Problems & damage
Start here when something's wrong: a bike that won't start, warning lights, leaks, noises, overheating, or damage after a drop. Each guide explains likely causes, what you can check yourself, and when to stop riding and call a mechanic.
- Motorcycle brakes squeaking: causes and when it's unsafeMotorcycle brakes squeaking? Find out which squeaks are harmless and which mean worn pads or damaged rotors, how to fix each, and when to stop riding.6 min read
- Motorcycle engine knocking noise: causes and what to doMotorcycle engine knocking noise? Tell pinging from rod knock, piston slap, valve tick and cam chain rattle, and learn when to stop riding and repair costs.7 min read
- Motorcycle water damage: what to do after a floodMotorcycle water damage after a flood or submersion: what to do first, why you shouldn't start it, how to dry and inspect it, repair costs and insurance.7 min read
- Flooded motorcycle engine: how to clear it and start itFlooded motorcycle engine? Learn the signs, how to clear excess fuel from carbureted and fuel-injected bikes, how to avoid it, and when to call a mechanic.6 min read
- Motorcycle headlight not working: causes and fixesMotorcycle headlight not working? Check the bulb, fuse, relay, connector and switch in order, learn how to test with a multimeter and what repairs usually cost.6 min read
- Motorcycle leaking gas: causes, dangers and what to doMotorcycle leaking gas is a fire risk. Learn when to stop riding, the common leak sources (petcock, carburetor, lines, tank), and how repairs are handled.7 min read
- Motorcycle loses power when accelerating: causes and fixesMotorcycle loses power when accelerating? Find the common causes, from clogged fuel and air filters to weak ignition, with a simple diagnostic order and costs.7 min read
- Motorcycle smoking from exhaust: what the color meansMotorcycle smoking from the exhaust? Learn what white, blue and black smoke mean, the likely causes, what is normal, and when to stop riding and see a mechanic.6 min read
- Motorcycle speed wobble: causes, fixes and what to doMotorcycle speed wobble (tank slapper)? Learn what causes it, what to do in the moment, what to check afterward, and when the bike is unsafe to ride.7 min read
- Motorcycle won't shift into gear: causes and fixesMotorcycle won't shift into gear? Learn the common causes, from clutch drag and thin oil to bent linkage and worn shift forks, plus what each fix costs.7 min read
- Motorcycle check engine light: what it means and what to doMotorcycle check engine light means the ECU stored a fault. Learn common causes, flashing vs steady, how to read codes and when it's safe to keep riding.6 min read
- Motorcycle clutch slipping: symptoms, causes and repair costMotorcycle clutch slipping shows as rising revs with no acceleration. Learn symptoms, causes (oil, cable, worn plates), simple fixes and repair costs.5 min read
- What to check on a motorcycle after a crash before ridingWhat to check on a motorcycle after a crash or drop: frame, forks, wheels, brakes, controls and leaks, plus clear signs it is not safe to ride and needs a pro.6 min read
- Motorcycle overheating: causes, fixes and when to stop ridingMotorcycle overheating can wreck an engine fast. Learn common causes, what to do roadside, how to fix cooling problems and when to stop riding.6 min read
- Motorcycle stalls when warm: causes, checks and fixesA motorcycle that stalls when warm usually has a fuel, air, ignition or sensor fault. Match your symptom to the cause and know when to get help.6 min read
- Bad stator symptoms on a motorcycle and how to test itBad stator symptoms on a motorcycle: dying battery, dim lights, stalling. See how to test a stator with a multimeter and what replacement usually costs.6 min read
- Motorcycle won't start: causes and how to troubleshoot itMotorcycle won't start? Work through it by symptom: dead battery, fuel, spark, kill switch, starter and more, with simple checks to try before you call a shop.6 min read
- Why is my motorcycle backfiring? Causes and fixesMotorcycle backfiring on deceleration or at startup? Learn the common causes, quick checks you can do, typical repair costs and when to stop riding.6 min read
- Why does my motorcycle battery keep dying? Causes and testsMotorcycle battery keeps dying? Find the real causes, from parasitic drain to a bad stator, and how to test each with a multimeter, plus typical repair costs.5 min read
- Motorcycle clicks but won't start: causes and fixesMotorcycle clicks but won't start? Learn what rapid vs single clicks mean, how to test the battery, relay and starter, and when to see a mechanic.6 min read
- Motorcycle leaking oil: how to find the sourceMotorcycle leaking oil? Learn the common leak points, how to clean and trace the source, what each fix costs, and when it's unsafe to ride the bike.6 min read