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What to do when you get stranded with your motorcycle due to mechanical failure

Follow these step-by-step tips to make sure you get home safely.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Apr 04, 2022
Motorcycle mechanical failure

Sometimes, no matter how carefully or safely we ride, disaster strikes. It could be in the form of a simple flat tire, running out of fuel, or even a serious mechanical issue that would cause you to get stranded wherever you may be. It’s just the way it is, motorcycles, especially higher performance big bikes, just have a bigger tendency of breaking down than their four-wheel counterparts. 

That being said, in the event that you experience a breakdown throughout the course of your riding career, there are a few things that you can do to keep you out of harm's way, and eventually, bring you back home safely. Here are a few dips to keep in mind every time you got out for a ride. 

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Keep calm

Motorcycle overheating

As stressful and hopeless as the situation may seem, there really is just one way to solve a problem, and that’s with a clear mind. Always remember that safety is your number one priority. Your bike, as well as its overall condition, merely comes second in an emergency situation. As such, in the event that you find yourself stranded while on your motorcycle, make sure to safely come to a stop on the side of the road, and if necessary, push your bike to a safer area where you can have a closer look.

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See if you can fix the problem yourself

Motorcycle flat tire

Once you have parked your bike in a safe location, and you are sure that you are out of harm's way, you can begin trying to diagnose the problem yourself. It helps to have a checklist when it comes to inspecting your motorcycle. First, give your motorcycle a thorough once over on the outside. Is there any damage to your vehicle parts of your motorcycle that could potentially prevent you from riding at home safely? Check to see if you have a flat tire, if any of your suspension components have come loose, or if your braking system has been compromised.

Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to solve the problem yourself especially if you are more mechanically inclined. If a motorcycle doesn’t want to start, you can most of the time isolate the problem into one of three things, ignition, fuel, or electrical. If you’ve pulled out all the stops, and still can’t get your motorcycle up and running, then maybe your only option would be to call for help.

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Call for help

We are very lucky to be living in a time where information can be accessed anytime, anywhere, right at the tip of your fingers. The same is true when it comes to emergency services. Simply browsing Facebook marketplace for emergency roadside assistance services can give you a huge sense of relief, especially if you’re one who is very anxious about being stranded following a mechanical failure. Prior to even going out on a ride, we highly suggest that you keep a set of emergency contacts ready in the event that you’ll be needing to use them. Of course, be sure to inform your friends or family about your situation, and see if any of them is in the position to lend a helping hand.

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