For Stale fuel, start by draining and replacing the old fuel with fresh fuel. Clean the fuel system components.

If you suspect the issue is a dead battery, charge or replace your battery. Check the battery terminals and cables.

For fouled spark plugs, inspect, clean, or replace your spark plugs. Check and adjust the spark plug gap.

Finally, if the oil viscosity or grade was corrupted by storing your motorcycle in the cold, change your oil and filter with the recommended grade and thickness. Let the engine warm up before riding.

Related: How Long Do Yamaha Motorcycles Last? (12 Important Facts)

Yamaha Won’t Start Oil Light On

The issue for a Yamaha motorcycle that won’t start while its oil light is illuminated is low oil levels or pressure, a faulty oil pressure switch, or a problematic ignition switch.

If the oil level or oil pressure is too low, the oil light will come on, and your bike may have issues starting. Check and refill your Yahm’s oil level and ensure it is within the specified range.

You also need to check and replace the oil filter if it is dirty or damaged. You must also review and repair any oil leaks or blockages in the oil system.

If you suspect the oil pressure switch is faulty or worn out, the oil pressure switch with a multimeter and see if it is working, or else you’ll need to replace it with a new one.

Finally, If the ignition switch is faulty or worn out, it may not make proper contact with the electrical circuit and prevent the bike from starting. Inspect the ignition switch with a multimeter to see if you need to replace it with a new one.

Yamaha Won’t Start When Hot

If your Yamaha motorcycle starts fine when cold but struggles to start when the engine is hot, it may indicate a problem with the fuel, ignition, or compression systems.

 If the fuel in the fuel lines or the carburetor gets too hot, it may vaporize and create air bubbles that block the fuel flow, preventing the engine from getting enough fuel to start. 

Let the engine cool down and release the pressure in the fuel system. Wrap the fuel lines with insulation or use a heat shield to prevent them from getting too hot.

If you use too much choke or throttle when trying to start a hot engine, you may flood the carburetor with excess fuel, creating a rich condition where there is too much fuel for combustion.

Clear the excess fuel from the carburetor by opening the throttle fully and cranking the engine without using the choke. 

Remove the spark plugs and dry them with a cloth or replace them with new ones.

If the ignition coil, the spark plug, or the spark plug wire gets too hot, they may lose their ability to produce If the valve clearance is too tight, it may prevent the valves from closing properly when the engine is hot.

Ensure you have a strong enough spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

Finally, If the valve clearance is too tight, it may prevent the valves from closing properly when the engine is hot.

Check and adjust the valve clearance according to your owner’s manual. You must also use a compression tester to see if the compression is within the specified range.

Yamaha Won’t Start After Changing Handlebars

If you’ve recently changed the handlebars on your Yamaha motorcycle and it won’t start, you may have damaged or disconnected some of the wires or cables that run through the handlebars, such as the ignition switch, the clutch switch, the horn, the turn signals, or the kill switch.

Another possibility is that you have installed incompatible handlebars that interfere with the steering lock or the throttle cable.

Finally, your Yamaha motorcycle might only start if you tighten the handlebar clamps properly and they are loose or misaligned.

Inspect the wiring and cables on your handlebars and ensure they are connected correctly and securely, ensuring they don’t interfere with any controls or mechanisms. Finally, tighten the handlebar clamps according to your owner’s manual’s torque specifications and ensure they are aligned with the front wheel.

Yamaha Won’t Start With Key Fob

If your Yamaha won’t start with the key fob, the most common reason is that the key fob battery is low or dead and needs to be replaced. Other possibilities include the key fob being out of range, damaged or lost, or the immobilizer system malfunctioning or tampered with.

Some Yamaha motorcycles have a keyless ignition system that uses a key fob to start the bike.

The key fob communicates with the bike’s immobilizer system via radio frequency, allowing you to start the engine without inserting a key.

Inspect the key fob battery and replace it if necessary.

Ensure the key fob is within range of the bike and has not been damaged or lost.

If you have a spare key fob, you can try using it instead.

If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact your Yamaha dealer and have them check the immobilizer system and reprogram the key fob.

Yamaha Won’t Start With New Battery

Suppose you have installed a new battery on your Yamaha motorcycle, and it won’t start. In that case, the most common cause is that the new battery is defective or incompatible with your bike model and needs to be replaced.

Other potential culprits are that the new battery is not fully charged and needs to be charged before use, the new battery is not connected correctly, or there’s a loose or corroded terminal or cable.

Check the new battery and ensure it is the right type and size for your bike.

You also need to check the battery voltage and charge it if necessary.

You must also inspect the battery connections and ensure they are tight and clean.

If none of these solutions work, you may need to return the new battery and get a refund or exchange.

Yamaha Won’t Start With Clutch Pulled

The most common reasons why your Yamaha motorcycle won’t start with the clutch pulled are because the clutch switch is faulty and fails to send a signal to the starter relay or the clutch cable is stretched or broken, failing to disengage the clutch properly.

To fix this problem, you need to inspect the clutch switch and ensure it is working correctly and adjusted according to the specifications in your owner’s manual.

Check the clutch cable and ensure it is in good condition and adjusted correctly.

You also need to check the clutch plates and springs and ensure they are not worn or broken, replacing any of these faulty parts.

Yamaha Won’t Start Lights Flashing

If your Yamaha motorcycle won’t start and the lights are flashing, there are a few possible causes.

One is that the security system is activated, preventing the bike from starting.

Another possibility is an error code stored in the engine control unit (ECU), which indicates a problem with one of the sensors or components.

A third potential culprit is a short circuit or an overload in the electrical system, causing the lights to flash.

Inspect your Yamahas’ security system and ensure its deactivated or reset.

If not, check the error code and diagnose the problem using a Yamaha-compatible diagnostic tool or a service manual.

Finally, inspect the electrical system and make sure there are no loose or damaged wires or fuses. If any of these parts are faulty, you may need to repair or replace them.

Related: Are Yamaha Motorcycles Any Good? (Useful Guide)

Author:

  • Michael Ta Nous

    I've been weaving words into stories since my early scribbling days, and my journey in the world of motorcycles and their communities spans almost two decades. Living with a talented motorcycle mechanic as a roommate, our garage transformed into a vibrant workshop where I absorbed the intricacies of...