Starting a motorcycle is easier than it used to be, thanks to technology. While there are various kinds of bikes, starting a Yamaha R6 or other fuel-injected motorcycles is more or less then same across the board.
Here is how you start a fuel-injected motorcycle, like the Yamaha R6:
Starting The Engine of a Yamaha R6
You can find this information in the owner’s manual of your bike, too. Before starting the bike, make sure you have done the following:
- The transmission is in neutral.
- The transmission is in gear, the clutch is pulled, and the kickstand/sidestand is stowed. Some modern models, Yamaha included, have a safety feature that will prevent the bike from starting if the sidestand hasn’t been raised.
Next, follow these steps precisely:
- Insert the key into the ignition.
- Turn the key to the ON position. Make sure the engine stop switch is set to the correct position.
- Warning lights and indicator lights should illuminate momentarily then disappear if conditions are satisfactory. These lights include:
- Oil level
- Coolant temperature
- Fuel level
- Shift timing
- Engine problems
- Immobilizer system
- Shift the transmission into neutral. The light should come on. If not, you might have an electrical circuit problem.
- Start the engine with the start switch.
- In the event of failure, wait a few seconds and try another start. Don’t draw out the time trying to start the engine to preserve battery power. Do not extend for more than 10 seconds.
General Instructions for a Fuel-Injected Motorcycle
Here’s some instructions to follow if you don’t have the make/model mentioned above:
How To Start A Motorcycle
- Put the motorcycle in neutral. Neutral is always located between 1st and 2nd gear.
- Put the key in the ignition if necessary.
* Note: Fuel-injected motorcycles have an engine management system. This means you don’t have to worry about using the choke lever. Only a small amount of throttle will be needed, regardless of engine temperature. - Start pulling the clutch near the left handlebar. Some riders choose to pull the clutch and front brake simultaneously, but the choice is yours.
- Press and hold the start button. You will find this on the right handlebar. Maintain your hold on the clutch.
- The motorcycle should automatically catch and start.
- If the engine doesn’t turn over and start immediately, you can try using the throttle while pressing the start button. Make sure you are holding the clutch.
- Remember to never crank the engine for more than 10 seconds clips at a time. Otherwise, you’re wasting battery power.
- You can slowly start to release the clutch.
Now, you’re ready to ride!
Final Thoughts
Unlike carburetor motors, fuel injection systems rarely fail. To prevent the pump from failing, do some routine maintenance. Get into the habit of listening to the bike and know what a healthy running engine sounds like. That way, if something unusual happens, you will be able to tell whether or not something is wrong with the pump fuse by sound alone.
Modern fuel-injected motorcycles are easy to start. Follow the instructions in this article, and you will have no problem.
For more information about how to start, ride, and care for your motorcycle, check out my YouTube channel. Hit the subscribe button for notifications whenever there’s an update.
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Where To Buy Used Motorcycles
If you have made the decision to buy a motorcycle, you have probably set your budget and decided what bike is best for your needs. For many people, the cost of a brand-new motorcycle is out of their price range so they decide to go with a used bike. However, you want to be sure you purchase a bike that is in good condition, mechanically sound and will last you a long time.
With so many options available to find used bikes, it can be difficult to decide the best place to go to purchase yours. These are some of the best places to find used motorcycles and some tips on what to watch for when you use these services. If you’re wondering how to buy a motorcycle, here is another great article.
Where Can I Buy Used Motorcycles Online?
Get Cheap Used Motorcycles On Craigslist
You can find almost any type of bike available on Craigslist but there are some precautions you should take. Many people who sell on Craigslist are unaware of the true value of what they are selling, so it is possible to get good bargains there.
However, there are also many people who believe the old bike they refurbished is worth much more than it actually is, so it is important to do your homework before you answer an ad. Also remember that Craigslist is a true “buyer beware” option. If the motorcycle fails mechanically in a few months, you have no recourse against the seller.
Buy Cheap Used Motorcycles On Ebay
If you are searching for a hard-to-find bike, Ebay may be your best option. The biggest benefit to Ebay is that you don’t have to talk to the seller until you are ready to buy. Questions can be answered through the Ebay message system. Even when you are ready to buy, you don’t need to talk to the seller. Simply purchase the bike, pay online and it will arrive at your door.
This means you never get to test drive the bike nor do you get to have it checked out mechanically before you purchase. Although Ebay does have buyer protections, it can be a difficult process to manage. The bikes on Ebay are historically more expensive and there could be shipping costs involved which could drive the cost up significantly.
Find “Motorcycles For Sale Near Me” In The Classifieds
Fewer people check classified advertisements as newspapers slowly fade into the background and are replaced with online news sources. One of the benefits to checking the classifieds is that anyone who places an ad for a bike is motivated to sell.
Classifieds require the seller to pay an up-front fee to place the ad, unlike Ebay, where you only pay if the bike sells, or Craigslist, where you don’t pay at all. There are often small, local companies that publish nothing but classifieds in flyers and booklets where you may find bargains on used bikes.
Buy Used Motorcycles From Local Dealers
Dealerships take trade-in bikes all the time, so they often have a large inventory of motorcycles available. Many dealers also offer limited warranties on used bikes so if there is a problem, you may not be left with the bill to repair it. Dealers also have a reputation to uphold, and although there are some bad dealerships, the majority work to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase.
Dealers can also help guide newer riders to bikes that are suited for them. Although dealership bikes may be more expensive due to the overhead the company must pay, having a dealer back the used bike is worth the added cost in the long run.
Cheap Motorcycles For Sale On Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has become really popular for buying and selling motorcycles and motorcycle parts. You can discover bikes for sale near you. Easy to use on your phone or your desktop, and most people already have a Facebook account. In fact that is how I found my 2004 Yamaha YZF-R6 (Second Generation). With Facebook Marketplace you can search by brand, model, year, price, and distance from your location. Once you find a bike you’re interested in simply message the seller.
Bonus Buyer’s Tip: Depending on the sellers Facebook settings, you may be able to see a few extra pics of the motorcycle and its condition by checking out the sellers profile. Most motorcycle lovers are proud of our rides and will have multiple pics posted. Simply click on the sellers profile and view images.
Take a look at a few other places you can buy used sportbikes online:
The Best Apps to Buy Used Motorcycles
One option for selling your bike online, designed specifically for buying or selling motorcycles, is RumbleOn. The site is available as a mobile app that allows you to put in all the info about your bike, take photos and upload to the site. RumbleOn sends you a Cash Offer Voucher that is good for three days. If you agree, they come get the bike and handle all the paperwork.
CycleTrader is another app that allows you to sell motorcycles and also includes reviews cars available online.
These apps are available in the Apple or Google Play Store:
Google Play Store Apps
On Apple Itunes Apps
These are just a few places where you can find used motorcycles for sale. Word-of-mouth is another way to find bikes for sale. A friend may know a friend who wants to get rid of their bike or a co-worker may be looking at upgrading. If you want to learn more tips on buying used bikes, subscribe to my YouTube channel today.
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What to Expect at a Beginner Rider Course
If you want to gain valuable experience, then you go to school. The same applies to motorcycle riding. When you sign up for the Beginner or Basic Rider courses that are available from multiple organizations throughout the U.S., you are taking a giant step forward. Here is what to expect:
Pre-Course Assignment
The assignment that you receive is dependent on the organization that you sign up with. Make sure you do this work, because you will be better prepared for what is to come in the class. You are welcome to take notes, write down questions to ask the instructor, and familiarize yourself with the terminology.
Necessary Items
When you have class, you should bring your student handbook, a notepad, pen, and some food items for snacks and lunch. These classes will last for most of the day, so be prepared for a full day of learning and moving.
You should wear jeans with ankle boots, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, and a DOT-legal helmet. Some schools will have helmets to borrow if you don’t have one. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to attend the class if you don’t have the appropriate gear.
Also, regardless of the weather, the class will go on. Be prepared for cold mornings. Lightweight layers are best, because you can peel them off as you get hot. You should also wear a waterproof jacket, boots, and gloves, just in case it rains.What Happens In The Class
The class structure depends on statewide regulations and the course provider. However, most programs cover the same points. The courses are completed within two days, although you can sign up for more advanced courses later on.
First Day
On the first day of the Basic Rider Course, you don’t want to be late. Anyone who arrives late has a direct impact on how much information you receive—and you don’t want to miss anything. Before you turn on the engine, you need to sign some liability papers and other paperwork. You might be asked to introduce yourself and talk about what experience you have on a motorcycle. It’s fine if you have zero experience, because the class is designed for beginners. Relax and enjoy the chance to make new riding buddies.
The first half of the day talks about basic riding mechanics. This should be considered review if you did the pre-course assignment. If you jotted down any questions in your notes, this is the time you ask.
The first riding exercise doesn’t send you off down the road with no assistance. You review the handlebar controls once again. You mount, dismount, and turn the vehicle on and off. You then get a feel of the manually-operated clutch. Gradually, you get familiarized with the motion of the bike
The exercises thereafter include riding in a straight line, shifting gears, turning and cornering. The class is paced to allow for you to absorb this information is quickly or slowly as you need.
Second Day
The second day builds off the operations you picked up on the first day. Now, you can get more technical and polish those skills. The session begins with practice of slow speed maneuvering, emergency braking, swerving, and more cornering.
Once these drills are complete, you are assessed on your competency. The riding test will be the most stressful part of the day, because you need to successfully complete the exercises. If you don’t pass, you can retest for free; but if you fail twice, consider that riding a motorcycle might not be for you.
Other Things To Expect
There’s a reason you sign a liability form. You could tip over or crash during the hands-on section of the course. Don’t worry, though. This, too, is practice. Once you have fallen a few times, you get the hang of controlling the bike. You will receive advice for staying upright from a professional instead of having to figure it out yourself.
All in all, a Basic Rider Course is an excellent choice for all new riders who want to gain valuable experience before hitting the road. Though the course only lasts for two whole days, you learn much more than you probably expect. Go in with an open mind and leave riding your motorcycle. After that, the road is yours to master.
Enjoyed this article? Want to learn more? Check out my YouTube channel and hit that subscribe button.
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The Ultimate List Of Female Motovloggers On YouTube
What Is A Motovlog?
Simply put, motovlogging is when you attach a camera to yourself or your motorcycle and record your ride. Wikipedia defines it as:
A motovlog is a type of video log recorded by a person while riding a motorcycle. The word is a neologism and portmanteau derived from “motorcycle”, “video” and “log”. A rider who creates video blogs known as a moto blogger, and the action of making motovlogs is called motovlogging. Most motovloggers upload their videos on YouTube, and the network of motovloggers here is known as the motovloggers community.
Are you looking for motovloggers to follow?
While I’m positive this isn’t a complete list, I’m sure you’ll find a channel here that will peak your interest. Make sure you check back frequently because I’ll be adding to this list.
If you’re a motovlogger that would like to added to this list simply follow me on YouTube and fill out my contact form and I’ll get you added!
Coming Soon:
- The Ultimate List Of Motovloggers
- The Ultimate List Of Instagram Motovloggers
Shout Out To PhatboyR6 and No.Bumpers for helping me come up with this collection of motovloggers. So here they are in no particular order!
