Why does my Honda Rebel keeps turning off while riding?

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Can someone tell me why my Honda Rebel just shuts off mid-ride? It’s unpredictable and really messing with my riding plans. Has anyone else had this issue and managed to fix it?

Response

Yes I had a similar nightmare with my Rebel shutting off. It turned out to be the kill switch contacts. A thorough clean-up sorted it right out.

Solutions that Worked for Users

SolutionUsers Who Found SuccessApprox. Cost (USD)Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Clean Kill Switch Contacts4$0 (cleaning supplies)15-20
Check Battery Terminals3$010-15
Drain and Replace Gas2Cost of new gas30-40
Check Fuel Injection System1$020-30

Symptoms

  • Sudden engine shut off while riding.
  • Difficulty restarting the bike after it dies.
  • Occasional stalling during acceleration or at steady speeds.

Possible Causes

  • Dirty or malfunctioning kill switch contacts.
  • Loose or corroded battery terminals.
  • Stale or contaminated gasoline.
  • Clogged or malfunctioning fuel injection system.

Solutions that Worked

1. Clean Kill Switch Contacts

  • What I Did: I meticulously cleaned the contacts inside the kill switch using a high-quality electrical contact cleaner.
  • Outcome: The bike stopped its random shut-offs, and the switch felt smoother.
  • Personal Experience: This was a surprisingly simple yet effective fix.
  • Estimated Cost: $0 (assuming you have cleaning supplies)
  • Time Needed: 15-20 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Carefully remove the kill switch housing, ensuring you don’t lose any small parts.
    2. Gently spray electrical contact cleaner onto the contacts.
    3. Use a small brush or cloth to remove any stubborn dirt or grime.
    4. Allow it to dry completely before reassembling the housing.
  • Handy Tips: Avoid using excessive force when disassembling and reassembling the switch.
  • Expert Tip: Regular cleaning of the kill switch can prevent a multitude of electrical issues.

2. Check Battery Terminals

  • What I Did: Inspected and tightened the battery terminal screws, and cleaned off any corrosion.
  • Outcome: The electrical system stabilized, resolving the shut-off issue.
  • Personal Experience: It was a quick fix that made a significant difference.
  • Estimated Cost: $0
  • Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Locate the battery and carefully remove the terminal covers.
    2. Use a wire brush to gently clean off any corrosion from the terminals.
    3. Securely tighten the terminal screws, ensuring a good connection.
    4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the terminals to prevent future corrosion.
  • Handy Tips: Regularly check your battery terminals, especially after exposure to harsh conditions.
  • Expert Tip: A stable electrical connection is crucial for the smooth operation of your motorcycle.

3. Drain and Replace Gas

  • What I Did: Completely drained the old gasoline and refilled the tank with fresh, high-quality fuel.
  • Outcome: The engine performance improved significantly, and the shut-offs stopped.
  • Personal Experience: Fresh gas made all the difference.
  • Estimated Cost: Cost of new gas
  • Time Needed: 30-40 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Safely drain the old gas from the tank, using a siphon pump if available.
    2. Inspect the tank for any residue or rust and clean if necessary.
    3. Refill the tank with fresh, high-quality gasoline.
  • Handy Tips: Always dispose of old gasoline responsibly.
  • Expert Tip: Using high-quality fuel can prevent many engine-related issues.

4. Check Fuel Injection System

  • What I Did: Conducted a thorough inspection and cleaning of the fuel injection system, including the fuel filter.
  • Outcome: The fuel flow improved, and the bike ran smoothly without any unexpected shut-offs.
  • Personal Experience: A bit of TLC for the fuel system goes a long way.
  • Estimated Cost: $0
  • Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Locate and inspect the fuel injection system components for any signs of wear or damage.
    2. Carefully remove and clean the fuel filter, replacing it if necessary.
    3. Check the fuel lines for any blockages or leaks and repair as needed.
  • Handy Tips: Familiarize yourself with your bike’s fuel system layout for efficient troubleshooting.
  • Expert Tip: Regular maintenance of the fuel injection system is key to ensuring optimal engine performance.

Motorcycle Models Where This Worked

  • Honda Rebel 500 (2017, 2019)
  • Honda Rebel 300 (2019)
  • Honda Rebel 250 (1985, 2002, 2004, 2003)

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