Ignition System Circuit

Step 4 of 4
"You've got a good battery, new fuse, switch is fine… why still no crank?"

The Ignition Loop

The ignition circuit powers your starter motor via the ignition key and kill switch. It's a closed loop from battery → fuse → key → kill switch → relay → starter → ground.

Every component in this chain must work for your bike to start. A single break anywhere in the circuit will prevent the starter from cranking.

Motorcycle Ignition Circuit

🎙️ Listen to Explanation

In this lesson, you'll learn:

  • How the ignition circuit works in your motorcycle
  • The role of each component in the starting system
  • How to diagnose starting problems
  • Common ignition circuit failures and solutions

🧩 Ignition Circuit Simulation

Toggle the key and kill switch to see how they affect the ignition circuit.

Battery
Key
Kill Switch
Starter
Key Position:OFF
Kill Switch:RUN
Ignition Circuit:INACTIVE

Key is in the OFF position. Turn the key ON to complete the circuit.

The ignition circuit is a series circuit - every component must be working for the bike to start. This is a safety feature to prevent accidental starting.

❓ Quiz

What two things must be ON for the ignition circuit to work?