Red Seal Motorcycle Technician Practice Exam

What is the result of a faulty ignition system in a motorcycle?

1. Overheating of the engine

2. Difficulty starting and poor combustion

3. Excessive tire wear

4. Increased oil consumption

The correct answer is: Difficulty starting and poor combustion

A faulty ignition system in a motorcycle primarily leads to difficulty starting and poor combustion. The ignition system is crucial for initiating the combustion process within the engine's cylinders. If the ignition system malfunctions, it can result in various issues such as weak or inconsistent sparks, making it hard for the air-fuel mixture to ignite properly. This can lead to hard starting situations where the engine may turn over but fail to start, as well as rough idling, hesitation, or stalling while running. Furthermore, incomplete combustion caused by an inadequate spark can result in unburned fuel, leading to a loss of power and efficiency. This can manifest as a rough or uneven engine performance, including misfires and increased emissions. Diagnosing ignition issues requires checking components such as the spark plugs, ignition coils, and wiring to ensure that the system is functioning correctly. In contrast, other options like overheating of the engine, excessive tire wear, or increased oil consumption are typically linked to different mechanical or operational issues rather than directly related to ignition system problems. For instance, overheating might be connected to cooling system failures, tire wear usually results from misalignment or improper tire pressure, while increased oil consumption can be due to engine wear or other internal issues.