When you’re ready for a ride, the last thing you need is a clicking sound from your motorcycle. You want it to roar to life! This issue can be frustrating and, if left unchecked, may leave you stranded. I recently dealt with this problem and discovered several possible causes.
If your motorcycle is clicking but not starting, don’t ignore it. This article looks at seven common causes and offers clear solutions to help you get back on the road.
Why Is Your Motorcycle Clicking When You Try To Start It?
1. Dead or Weak Battery
One of the most common reasons for a clicking sound when trying to start your motorcycle is a dead or weak battery.
How Does a Battery Work in a Motorcycle?
Your motorcycle’s battery plays a crucial role in starting the engine. It powers the ignition system, starter motor, and fuel injection system. If the battery does not have enough charge, the starter relay will click, but the engine won’t turn over.
Symptoms of a Dead or Weak Battery:
- A clicking sound when pressing the start button
- Dim headlights and dashboard lights
- The engine cranks slowly or not at all
- Inability to use electrical components like the horn or indicators
How to Fix It:
- Check the Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to check the voltage. A fully charged battery should read 12.6V or higher. If it’s below 12.2V, it’s undercharged.
- Charge the Battery: Use a trickle charger and let it charge for 8–20 hours.
- Jump-Start the Bike: If you’re in a hurry, use jumper cables or a portable jump starter.
- Replace the Battery: If charging doesn’t work, your battery may be too old and need replacement.
2. Faulty Starter Motor or Starter Solenoid
If your battery is fine but the motorcycle just clicks and won’t start, the issue might be the starter motor or the starter solenoid.
How the Starter System Works:
- When you press the starter button, the battery sends a charge to the starter relay.
- The starter relay then sends a stronger current to the starter solenoid.
- The solenoid activates the starter motor. This turns the engine flywheel and starts the engine.
Signs of a Failing Starter Motor or Solenoid:
- Rapid clicking noises when pressing the start button
- No cranking, even with a charged battery
- A burnt smell near the starter
- The engine starts inconsistently
How to Fix It:
- Tap the Starter Motor: Sometimes, tapping the starter motor gently with a rubber mallet can help.
- Check the Connections: Loose or corroded wires can prevent the starter from working.
- Test the Solenoid: Use a multimeter to check if the solenoid is functioning.
- Replace the Starter Motor or Solenoid: If damaged, replacement is the best solution.
3. Seized Engine
A seized engine is a serious problem. It happens when the internal parts get stuck. This can be due to overheating or not enough lubrication.
Causes of a Seized Engine:
- Low or old engine oil
- Overheating due to poor cooling system function
- Rust and corrosion from long periods of inactivity
How to Check for a Seized Engine:
- Try using the kick-starter (if your bike has one). If it doesn’t move, your engine might be seized.
- Shift into a higher gear (2nd or 3rd) and attempt to push the bike forward.
- Remove the spark plug and manually rotate the engine with a socket wrench.
How to Fix It:
- If the issue is mild, changing the oil and manually rotating the engine may free it up.
- If it’s severely seized, a mechanic may need to disassemble and rebuild the engine.
4. Battery Draining Due to Electrical Loads
Your battery might be losing charge due to electrical components being left on when the motorcycle is off.
Common Power Drains:
- Leaving the headlight or indicators on
- A malfunctioning electrical system drawing power
- Old or faulty wiring
How to Fix It:
- Always turn off the headlight, indicators, and other electronics after use.
- Check for any electrical short circuits.
- Use a battery tender when storing your bike for long periods.
5. Parasitic Drain from Faulty Wiring
Some electrical parts may still use power, even when the bike is off. This is called parasitic drain.
How to Check for Parasitic Drain:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Use a multimeter in amperage mode to check for current draw.
- If there’s excessive drain, check wiring and fuses.
How to Fix It:
- Look for frayed or exposed wires.
- Replace or repair faulty electrical components.
6. Worn-Out Motorcycle Starter
The starter motor has a lifespan and will eventually wear out. Frequent long cranking sessions can overheat and damage the internal components.
Symptoms of a Worn Starter Motor:
- Repeated clicking sounds
- Engine cranking but not starting
- Smoke or burning smell near the starter
How to Fix It:
- Clean the Starter Motor: Sometimes dirt or debris inside can cause issues.
- Replace the Starter Motor: If cleaning doesn’t help, get a new one.
7. Insufficient Lubrication (Engine Oil Issues)
Motorcycles require proper lubrication to function smoothly. Without sufficient oil, the engine and starter motor may struggle, causing starting issues.
Common Lubrication Issues:
- Old, dirty oil can cause friction and engine resistance.
- Low oil levels lead to overheating and engine damage.
How to Fix It:
- Regularly check and change the engine oil as recommended.
- Use the correct grade of oil for your motorcycle model.
How to Prevent Clicking Issues in the Future
To avoid these issues, follow these preventative maintenance tips:
- Regular Battery Maintenance: Keep your battery charged and clean the terminals.
- Check the Starter System: Look for wear and replace parts if needed.
- Check Electrical Components: Look for loose wires or parasitic drain.
- Use Quality Engine Oil: Change the oil as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Keep the Bike in a Dry Place: Prevent rust and corrosion.
FAQs
1. Why does my motorcycle make a clicking sound but not start?
The most common reasons include a dead or weak battery, a failing starter motor, a seized engine, or loose wiring connections. If your battery voltage is too low (below 12.2V), the starter may not receive enough power to crank the engine, resulting in a clicking sound.
2. How do I know if my motorcycle battery is dead or just weak?
You can check your battery using a multimeter. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6V or higher. If it’s below 12.2V, it’s considered weak. If it drops significantly when you try to start the bike, your battery may need charging or replacement.
3. Can a bad starter cause clicking noises when starting a motorcycle?
Yes, if the starter motor or solenoid is faulty, it may not engage properly, leading to repeated clicking sounds. This happens when the solenoid tries to engage but doesn’t have enough power to turn the flywheel. Cleaning the connections or replacing the starter motor can resolve this issue.
Final Thoughts
A clicking motorcycle may be due to a few issues. These issues can include a dead battery, a faulty starter, a seized engine, electrical problems, or lubrication issues. By understanding these potential causes and their fixes, you can diagnose and resolve the problem quickly.
By maintaining your motorcycle and fixing issues on time, you can keep it running well and prevent annoying breakdowns. If you’re unsure about any step, consulting a professional mechanic is always a good idea.
Now, go ahead and fix that clicking issue so you can enjoy your ride without worry!
