Motorcycle Check Engine Light Guide
Just like cars, motorcycles have the check engine light (CEL). This is a warning light that alerts the rider if the motorbike’s computer detects a malfunction in the engine.
Causes of Check EngineLight
When the check engine light pops up, the chances are high that there is one or more problems with the motorcycle. Some of the most common factors that may cause the CEL to come on include;
- Loose gas cap leaking vapour
- A bad battery, corroded terminals, or loose connections
- Bad fuel /clogged fuel system
- Worn out plugs or fouled plug wires
- Failing or failed sensors
- Failing or failed catalytic converter
The above are the most common reasons why the check engine light comes on. For the record, the warning light may also come on because of bugs, though rarely.
What to Do
Considering there are so many things that can cause the CEL to come on, it’s vital to seek mechanical attention as soon as possible. The minor causes, for example, bad battery, or clogged fuel system can be identified easily but for other causes, using a computerised car diagnosis scanner is the best option. The advantage of these scanners is that they can pinpoint the exact problem, thus saving time and removing any guess work.
To Ride or Not To
Now, after the check engine light pops up, the unnerving question riders face is whether to ride the bike or not. Well, the check engine light doesn’t necessarily mean that your motorbike is not fit for riding; it’s just a warning that attention is required.
That said, you can ride your motorcycle after the check engine light pops up but then, the problem has to be looked into. But when the motorcycle is not behaving normally, it’s better to stop it and seek mechanical attention first.