Motoautonomy — motorcycle parts and warning lights explained
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Motorcycle Warning Lights Explained: What Is Normal and When to Stop

Not every illuminated symbol means the motorcycle has failed. Many lights come on briefly when you switch on the ignition so the bike can check the circuit. Some — especially ABS — may stay on until the motorcycle starts moving.

What matters is when the light appears, whether it goes out, whether it is steady or flashing, and how the bike feels.

Colours and symbols vary between manufacturers. Your owner's handbook is the final reference for your motorcycle.

Last reviewed: 23 July 2026 · Always check your owner's handbook

Before assuming there is a fault

Ask four questions:

  1. 1Is the engine running, or have you only switched on the ignition?
  2. 2Is the light steady or flashing?
  3. 3Did it go out after the bike moved?
  4. 4What does your handbook say?

If a red warning appears while riding, the bike loses power, braking changes, the engine becomes noisy or hot, or fluids are leaking, prioritise getting safely off the road.

STOP RIDING WHEN SAFERIDE WITH CAUTION — CHECK SOONINFORMATION / CHECK HANDBOOK

  1. Oil-pressure warning

    Typical action: STOP RIDING WHEN SAFE
    Normal behaviour
    The light may be on with the ignition switched on and the engine stopped because the engine has not yet produced oil pressure. It should normally go out promptly after the engine starts.
    Possible fault
    If it remains on with the engine running or appears while riding, the engine may have dangerously low oil pressure. This is not simply a reminder to add oil.
    What to do
    Close the throttle, stop somewhere safe and switch off the engine. Check the handbook and oil level using the specified method. Do not continue running the engine merely because the oil level looks correct; pressure can be lost for other reasons. Arrange professional help if the warning persists.
    Read the full explainer →

  2. Coolant-temperature warning

    Typical action: STOP RIDING WHEN SAFE
    Normal behaviour
    It may illuminate briefly during the start-up check.
    Possible fault
    The engine or cooling system is too hot. Causes can include low coolant, a leak, fan or thermostat trouble, restricted airflow or another cooling-system fault.
    What to do
    Stop safely and switch off the engine. Allow it to cool. Never remove a pressurised radiator cap while the system is hot. Check the handbook before inspecting or adding coolant. Do not continue if the warning returns or coolant is leaking.
    Read the full explainer →

  3. Brake-system warning

    Typical action: STOP RIDING WHEN SAFE
    Normal behaviour
    Behaviour varies, and some bikes use the same area of the display for a start-up check or parking-brake indication.
    Possible fault
    A persistent red brake warning can indicate low fluid, a hydraulic or electronic braking fault, or another model-specific problem.
    What to do
    If braking feels different, a lever or pedal is spongy, fluid is leaking, or the handbook identifies a serious brake fault, do not ride. Stop safely and arrange inspection or recovery.

  4. Engine-management or FI warning

    Typical action: RIDE WITH CAUTION — CHECK SOON — or STOP if flashing / running poorly
    Normal behaviour
    The malfunction or FI light commonly illuminates during the start-up check and then goes out.
    Possible fault
    If it stays on or appears while riding, the ECU has detected a fault involving the engine, fuel-injection, ignition, emissions or another monitored system. A flashing light can carry a more urgent model-specific meaning.
    What to do
    If the bike runs normally and the handbook permits continued use, ride gently and arrange diagnosis soon. If the light flashes, the engine runs roughly, power drops sharply, smoke appears, or another red warning accompanies it, stop safely and consult the handbook or recovery service.
    Read the full explainer →

  5. ABS warning

    Typical action: RIDE WITH CAUTION — CHECK SOON
    Normal behaviour
    On many motorcycles the ABS light remains on after starting and goes out only when the bike reaches a low speed. The exact threshold varies by model.
    Possible fault
    If the light does not go out at the handbook's specified speed, or comes on while riding, ABS may not operate correctly.
    What to do
    Conventional braking often remains available, but anti-lock protection may not — and another braking fault cannot be ruled out from the symbol alone. Avoid hard braking, increase your following distance and arrange inspection. Stop if braking feels abnormal or another brake warning appears.
    Read the full explainer →

  6. Battery or charging warning

    Typical action: RIDE WITH CAUTION — CHECK SOON
    Normal behaviour
    A charging light may be present during the start-up check and should normally go out when the engine runs.
    Possible fault
    If it appears while riding, the charging system may not be supplying the bike. The battery can eventually discharge, causing the engine, lighting or electronic systems to stop.
    What to do
    Reduce unnecessary electrical load where safe and head for a safe place rather than assuming you can finish the journey. Do not repeatedly restart the engine. Arrange a charging-system and battery check.
    Read the full explainer →

  7. Traction-control warning or “TC off”

    Typical action: INFORMATION / CHECK HANDBOOK
    Normal behaviour
    A steady “TC off” indication may simply confirm that the rider disabled the system. A traction-control light may flash briefly while the system actively manages wheelspin.
    Possible fault
    A light that stays on unexpectedly, cannot be reset or appears with an ABS/engine warning may indicate a system fault.
    What to do
    Ride within the available grip and remember that traction-control assistance may be reduced or absent. Restore the normal setting if appropriate and check the handbook. Arrange inspection if the indication persists unexpectedly.
    Read the full explainer →

  8. Immobiliser or security indicator

    Typical action: INFORMATION / CHECK HANDBOOK
    Normal behaviour
    Many security LEDs flash when the bike is parked to show that the immobiliser or alarm is armed.
    Possible fault
    Rapid flashing, a key symbol or failure to start can indicate that the key has not been recognised, the fob battery is weak or the security system has a fault.
    What to do
    Follow the handbook's key-recognition or spare-key procedure. Keep the key away from other electronic keys or metal objects if the handbook recommends it. Do not bypass the security system.
    Read the full explainer →

  9. Low-fuel warning

    Typical action: INFORMATION / CHECK HANDBOOK — Refuel soon
    Normal behaviour
    Usually illuminates when the estimated reserve level is reached. It is commonly amber, but designs vary.
    Possible fault
    An unexpectedly early, late or permanently illuminated warning can indicate a sender, wiring or display issue.
    What to do
    Refuel promptly. Do not rely on a claimed reserve distance: consumption changes with speed, weather, load and terrain.
    Read the full explainer →

  10. Side-stand indicator

    Typical action: INFORMATION / CHECK HANDBOOK
    Normal behaviour
    Usually confirms that the side stand is down. Many bikes prevent the engine running in gear with the stand lowered.
    Possible fault
    If the indication disagrees with the stand's position, the switch or wiring may be sticking or damaged. This can cause unexpected cutting-out or defeat an important safety interlock.
    What to do
    Confirm the stand is fully raised before moving off. If the engine cuts out unexpectedly or the display is wrong, arrange inspection rather than bypassing the switch.
    Read the full explainer →

Green and blue indicators

Neutral, indicators, main beam, cruise control and other mode symbols are usually informational. They still matter: an indicator tell-tale flashing unusually quickly can indicate a failed bulb, and an unexpected main-beam light may mean you are dazzling other road users.

The safest default

If a warning behaves differently from the handbook, appears while riding, or accompanies a change in noise, heat, power, braking or handling:

  1. reduce speed smoothly;
  2. avoid sudden acceleration or braking;
  3. stop in a safe place;
  4. switch off the engine when the warning indicates oil pressure, overheating or another immediate risk; and
  5. use the handbook, dealer or recovery service rather than guessing.

Sources