Bike or scooter not starting in the cold? 8 fixes

Work down this list

1. Kill switch on RUN. The red switch on the right handlebar — it gets knocked to OFF more often than you'd think.
2. Side stand up, clutch in, brake pulled. Many bikes won't crank on the side stand or in gear without the clutch pulled. Scooters usually need a brake lever held to start.
3. Use the right start procedure.
   • Fuel-injected (most bikes and scooters since BS-VI): throttle closed, ignition on, wait a few seconds for the fuel pump to prime, then start. Don't twist the throttle.
   • Carburettor (older bikes): pull the choke, start, then push the choke back in as the engine settles.
4. Use the kick starter if you have one — it doesn't depend on the battery.
5. Fuel. Low fuel in a cold tank can be enough to stop a start. On older bikes, check the fuel tap isn't on OFF.
6. Battery. A weak click or slow crank means a tired battery — cold makes it worse. Charge or test it; most last about 3–4 years.
7. Spark plug. A worn or fouled plug struggles in the cold. It's a cheap part — replace it at the interval in your manual.
8. Don't flood it. Cranking again and again can flood the engine. Wait a minute between tries, and check your manual for its "flooded engine" procedure.

Still won't start after all of this, or you smell fuel? Stop cranking and have a mechanic look — continuing can drain the battery or damage the starter.

Stop it happening next winter

• Ride it regularly — or at least start it once a week. Standing for days drains the battery.
• Keep the service on time — fresh oil, a good spark plug and a clean air filter make cold starts easier.
• Park under cover if you can — a slightly warmer engine starts more easily.

Remember the battery's age and the next service

MotorBabu reminds you before the next oil change and spark plug, tracks your battery's age, and keeps PUC and insurance on time. Check your model's schedule in our service schedules.