Have you been struggling to get your dirt bike started, no matter how many times you try? Is it always a struggle to get the engine running, even when you have the right fuel and spark? If so, this article is for you. I'll be discussing the causes and solutions to problems with starting your dirt bike. Hopefully, by the end of it, you'll be able to diagnose the problem and fix it.


What to do if your dirt bike won't start

If your dirt bike doesn't start, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. Check the carburetor and air filter. Make sure they're clean and free of debris. Fuel may be low, so top up the tank with fresh gasoline. If that doesn't solve the problem, try replacing the spark plug or coil.

Getting the fuel and spark ready

If your dirt bike won't start, there's a good chance that the fuel and spark are both missing. Checking each of these items can help determine the cause of the issue.

Fuel: Make sure you have enough gas in your tank to run the engine. If you're not sure how much is left, check the gauge or use a fuel pump. If you don't have a fuel pump, try pouring a little gasoline into each cylinder and sparking it with a lighter. If one or more cylinders spit out fire, then you probably have enough gas.

Spark: Check for spark by trying to start the engine with the key turned to "off." If nothing happens when you turn the key, check to see if there's any debris blocking the air intake or coil. Remove any obstruction and try starting again. If everything looks okay, your ignition system may need repairs/updates. 

Checking the compression

If your dirt bike doesn't start, it might be due to a lack of fuel or a spark. Checking the compression on your engine can help determine the cause. The compression gauge measures how much air is in each cylinder of your engine, and if there's too little air, the engine won't start. 

To check the compression, remove the spark plug wire from the plug and use a socket to turn it until you hear a "click."DON'T TOUCH THE WIRES WITH YOUR FINGERS - USE A SPARK PLUG WIRE TO TURN IT! If you don't hear a click when you turn the screwdriver around, then your engine has too much air, and you'll need to replace your spark plugs.

Checking the ignition system

If your dirt bike doesn't start, check to see if there is fuel and a spark. Check the battery, carburetor, pilot light, and coil. If everything looks good, try starting the engine by pouring a small amount of gas into the carburetor and turning the ignition key to "start."

Checking the engine oil level

If your dirt bike doesn’t start, it could be because the engine oil level is low. Checking the engine oil level is an important part of keeping your dirt bike running smoothly.

Most dirt bikes use a two-stroke engine, which works best when the oil is at its proper level. When you start your dirt bike, make sure that the cap on the fuel tank is off and that there are at least 3 inches of oil in the tank. If there are less than 3 inches of oil in the tank, you need to add more fuel before you ride.

If you don’t have access to a gas station or you don’t want to stop for gas, you can fill up your dirt bike's tank with diesel or gasoline using a portable pump. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions when handling these types of fuels.

Troubleshooting the battery

If your dirt bike won't start, there's a good chance the battery is dead. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

  • Check the fuel and spark plugs. Are they fouled or misfiring?
  • Make sure the fuel lines are clear of obstructions.
  • Try replacing the battery. If that doesn't work, try checking for obvious electrical problems in the engine or wiring.
  • Remove any debris that may be blocking the carburetor or throttle body. This can cause poor air flow and decreased performance.

Troubleshooting the starter motor

If your dirt bike won't start, it's likely that there is something wrong with the starter motor. 

Here are some tips for troubleshooting the starter motor:

  • Check the fuel and spark. Make sure both of these are present and working properly. If one of them isn't working, it could be due to a clogged filter or a faulty switch.

Test the voltage at each battery terminal. A low voltage could indicate a problem with one or more batteries.

  • Remove any obstructions from the engine bay, including wires and cables. If everything looks good inside and out, try reattaching the battery cable and turning on the ignition to see if that starts the engine.

In this post, we’ve covered the most common issues that can prevent your dirt bike from starting. We started by discussing what to do if your dirt bike won’t start. After that, we explained how to get the fuel and spark ready. Next, we checked the compression, ignition system, and engine oil level. 

Finally, we covered troubleshooting the battery and starter motor. These are just a few of the issues you may encounter when trying to start your dirt bike. Be sure to read the entire post for more tips on how to fix your dirt bike.