[header] How to start a motorcycle [title] Determine whether you have a carburetor-based or fuel-injected motorcycle. [step] Many motorcycles, especially older or less expensive models, do not have modern fuel injection systems. If you aren't sure, you can tell by looking for a choke control. 
It is normally located on the left handlebar, above the horn. Carbureted motorcycles have a choke, but fuel-injected bikes do not.