Checking the electrical system: Lets start at the beginning with the ignition switch.
Is it on for sure? If you're working with an older stock bike wiggling the key in the ignition will sometimes help make the connections.
Try this for just a second then move on.
When you turn the key to the on position do the lights and indicators in the speedo light up and work? Does the brake light work.
Any of these or all of these not working can point to a short or bad connection somewhere in the wiring harness.
If one works but one doesn't this is a good sign that the battery is OK, not verified OK, but OK and should start.
If you have no power first check the battery and make sure you have the voltage required to start and run the bike.
If the battery seems to be in good shape look for a blown fuse.
If the fuses are in good working order and haven't been blown then move on to a short in the wiring.
If you have NO power to anything look for the main fuse to be blown or the main ground to be dirty and loose.
There's only three ways power gets lost or transferred in bulk on these old bikes.
It should be easy to tell where the problem is.
One of the biggest reasons for a charging or wiring system to not work properly is a bad ground.
Make sure all your grounds are clean and tight! If you know you have power then you should recheck the gas and turn the petcock to the reserve position.
If you still can't get the bike to fire look for flooding to occur.
If you notice the smell of strong gas or see gas pouring, it's time to clear the cylinders and start again.
One of the best ways to do this is by removing the plugs and shutting off the gas, hold the throttle wide open and kick the motor over fairly fast for a few minutes.
This should clear the cylinders and all the fuel system for a fresh start.
If you have a stock Triumph 1945-1955 turn the ignition to the EMG or emergency start position.
Be sure not to run the bike long with the switch in this position.
As soon as it's going turn the key back to the IGN position and continue running the bike.
The Emergency start position is intended to be used so that the generator will supply enough power to start a bike with a very low to almost dead battery.
For those of you without this feature you can always try to push start your bike.
These old Triumphs will fire on just the charging system and don't need a battery to fire or keep them running.
BUT watch out for the battery that goes bad and sucks all the juice because of an internal failure.
But normally a Triumph will start with either the EMG switch on or by push starting with a low or dead battery.
If you've done all this and kicked and pushed it and banged an everything else we do to them when they don't start, check the firing system.
Triumph Tune Up Tips and Tricks: Always push start your bike never pull start your bike with a car or truck.
This is a dangerous and stupid maneuver! Always use at least 2nd gear to push start with.
This will allow the engine to turn easier and will keep your back tire from locking up and just sliding.
Is it on for sure? If you're working with an older stock bike wiggling the key in the ignition will sometimes help make the connections.
Try this for just a second then move on.
When you turn the key to the on position do the lights and indicators in the speedo light up and work? Does the brake light work.
Any of these or all of these not working can point to a short or bad connection somewhere in the wiring harness.
If one works but one doesn't this is a good sign that the battery is OK, not verified OK, but OK and should start.
If you have no power first check the battery and make sure you have the voltage required to start and run the bike.
If the battery seems to be in good shape look for a blown fuse.
If the fuses are in good working order and haven't been blown then move on to a short in the wiring.
If you have NO power to anything look for the main fuse to be blown or the main ground to be dirty and loose.
There's only three ways power gets lost or transferred in bulk on these old bikes.
It should be easy to tell where the problem is.
One of the biggest reasons for a charging or wiring system to not work properly is a bad ground.
Make sure all your grounds are clean and tight! If you know you have power then you should recheck the gas and turn the petcock to the reserve position.
If you still can't get the bike to fire look for flooding to occur.
If you notice the smell of strong gas or see gas pouring, it's time to clear the cylinders and start again.
One of the best ways to do this is by removing the plugs and shutting off the gas, hold the throttle wide open and kick the motor over fairly fast for a few minutes.
This should clear the cylinders and all the fuel system for a fresh start.
If you have a stock Triumph 1945-1955 turn the ignition to the EMG or emergency start position.
Be sure not to run the bike long with the switch in this position.
As soon as it's going turn the key back to the IGN position and continue running the bike.
The Emergency start position is intended to be used so that the generator will supply enough power to start a bike with a very low to almost dead battery.
For those of you without this feature you can always try to push start your bike.
These old Triumphs will fire on just the charging system and don't need a battery to fire or keep them running.
BUT watch out for the battery that goes bad and sucks all the juice because of an internal failure.
But normally a Triumph will start with either the EMG switch on or by push starting with a low or dead battery.
If you've done all this and kicked and pushed it and banged an everything else we do to them when they don't start, check the firing system.
Triumph Tune Up Tips and Tricks: Always push start your bike never pull start your bike with a car or truck.
This is a dangerous and stupid maneuver! Always use at least 2nd gear to push start with.
This will allow the engine to turn easier and will keep your back tire from locking up and just sliding.