Indian Motorcycle Repairs
Indian Motorcycle Repairs

Indian Motorcycle Repairs

If you're looking for help fixing your Indian Motorcycle, look no further! Our comprehensive Indian Motorcycle repair guide will explain common issues, provide tips, and maybe show you how to repair your vehicle.

Confirm There’s Gas in the Tank 
A basic pre-trip check is seeing whether you have gas in the tank, but it’s something riders tend to overlook. Especially if your gas gauge reports a full tank, you might not think to check. Keep in mind that gauges can malfunction, so consider jostling your bike and listening for the slosh of gas in the tank before jumping to other potential problems. 
If you can confirm there’s gasoline in your bike, see if the fuel pump is operational (if the motorcycle has one), and if there’s a carburetor, see if there’s gas making its way there, too. 

Look for Loose Wires 
Another seeming no-brainer is checking electrical connectors to see that everything is plugged in. Electrical issues often escape riders because they aren’t always visible, but manually checking the connectors can help you spot a problem that wouldn’t otherwise reveal itself. 
If you suspect something other than the battery is the culprit, especially if you’ve just swapped the battery for a new one, it’s also worth looking at your battery connector cables. It’s possible your new battery’s wiring is incorrect, making your non-start a quick fix once you tighten the cables to the terminals. 

Check for Blown Fuses 
Just like a car or truck, motorcycles have fuses, and they can blow the same as in any other vehicle. Keeping a fuse kit on hand is helpful so you can replace any blown fuses with one that has the same amperage. 
If fuses continue to blow after you replace them, you likely have a more serious electrical issue somewhere in the bike’s wiring. 

Engage the Clutch 
It’s usually a no-brainer for experienced riders, but for newbies, remembering to engage the clutch can mean the difference between a relaxing ride and a frustrating trip to the shop. Many bikes must have the clutch in before they will start—even when you’re in neutral. 
There’s also the possibility that your bike’s clutch switch has been damaged, and you can try “pumping” the clutch a few times to see if that helps reset it. You can get around the clutch switch, but long term, you’ll need another solution (and probably a clutch replacement). 

Determine if the Petcock is Clogged 
One potential issue that might be keeping your motorcycle from starting up is a clogged petcock. The petcock is a fuel control valve. It controls the gas flow between off, on, and reserve settings. Clogged petcocks are a common issue that riders often bring up in forums. 
A minuscule screen helps keep gunk out of the petcock, but corrosion and bits of stray material can cause flow issues. Rattling the petcock a bit can help dislodge any blockages, but replacement or a deep cleaning might be necessary to get your bike running again. 

Set the Choke Properly 
For carbureted motorcycles, you might need to set your choke or mixture enricher to match the ambient/engine temperature. Another common oversight, this issue can crop up in extreme weather conditions, or when conditions take a sudden turn you haven’t accounted for. 



Related Troubleshooting Pages:
Indian Motorcycle Troubleshooting,

Related Repair Pages:
Indian Motorcycle Repairs,

Related Parts Pages:
Indian Motorcycle Parts,

Related Price Pages:
Indian Motorcycle Prices,


Indian Motorcycle Repairs

Indian Motorcycle service

Indian Motorcycle help

Indian Motorcycle assistance

Indian Motorcycle maintenance


Product Reviews:

I have not ridden much since the 70's. Beyond the great looking lines
I have not ridden much since the 70's. Beyond the great looking lines on this bike, I was looking for a platform that fit me well and was easy to handle. After a sketchy ride in the neighborhood (my doing not the bike), I ventured out on the main roads for a day of riding. Riding cautiously I became comfortable after 134 miles, both city and open road riding. The following day I rode 177 miles. This bike is very comfortable, handles well, and has incredible power. It is also a great looking bike with people curious about Indian and happy to see a tradition coming alive again.
Published: July 15, 2015
Robert Keswick, Virginia
Source: cycleinsider.com

I bought this bike as a repo two years ago with only 1,900 miles on it. The
I bought this bike as a repo two years ago with only 1,900 miles on it. The previous owner had added Legend Air Suspension and a drag racing cam. Since then, I've added an OEM windshield, chrome Arrow shift linkage, chrome Indian Head gas cap covers & the Aardvark ignition jumper to alleviate the problem of blowing ignition relays. The ignition relays are the only problem I've had with the bike and that was an easy and inexpensive fix. With the air suspension I can drop it to the ground for shows and the cam would allow me to burn through tires at an alarming pace!! My only real complaints about the bike is (1) cosmetic - I think I'm gonna have a fat rear tire conversion done because the rear tire is a little too puny for my liking and (2) mechanical - the clutch is extremely heavy and apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so since clutch replacements are pretty popular for these bikes. Potential Indian riders beware - you cannot ride an Indian and be an introvert! Be prepared to have someone ask you about your bike every time you stop. I've had people take pics of my bike while filling up at a gas station, it is nothing if not a conversation starter. On the highway, the ride is awesome, but the rake and longer wheelbase that feels great on the open road can be a bit of a beast in town, especially with the wide bars and heavy clutch. I don't recommend this bike for a beginning rider or strictly city driving. To really be appreciated, this bike needs to be opened up on the highway! I doubt I'll ever sell this bike.
Published: April 15, 2012
GRS Boise, Idaho
Source: cycleinsider.com

I bought a Indian Chieftain in November of 2014. and I love it like no oth
I bought a Indian Chieftain in November of 2014. and I love it like no other motorcycle I've ever ridden. I have ridden many types of motorcycles, the last was a 2008 Harley Davidson Sportster XL1200. It was nice but the Indian Chieftain has options that Harley-Davidson only wish they had thought of. It has a 111 HP Stoker engine 1811cc of pure power. It also has a lA powered windshield that goes up and down like a car window. It has a faring with an on-board computer that links up to your smart phone and does anything that your smart phone can do - navigation, calls, searching internet, etc. a 100 watt stereo with am/FM aux., weather station, etc. It also has large spacious saddle bags with plenty of room for hauling whatever you want - just about anything. I can go on, but you just need to go see one yourself and check it out. I enjoy riding my bike like no other ride I've ever ridden. It's very smooth and comfortable. I give it 5 stars plus...go check it out. You will find something there that you have to ride and it will be better and cheaper that a Harley-Davidson.
Published: January 22, 2015
Jack McDaniel 'Byron, Georgia
Source: cycleinsider.com

My last ride was on a Yamaha 750SP and wrapped it around a mail box post. I
My last ride was on a Yamaha 750SP and wrapped it around a mail box post. It has been 10 years since then. By the time I reached the 2nd stop sign from the dealer my confidence was back, For a big bike, it was nimble, smooth and responsive. I was back, in a saddle again! for good. More reviews to follow as I will pick up my, and my wife's, Springfield Blue Chieftain on the 9th.
Published: May 22, 2014
Brian Slack 'Gaffney, South Carolina
Source: cycleinsider.com

Its an absolute tank! Looks like a shiny new Harley Davidson, despite bein
Its an absolute tank! Looks like a shiny new Harley Davidson, despite being 23 years old. Currently have 53,000 kms on it (about 33,000 miles). It sat in a basement not moving for 12 years, when I got it, it was under a half inch of grime. Cleaned the carbs and gas tank, dropped in a new battery, and it roared to life like it was driven yesterday. A day of cleaning and fluid changes, and it was like a brand new bike. Tourque for days, and with the suspension set to 4 it corners like a champ. Its amazing the lean it can get, and the power out of the turns!! Its a Honda. Nobody's quite sure how long they last, since if they are reasonably taken care of (read: occasional oil changes and try to avoid snow), they keep firing up and running forever. If you are reading this because you see a deal on an old one, and wondering if they are a good bike, do it. do it now. You're sitting in front of a computer (or phone) when you could be getting one of the best bikes on the road!
Published: December 17, 2020
TJ Nova Scotia
Source: cycleinsider.com

TOP