KTM Won't Start? 25 Ways to Fix your Bike!

There are lots of things that can stop your bike from starting and we give you 25 tips to get your KTM running again.
If you shop online at Rocky Mountain ATV/MC please click this affiliate link to shop in the future. There is no extra cost & it helps support our channel. Remember to click this link RM ATV/MC -DBTV Shopping each time you need to go there to shop. www.rockymount...
ON X Off Road Maps Discount code: dbtv1
subscribe.onxm...
Jay Clark/Dirt Bike TV has been around the Dirt Bike industry for thirty years and is always looking to learn and help others do so as well. Give a follow or drop an email if you have any questions or comments. Thanks for watching!
Instagram: @dirtbiketv1
Facebook: / dirt.bike.tv
KZbin: / dirtbiketv
Website: jayclarkent.com
Email: [e-mail]
Thanks for watching, don’t forget to share and subscribe.
#Dirtbike #Motorcycle #KTM

[@wsl5585]

Thank you for sharing what you know and recommending others who are willing to share their knowledge.

[@kevinjames3623]

Wow, opened your video and you fixed my non running husqvarna bike with the very first problem you talked about! THANK YOU! You are the coolest guy on the Internet. Not just because of the fix eather.

[@IvoryOut]

Dude… idk how. Must have been during transport but my fuel hose being “clicked” in was the problem! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I sat down and stared at this thing for 2 days trying to decide if I wanted to take it apart or keep looking for something simple 😂 THANK YOU!! I wrote it off because I was like “there’s no way..”

[@dirtbiketv1]

Great to hear!

[@petercraik6749]

Hi, thanks so much for your video. We fixed our bike using this. Fuel line

[@cheloVelez7]

Thank you very much for making this video, thanks to the video and to you who shared it, it can fix my motorcycle.

[@alexlaferriere7453]

Great Vid! TacoMoto, like you mentioned is great. Called them on the weekend but didn’t leave a message because I figured I would call Monday. He texts me back a couple hours, saying he saw it called and wanted to know if I needed help. Amazing team there

[@hotrod-machines]

Great video thanks. But people please don't us Dielectric grease. It prevents electrical current, you want carbon grease if you want to conduct current. Dielectric grease would be good for the outside of the connections to prevent water and corrosion from getting in.

[@paulmessikommer4027]

Great summary, thx ! + kill switch not well released

[@sandysmith7485]

Good info, But that's why I love my White 88 KDX 200. In the 34 years I've owned it, if it wouldn't start in 1-3 kicks, it was either out of gas or fouled plug. The new bikes have way to many things that can fail and leave you stranded on the trail or in your garage with KTM tears in your eyes. LOL. Ride safe my 2 wheel friends.

[@sandysmith7485]

@@dean8367 That's my point! To much crap to check and maintain and the parts are not cheap, right? Instead of riding, you're spending $$ and a lot of time in the garage. You only have to change the oil and plug if needed, and clean the air filter to maintain KDX's and other older bikes. I can service all 4 of my KDX's in less time than 1 KTM can be done. KDX+Lectron+RaceTech= KTM tears. All that for less than 1/2 of a new down time KTM.

[@holmes1956O]

@@sandysmith7485 wow mr bad attitude. My ktm is a 2003 and never breaks down/ original engine and the man in the video didnt mention anything about changing or buying new parts just routine maintenance. You bike also has electrical connectors that can and will get corrosion in them. I hope I am around when you break down so can laugh at you

[@motosporttouring]

@@dean8367high performance? Maybe if it starts.

[@motosporttouring]

@@dean8367 ok

[@michaelschwab9563]

@@dean8367 "Nice new KTM" should never be used in the same sentence. TPI SUCKS

[@Steve-racer]

Way too much stuff that could go wrong. Makes me think why would I want to KTM, get a YZ 250 two-stroke put on a larger tank and not worry about all the stuff. I do enjoy your channel.

[@motosporttouring]

Tip #1 should have been buy a Japanese bike.

[@onthethrottle7104]

I've ridden all bikes and they all can have issues. He's just showing you what could go wrong, not what always goes wrong. My CRF 250R Honda had all sorts of issues while my KTM 300 XCW has not had one issue and I beat the crap out of it. What all of these bikes go through and what they can handle is amazing. I do maintain all of my bikes extremely well which is key.

[@matsnaslund2940]

Thanks for a truly helpful.video. much appreciated!

[@dirtbiketv1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@justinrice8509]

Wow! What a good video, thanks guys

[@jayhauk9537]

I have ktm350.. cranks but no fuel pump prime no f1 light what could it be

[@SkyRizzy33]

Great video! So helpful!! Your the man

[@Recedinghairline180]

That little inline fuel filter is $10 and they say to do it every 10 hours. Ridiculous.

[@moayyed_motorcycle_customs907]

Thanks for the tips

[@chadsims9257]

Thanks for info, my son has a 2006 Ktm sxf four stroke it is all stock. The problem is it will start up right off but when you ride it awhile it will not start till it cools back off or sits fo while. Thanks if any info

[@dirtbiketv1]

Email Jay directly with any questions. Contact info in About tab

[@MarkMark-zx6bv]

Broo I saw you on the 210 freeway Friday 22 you were on the van

[@spencerclark2269]

Awesome video ❤️‍🔥

[@goonrooster949]

I entered into a hare scramble last spring. 3 minutes in I stall it ('13 450sxf), in the bottom of a ditch, couldn't get it started. Pushed it to the first checkpoint and honestly, didn't try much aside from letting it cool down and using the battery (NO KICKSTART BACKUP). Pushed the dead bike back to the pits and my weekend was done. Now, I assumed it was something the shop did, since I just had the engine rebuilt two weeks before the race. So when I got home, I took the bike back to the shop and said, "what's the big idea?" He looked over the bike for a minute, reached down and (CLICK), reconnected the fuel line. Started right up... Boy I felt like a horses patoot.

[@ihaveatinywewee7513]

No offense but people really need to learn to work on their own bikes (not talking about full motor rebuild). It's probably a good idea to take most of the bike apart, clean it and put it back together.. The same thing literally just happened to me but thankfully I took it all apart and almost new right away it was probably the fuel hose not being connected properly or all the way. There's no excuse any rider shouldn't at least know the basics or have an idea where to start looking for the problem..

[@rogermty1971]

@@ihaveatinywewee7513 Yep, specially since we are out in the desert or in the woods by ourselves. Today we had a guy with an electrical problem in his KTM 450 2014 that would not start. Luckily we were not far away from the trucks but no one of the five guys could figure out what the problem actually was. So yep, we need to learn some mechanical basics.

[@danlzlz8405]

I wish there was a 2 stroke video. Mine won't start at all.

[@dirtbiketv1]

Email Jay!

[@rickyjennings8627]

What would cause the bike to start easy cold, then once op temp it's hard to start and sometimes hitting the switch it's a dead hit then u hit the switch again and it fires? Only seems to be when good n hot. Thanks

[@dirtbiketv1]

Email Jay. Contact info in About tab.

[@christopherheaver1993]

Good stuff. Keep it coming.

[@distilledfreedom1840]

I ordered the TM 3k hour fuel pump as my 2015 Husqvarna fe 501 wasn't taking throttle. It just bogged out at higher rpms. I changed the pump, filter and in line filter, same issue started fine idled fine, then just cuts when opening up. Today, two days after install the bike won't start at all. So I did a pressure test and it's zero. Not sure what is going on, but it seems the pump isn't working at all now. Any suggestions?

[@scottlee2753]

Need to show how to depin the female on the connections of starter button. I have a wire broken nee to depin to repair.

[@bikersoncall]

Electric starter (not KTM). Should I grease the gear on my new starter before install?

[@Dissentient01]

So If your bike does not start... Buy one with a carb and a kick starter.

[@algee8228]

...and clean your carb...and kick and kick and kick...and change your plugs..and then kick some more... They all have issues.

[@John_Doe_6996]

Kickstart has its own issues, and yes, u can kick a bike 1,000 times without one start…could be a plug, valves, cdi, internally broken kickstart, bad wire harness, bad plug wire, dirty air filter, or something else…just because your bike starts first kick does not mean you will never encounter a problem…

[@skatergunny]

Mines got both and still won't give me spark to run

[@stevenbernier4206]

Did not take me but 30 miles with my new 22 TE-300 to lay it down and smash the headlight into a tree and smash it to smithereens. When I was collecting the parts and un-hooking the plug from the harness I noticed there was a 6 pin connecter with a rubber plug in it that was unused that was smashed. I'm guessing the harness is one size fit's all markets and that connecter is for the CEV multi function switch (Horn, signals, etc) Turns out it has a hot wire that's powered through the main fuse. It blew the fuse so no start or bump start because no power to the ECU. The main fuse on a 22 is a pain to get to. My 19 300 XC-W's was easy to find. Glad they have a spare included on the bike. Any one with these bikes should learn the fuse location and always have tools with them to pull the seat off and the fuse out (small needle nose pliers) also get some zip ties and clean up the mess behind the headlight mask or number plate to protect the wires and connectors.

[@briangonzales5121]

What if you have 0ver 12 volts at battery but on 2 volts at the starter motor when cranking?

[@NickW90]

Have you seen a 23 ktm 450 not start! Seen one today with 1 hour, was shut off from the kill switch then wouldn’t re start

[@dirtbiketv1]

yes I have heard of water in the starter button--

[@NickW90]

@@dirtbiketv1 this bike had not even been washed yet. Brand new 1 hour on it in dry conditions

[@dirtbiketv1]

@@NickW90 Strange-email me for further questions-- But I would say that bike goes back to the dealer.

[@BIGGUALAE74]

If it’s corroded do you replace whole piece first or are you saying you can just put the super lube on it & it’ll get it going as well ?

[@dirtbiketv1]

You can try to clean it all first- if not then a new switch- -

[@jeffwarrack9059]

spark plug, check see if you have spark?

[@stevenmcallister2230]

Hi I have ktm sxf 250cc 2012 it stars nearly every kick runs for 15sec then dies any ideas fuel pump good pressure good injectors good give it bit a gas it dies and bogs can u help

[@sharpes07ify]

My wiring harness was so tight on my 22 450xcf the wire completely ripped apart foing into the plastic connector behind the front # plate. Is there a way to bypass that plastic connector? Straight wiring it?

[@ryangriffiths2290]

Question, my 450 exc over heated spewed radiator coolant shut off and won’t fire up. I have a fan on order for the heat issue but why won’t it start? There is no leaks I think it spewed oil from the mid section of the radiation hose connection and nothing else. Thank you so much!

[@dirtbiketv1]

Email Jay directly with any questions. Contact info in About tab.

[@RaulRodriguez9mm]

06 ktm 525 cranks no start was told it was the cdi box

[@jakeleslie97]

im am stumpped on my bike. fuel pump works when hot wired. but its not getting power when plugged in. i have chased every wire/plug. connection ect. fuzes are good relays??

[@Moscow-fn3je]

My 2019 exc 300 starts but doesn’t turn over I’ve changed the spark plug ‘ fuse ‘ charged the battery and still nothing any idea what it is ?

[@trumpforever2454]

Hey man my 2022 ktm 350 xcf won't return to idle for 3-5 seconds after revving it any answers would be greatly appreciated??

[@howiedang]

Thanks for the video. I will have to check some of the stuff you mentioned in this video. Any ideas on why my 2013 350XCF fuel pump won't run? Bike turns over but the pump won't run. No blinking FI lights. I applied direct power to the pump and I can hear it running. Just cuirous if you have come across that issue before. Thanks!

[@dirtbiketv1]

Email Jay. Contact info in About tab.

[@howiedang]

@@dirtbiketv1 found out it was the fuel pump relay. Thanks for the reply

[@brianmorse8811]

My 2017 Husqvarna ended up having a bad fuel pump. this is after I checked every thing else on the list.

[@brianmorse8811]

@@dean8367 23 hrs

[@whoopsmx]

My 17 350 did too. Put a new one in and 15 hrs later 85 total, it won’t start again.. it cut out on me and now i need shoulder surgery. Love the bike but it’s so dangerous hitting jumps when all this little stuff can go wrong and cut out on you. The 17’s are known for bad fuel pumps.

[@toma.2814]

anyone know where I can buy new starter switch connectors? Mine are corroded and I can't find the parts anywhere. Thanks!

[@paulbarnett2083]

That’s a lot of little dumb things that can go wrong I think I’ll stick with Yamaha KTM is way too proud of theirs and has too many little Kirky things that go wrong might just be a little things but on the trail it’s aggravating #Let’sGoBlueCrew

[@michaelschwab9563]

THIS

[@gogibbo7151]

Blue Crew for the win!!

[@jg5529]

As a Honda rider, I'm only here for the entertainment

[@willn8590]

Dude literally 😂😂

[@camarov5456]

The new hondas have an e-start issue as well

[@chrispewkreme]

*laughs in Yamaha* I love what KTM is doing for 2 strokes. But damn. YZ250 go brrrr

[@ribbledean4111]

Hey mr. Clark, we just put a complete oem rebuild on our yz125, it’s a 2019, put a complete oem clutch an new motion pro cable! When I put the fibers in I’ve noticed blue marks painted on the top, was wondering if that has anything to do with the clutch drag, I got slack a nickel thickness in perch an when bike is running it’s very hard to get back into neutral, would this have anything to do with the blue marks on the fibers, was thinking they may go in a certain way? It’s not my first clutch I’ve done plenty an can’t figure it out, maybe you mite no something?

[@brandonrides]

Post on some dirtbike forum.

[@justinmoto929]

I’m having this problem too, with my 2019 yz125, I put all the blue marks the same way but idk if it’s supposed to be that way or not!

[@ribbledean4111]

@@justinmoto929 I’ve thought it was my clutch cable so I tried that even tried putting them in different ways, soaked it in good oil prior to install an still doing it? I’m lost?

[@justinmoto929]

@@ribbledean4111 I also soaked mine in some oil, I use yamalube, but does your clutch basket make a slight knocking noise at all when the bikes running? And then gets quiet when you pull the clutch lever in?

[@ribbledean4111]

@@justinmoto929 no not really

[@marianoboss1818]

5:55 is that slapping noise normal I have a 2017 ktm350 and it does that when it’s warmed up and I’m new to ktm so idk if it’s normal?

[@dirtbiketv1]

Yes-- email any further tech questions

[@HcpquadsNbikes]

That’s the cam chain tensioner. Common issue Either fit a new OEM tentioner or go for a manual one and be done with it

[@dh-flies]

The stock starter button sucks. Replace it immediately. Most of the stock switches suck. Head lite, horn, turn signals. Really don't get that KTM puts so much into making a great bike then put on cheap switches and ToysRUs kickstands...

[@onthethrottle7104]

Funny you say that about the kickstand. I have and have had all sorts of dirt bikes and the kickstand on my KTM two strokes are the absolute very best stands in the industry. They are light, tough and never get in the way or come down on you by accident. I've also noticed I can be on slopes and other areas where it holds the bike just fine, vs. all my other bikes and kickstands.

[@dh-flies]

@@onthethrottle7104 I just got 2022 500 EXCF. They included a replacement screw that had been poorly designed right when I got the bike. I've owned 6 KTMs over the years. I also have a 300 EXC. And every one of them has had kickstand issues. You got lucky. And this is a very well documented problem with these bikes.

[@ronnynelsonmasterarborist]

That’s a lot of stuff to go wrong. I’ll keep riding Honda.

[@cenair]

I had some of these issues in my Honda 🥴

[@ronnynelsonmasterarborist]

@@cenair that’s unfortunate. They all break down sooner or later. I’m actually planning to get a 2023 KTM 300 XCW or a Beta 300 RR race edition.

[@onthethrottle7104]

I do have a Honda, it's a great lawn mower.

[@BillyBob0515]

Mine keeps draining my battery

[@dirtbiketv1]

Email Jay with questions. Contact info in About tab

[@BillyBob0515]

I have a question can someone answer ?

[@teamkevin-]

26th. Buy new one....

[@tjaartbadenhorst6370]

KTM won’t start ? Kick Till Midnight, if it still doesn’t start, Kick Till Monday.

[@whoopsmx]

72,000 views & 25 different problems on these damn things. So dangerous riding these with all the shi¥t that can go wrong. Recovering from rotator cuff surgery thanks to mine cutting out in the whoops

[@Rayzer1989]

Ktms are so shit lol. Working on a 350 now that will start sometimes and run but then sometimes wont. Buy a honda or a yamaha people.

[@cooperdavison2312]

throw it out it is a ktm no point fixing it

[@paulb4478]

They should have named the video 25 things you will never have to worry about with a two-stroke😅

[@Andy-co6pn]

Had a 2015 350FC that had he kinked fuel lines in he tank. Also a capacitor issue made it start but run like crap