My Honda Rebel cranks but wont start

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My beloved Honda Rebel just cranks and cranks but refuses to start. I’ve tried everything I know, but nothing’s working. Has anyone else had this problem and figured out how to fix it?”

Response

I would try cleaning the kill switch to fix this issue. If that doesn’t work, clean the carburetor.

Solutions that Worked for Users

SolutionUsers Who Found SuccessApprox. Cost (USD)Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Clean Carburetor3$0 – $2045 – 90
Check the Kill Switch2$010 – 20
Battery Replacement2$50 – $10020 – 40
Use Starting Fluid1$5 – $1010 – 20

Symptoms

  • Engine cranks but fails to start.
  • No engine response despite a charged battery.
  • Intermittent stalling or non-starting after long periods of inactivity.

Possible Causes

  • Carburetor clogged due to dirt or prolonged storage.
  • Electrical connections, especially the kill switch, malfunctioning.
  • Battery degradation due to age or lack of use.
  • Fuel delivery issues, possibly from stale fuel or clogged lines.

Solutions that Worked

1. Clean Carburetor

  • What I Did: Completely disassembled and meticulously cleaned every part of the carburetor.
  • Outcome: The bike started up smoothly after a thorough cleaning.
  • Personal Experience: Regular deep cleaning of the carburetor has been a game-changer for my bike’s performance.
  • Estimated Cost: $0 – $20 (DIY; cost of cleaner and tools)
  • Time Needed: 45 – 90 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Carefully remove the carburetor from the motorcycle.
    2. Disassemble the carburetor, taking note of the placement of each component.
    3. Use a carburetor cleaner to meticulously clean each part, paying special attention to the jets and float bowl.
    4. Use compressed air to blow out any remaining debris.
    5. Reassemble the carburetor, ensuring all parts are correctly placed and secured.
    6. Reinstall the carburetor onto the bike.
  • Handy Tips:
    • Take photos during disassembly to aid in reassembly.
    • Replace any worn gaskets or seals during the process.
  • Expert Tip: Regular carburetor maintenance is key, especially after long storage periods. Consider using a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store your bike for an extended time.

2. Check the Kill Switch

  • What I Did: Inspected, cleaned, and ensured proper contact in the kill switch.
  • Outcome: The bike started normally after the kill switch was fixed.
  • Personal Experience: A simple cleaning job on the kill switch solved my starting woes.
  • Estimated Cost: $0
  • Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Locate and access the kill switch.
    2. Carefully disassemble the switch housing.
    3. Clean the contacts with electrical contact cleaner and a small brush.
    4. Reassemble the switch and test its operation.
  • Handy Tips:
    • Be gentle with the switch components to avoid damage.
    • Test the switch multiple times to ensure consistent operation.
  • Expert Tip: Regular checks and maintenance of the kill switch can prevent many electrical issues. Consider doing this as part of your routine bike check-up.

3. Battery Replacement

  • What I Did: Swapped out the old battery for a new, fully charged one.
  • Outcome: The new battery provided the necessary power, and the bike started immediately.
  • Personal Experience: Regular battery checks and timely replacements have kept my bike reliable.
  • Estimated Cost: $50 – $100
  • Time Needed: 20 – 40 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Safely remove the old battery, ensuring all connections are disconnected.
    2. Compare the new battery with the old one to ensure compatibility.
    3. Install the new battery, connecting all terminals securely.
    4. Test the bike’s start-up and electrical systems.
  • Handy Tips:
    • Always wear protective gloves when handling batteries.
    • Ensure the battery is properly mounted and secured to prevent vibration damage.
  • Expert Tip: Keep an eye on your battery’s health, especially if your bike is not used regularly. A trickle charger can be a great investment for maintaining battery health.

4. Use Starting Fluid

  • What I Did: Applied a small amount of starting fluid directly into the air intake.
  • Outcome: The bike started, indicating a potential issue with fuel delivery.
  • Personal Experience: Starting fluid helped diagnose the issue, but it’s not a long-term fix.
  • Estimated Cost: $5 – $10
  • Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Locate the air intake of your bike.
    2. Spray a controlled amount of starting fluid into the intake.
    3. Try starting the bike immediately after application.
  • Handy Tips:
    • Use starting fluid sparingly to avoid engine damage.
    • Ensure the area is well-ventilated when using starting fluid.
  • Expert Tip: Starting fluid can be a useful diagnostic tool, but it’s important to address the underlying issue promptly. Regular fuel system maintenance can prevent many start-up problems.

Motorcycle Models Where This Worked

  • Honda Rebel 250
  • Honda Rebel 500

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