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If you encounter trouble during a ride, the first thing you should do is stop as soon as it is safely possible.
Do not continue to ride if you have a flat tire, if you hear an unusual noise, or if your motorcycle just does
not feel right. If you continue to ride, you will cause more damage the motorcycle and endanger your own
safety.
After you stop, take time to carefully look over your motorcycle and identify the problem. Always consider
all of your options before you make a decision. Sometimes a problem can be relatively minor and can be
permanently repaired on the trail provided you have the tools, supplies and skills needed to do so. In
addition, you may be able to make a temporary repair and ride slowly back to your base where you can get
further help and/or supplies.
When a problem appears to be more serious; or you do not have the tools, supplies and skills needed to
make a repair, you will need to choose a safe way to get yourself and the motorcycle back to your base. If
you are close enough, you can often push the motorcycle back.
Whatever the problem may be, always follow the instructions below:
1. Always put safety first.
2. If the problem is minor and you have the tools, supplies and skills needed to make a temporary repair, be
sure to make permanent repairs as soon as possible.
3. Do not continue riding if you are hurt or if your motorcycle is not in safe riding condition.
Recommendations for specific problems follow.
If the engine was not making unusual noises before it quit running, and it feels normal when you operate the
kick starter, you can probably rule out a major mechanical problem.
First, check the fuel system:
1. Make sure you have fuel in the gas tank and the fuel valve is set to the "ON" position.
2. Check the fuel tank cap breather hose to be sure it is not pinched or clogged.
3. Turn the fuel valve to the "OFF" position. Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and momentarily
turn the fuel valve to "ON". If fuel does not flow out, there is an obstruction in the fuel tank, fuel filter, or in
the fuel line.
If the fuel system appears to be okay, check the ignition system.
1. Check the spark plug cap. Be sure that it is not loose or disconnected.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove the spark plug. Connect the spark plug to the plug cap and
place the threaded end of the spark plug on a metal part of the engine.
3. Kick the kick starter while you watch the spark plug. If it sparks, the ignition system is probably working.
If there is no spark, replace the spark plug with a new one. If there is still no spark, there is a problem with
the ignition system.
If you cannot identify or correct a problem, you will have to push your motorcycle back to your base or get
some help.
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