My AccountSometimes motorcycles can struggle to start in cold weather. In this post we’ll explain how low temperatures affect your ride, while also exploring how you can start your motorcycle on the coldest days of the year.
Why Do Motorcycles Struggle To Start in the Winter?
Low temperatures can affect your motorcycle’s battery, along with its oil and fuel supplies:
- Battery: Your motorcycle’s battery uses certain chemical reactions to power your ride. Cold weather can affect the speed of these reactions, which means the battery may struggle to create sufficient power to start the engine.
- Oil: On cold days, your motorcycle’s engine oil can thicken. This can make it harder for the engine’s parts to move. As a result, you may hear a weak cranking sound when you try to start the engine.
- Fuel: Petrol and diesel may not vaporise so easily in low temperatures. This can mean that your motorcycle will struggle to generate the right air and fuel mixture it needs for ignition.
Essential Winter Motorcycle Checks
If your motorcycle’s struggling to start on a cold day, here are some checks you could make to help you pinpoint the problem:
- Battery: If your motorcycle’s lights are dim, or if your bike’s slow to crank, then it may mean that the cold weather has weakened the battery’s output. A jump-start might help, but if your battery’s completely dead, you may need to replace it.
- Oil: Check your oil levels. If they’re too low, or if the oil seems too thick, then you may need a top-up, or a total oil change. In winter months, it’s good practice to switch to winter-grade oil, which can keep your engine lubricated even in low temperatures.
- Fuel: If your fuel levels are too low, then moisture and condensation can build up in the fuel tank, which can be particularly problematic on colder days. Topping up your fuel levels may help, and it’s also a good idea to use a fuel stabiliser if you won’t be riding your bike for a while.
How To Start a Motorcycle in Cold Weather
Rolling Back and Forward
First, try rolling the bike gently backward and forwards for a few minutes. This can loosen some cold components while allowing the oil to circulate a little, which could reduce the strain on the engine and help you get started.
Push-Starting
You could also try giving your bike a push-start. Pull the clutch lever and put the bike into second gear. Then sit on the bike and push forward with your legs. Once you’re moving, release the clutch and push the starter, and the engine just might start.
Push-starting will only work if the battery’s not completely dead. And you should only try push-starting on a clear and flat stretch of road, with minimal traffic around.
Does Your Motorcycle Have a Kick-Start?
If your motorcycle has a kick-starter, you may be able to use it to start your engine on cold weather. It’s an external mechanical process that can start the engine without the use of the battery, while also building up compression and helping the bike’s oil and fuel to flow.
Use The Choke If You Can
Older motorcycles have choke valves, which are mechanical systems that can help prevent too much dense air from mixing with the fuel supply. If your motorcycle’s struggling to start on a cold day, opening the choke completely can enrich the fuel and air mixture, which may help you get started. But as your engine warms up, be sure to gradually turn off the choke, so as not to flood your engine with air.
Careful How You Crank
Whether you’re using a kick-starter or a starter button, you should only crank your engine steadily on cold days. Long and repeated cranks could drain your battery and flood the carburettor, if you have one. If your motorcycle doesn’t start on the first crank, wait a few moments before trying again.
Let Your Engine Warm Up
Once you’ve managed to start your engine, let it idle for 30 to 60 seconds. This will let the engine warm up while allowing the engine to circulate properly. There’s no need to idle for any longer than this, and doing so will only waste fuel.
For the first few minutes after you’ve started your engine, keep your revs low and ride your bike as gently as possible. This will allow the engine to reach a normal operating temperature, and it will make it less likely that your bike will stall after your first stop.
How To Prevent Motorcycle Starting Issues on Cold Days
- Store your bike somewhere warm, to prevent the battery, the oil, and the fuel from getting too cold. If you don’t have access to a heated garage, you could buy a cover for your bike while it’s outside.
- Switch to winter-grade oil during the cold months, to prevent the bike’s oil supply from getting too thick.
- Keep your fuel tank as full as possible, to prevent the build up of moisture and condensation. If you won’t be using your motorcycle for a while, use a fuel stabiliser to help avoid any future issues.
- Try to start the bike’s engine every few days in the colder months, to help keep things warm and functional. If you can’t commit to a full ride, then just letting the engine idle for a minute or two could help.
Don’t Forget Your Motorcycle Insurance!
Accidents may be more likely in the winter months, as snow and precipitation could affect your visibility while creating hazardous conditions on the road. Motorcycle insurance is always necessary, but comprehensive cover may feel particularly critical on colder days.
At Sabre Direct, we specialise in helping motorcycle riders of all ages get the specialist cover they need.
Get a quick quote and find the right insurance for your ride today – get a quote.