Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm having trouble starting my bike today. It was working fine last weekend, but when I took it out to go for a ride today, it wouldn't start.

When I push the start engine button, it makes a 'tat tat tat' sound.

It doesn't even make the 'reeereee' sound which it used to when I push the button right before the engine starts running.

It's a new ninja 250(about a month old) and since I'm only able to ride it a little bit every weekend or so, I haven't put that many miles on it yet.(~60)

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Charge the battery.

Can I use a normal car battery recharger? or do I need to get a motorcycle-specific one?

Also, how often does one usually need to recharge the battery?

I think a normal one will be fine, just monitor it to ensure you don't overcharge the battery. If you don't already have the charger try to find one that will "float" or trickle charge the battery.
The battery will normally charge when you ride, if you don't ride for an extended period the battery will discharge. If you are not riding the bike, charge the battery every couple weeks. Don't let the battery go flat, it severely reduces its' useful life.
I'd just try to ride more.

Thank you! I was able to charge the battery today and it worked fine afterwards! I rode a bit just to make sure, but I'll try to ride more often.