One of the most frustrating things about any bike is when it just won’t start. You’ve tried turning the key, pressing the start button, maybe even giving it a little kick – but nothing happens. Most likely it is the battery or something in the fuel system.
There are a few things you can do to fix a Honda 125 motorcycle that won’t start – first and foremost, check if there’s enough gas and whether it’s going to the carburetor. Next, take a look at the battery to see if it is charged, and check the spark plug to see if they’re in good condition. Finally, check the air filter and see if it is dirty and needs to be replaced. If you follow these simple steps, chances are your motorcycle will be up and running in no time.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons a Honda 125 motorcycle won’t start. We’ll also give you detailed steps on how to fix it so that you can get back on the road as soon as possible. Pick up your tools and let’s get started!
Why Does My Honda 125 Not Start?
The Honda 125 is a motorcycle that’s been around for decades – unfortunately, that also means that it’s susceptible to the odd issue here and there. If your Honda 125 motorcycle won’t start, it could be due to any number of reasons.
Here are some of the most common ones:
- Fuel is not getting into the carburetor.
- Battery is weak or dead.
- Spark plug needs to be replaced.
- The air filter is dirty or blocked.
- Exhaust is blocked.
While some of these issues might sound daunting, don’t worry – we’ll walk you through how to fix them in the next section!
How To Fix a Honda 125cc Motorcycle That Won’t Start?
Let’s now take a closer look at each of the issues we mentioned above and see how you can fix them. But wait! Before you start fiddling around with your motorcycle, here are a few basic checks you need to first make sure of:
- There’s enough gas in the tank: You won’t believe how many people spend hours trying to fix their motorcycle, only to realize they were simply out of gas. Before you do anything else, make sure there’s enough fuel in the tank.
- The kill switch is turned to the “run” position: Sometimes, you might accidentally turn off the kill switch without realizing it. This will prevent your motorcycle from starting, so make sure it’s turned to the “run” position before you do anything else. You can find it near the right handlebar.
- The clutch lever is pulled in: If your clutch lever isn’t pulled in when you try to start the motorcycle, it won’t start. Experienced riders will know this, but newbies often make this mistake.
- The side stand is up: The Honda 125 comes with an automatic Engine Cut-Off feature that kicks in when the side stand is down. This is to prevent you from riding off with the side stand still down, which could cause serious damage. So, if the side stand is down, make sure to put it back up before you try starting the motorcycle again.
Once you’ve made sure of the above, you can move on to troubleshooting the specific issue. Look at the table below.
| Problem |
Reason |
Solution |
| Fuel Not Reaching the Carburetor | – Engine will not start without fuel. – Possibility that only a small amount of fuel is reaching the carburetor. – Usually because of issues with the fuel line, fuel filter, or carburetor itself. |
Check the fuel line to see if there are any leaks. If there are, you’ll need to replace the fuel line. If not, then move on to checking the fuel filter. If it’s clogged, you can try cleaning it with some carburetor cleaner. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace the fuel filter. |
| Bad Battery | – Engine won’t turn over with a dead battery. – Often happens when the bike is left unused for long periods, causing the battery to lose efficiency. – Can also happen if the lifespan of the battery is reached – usually 3-5 years. |
Check the battery’s voltage with a multimeter. If it’s 12 volts or lower, it means the battery is not holding enough charge. Try charging it overnight with a motorcycle battery charger and see if that does the trick. If not, you’ll need to replace the battery altogether. |
| Worn-Out Spark Plug | – Cannot ignite fuel-air mixture in the engine without spark, which is what spark plug does. – Spark plugs can get fouled up with deposits over time and will need replacement. Can be identified by the worn-out tip of the spark plug and corroded electrodes. |
Try cleaning the spark plug with a wire brush to see if that does the trick. If it’s too badly fouled, you’ll need to replace it. To do this, first, remove the old spark plug and take it to a motorcycle shop to get an identical replacement. Then, use a torque wrench to screw in the new spark plug – but don’t over-tighten it, or you might damage the threads. |
| Clogged Air Filter | – Perfect ratio of fuel-air mixture needed for the engine to fire. Without enough air, the mixture will be too rich and won’t work. – Often due to not cleaning air filters regularly. |
Clean or replace the air filter. If it’s just a little dirty, you can try cleaning it with a brush and some carburetor cleaner. If it’s too badly clogged, you’ll need to replace it altogether. Consult your owner’s manual to find out what type of air filter your motorcycle needs, and then purchase the appropriate replacement. |
| Blocked Exhaust System | – Exhaust allows fumes to escape the engine. Clogged exhaust causes the engine to stall and stop working. – Often caused when exhaust gets blocked by small objects like rocks or sticks. Small rodents and birds might also enter the exhaust and clog it from within. |
Locate the source of the blockage. If it’s something like a rock or stick, you can simply remove it and be on your way. You can also insert a pipe cleaner or wire brush into the exhaust pipe to clear away any soot or other deposits. If it’s a more serious blockage, you’ll need to take your motorcycle to a mechanic to have the exhaust system cleared out. |
These are just a few of the most common reasons why your Honda 125 motorcycle might not start. If you’re still having trouble, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic who can diagnose the problem and get your bike up and running again in no time.
Temporary Fix to Get Your Honda 125 To Start
We’re going to let you in on a little secret now. If your motorcycle is suffering from a dead battery, starter issues, or a fouled spark plug, there is a way to get it started without having to do any repairs.
This technique is called ‘bump starting’ or ‘clutch starting’ and it involves using the momentum of the motorcycle to start the engine. Here’s how you do it:
- Step 1: Make sure the motorcycle is in 2nd or 3rd gear, and that the clutch lever is fully engaged. Remember, do not attempt this in 1st gear as it can cause the rear wheel to skid.
- Step 2: Get the motorcycle moving by pushing it forwards or rolling it down a hill. You can get a friend to help you with this if necessary.
- Step 3: When the motorcycle is moving at a good speed, release the clutch lever and you should hear the engine turning over. Now give it a little gas and the engine should start.
- Step 4: Once the engine has started, re-engage the clutch lever and rev the engine a little to keep it running. You can now proceed to ride the motorcycle as normal.
Why this works: Clutch starting bypasses the entire starting system of the motorcycle, including the battery, starter motor, and ignition system. All you’re doing is using the momentum of the bike to get the bike’s drivetrain moving, and then the engine will start once it’s moving fast enough.
Note: This is a temporary solution, only to be used in an emergency. You’ll still need to fix the original problem before you can start your motorcycle normally again. If you misuse this technique or do it too often, you can damage your motorcycle further. Therefore, only use it as a last resort and be sure to get the motorcycle fixed as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about starting a Honda 125 motorcycle.
Q.1. Why won’t my motorcycle start if the battery is working fine?
- If the battery is working fine, it’s likely that there’s an issue with the starter motor, spark plugs, or fuel system. Check each of these components and see if there are any issues.
Q.2. I just bought a used Honda 125 motorcycle. How can I tell if it’s in good condition?
- The best way to tell if a motorcycle is in good condition is to take it for a test ride. This will allow you to see how it feels and responds while you’re riding it. You should also get a professional inspection to check for any hidden problems.
Q.3. My motorcycle still has gas in the tank, but it won’t start. What’s wrong?
- If your motorcycle has gas in the tank but it won’t start, there might be an issue with the carburetor or fuel injectors. These components are responsible for getting gas into the engine, so if they’re not working properly, the motorcycle won’t start. There’s also the possibility that the gas in your tank is old (more than 6 months) and has gone bad. In this case, you’ll need to drain the tank and refill it with fresh gas.
Final Thoughts
The Honda 125 is a tough old beauty that’s built to last. However, even the most well-made motorcycles can have starting issues from time to time. With the solutions in this article, you should be able to get your Honda 125 started again in no time. And if you’re still having trouble, remember that you can always take it to a professional mechanic for help. Happy riding!
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative Government, educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations:
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India
About the Author:
Michael Parrotte started his career in the motorcycle industry by importing AGV Helmets into the North American market. He was then appointed the Vice President of AGV Helmets America. In total, he worked with AGV Helmets for 25 years. In addition, he functioned as a consultant for KBC Helmets, Vemar Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Marushin Helmets, KYT Helmets, and Sparx Helmets.
In 1985, He is the Founder of AGV Sports Group, Inc. cooperation with AGV Helmets in Valenza Italy
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