Breaking down on your motorbike can be stressful, even if that breakdown is on your own driveway. On the side of the road, you are exposed to the elements and other road users until help gets there. Often there is little you can fix without the right tools and parts.

Although many common issues can be fixed easily, transport to a garage or to your home using a specialist motorcycle recovery service is needed to get running again. Here are some of the more common breakdown reasons you might end up calling J.Bully’s Bikes for a lift. 

1. Battery issues

Especially the case for recreational riders and older motorcycles where the vehicle is used irregularly, as older batteries lose their charge over time. Alternators can fail to recharge the battery without longer rides, or there may be a fault. 

2. Flat tyres

If you carry a foam sealant with you, it might be possible to fix a small puncture on the roadside. Although it is a temporary solution, it might be enough to get you home. For bigger punctures or complete blowouts, you’ll need some assistance. 

3. Engine failure

When the engine light goes on and you lose power, or worse, end up with a smoking engine block, it’s a sure sign of mechanical failure in the engine. A trip to a mechanic is the answer, and you will need transport to get you and your bike there. 

4. Stalling and failing to start

Misfires and unexpected stalling at junctions disrupting your ride could be a sign of fuel injection faults, making it hard to restart the engine too. Issues with the starter motor can also leave you stranded. 

5. ECU faults

When the engine control unit (ECU) decides to play up, you could experience similar issues, with the engine refusing to turn over, stalling, or losing power at inconvenient times. 

You are left with the question of whether to risk continuing the journey or calling for specialist motorcycle transport to take you home or to your local mechanic.