Motorcycle warning lights – what they mean and you need to do

• Green/Blue: A system is active and working as it should.
• Amber: There’s a fault somewhere - take extra care and have a look as soon as possible.
• Red: There’s a serious fault on your motorbike – stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so.

Not sure what that motorcycle warning light is trying to tell you? Or perhaps you’re studying before taking your test? Read our guide to find out what each motorbike warning light means and what you should do if they light up. 

Click a motorcycle warning light to learn more:

	Motorbike engine temperature warning light
	Motorbike ignition light
	Motorbike ABS warning light
	Motorbike oil pressure warning light
	Motorbike engine management warning
	Motorbike neutral light
	Motorbike indicators and hazard warning light symbols

If your engine regularly overheats, pistons and cylinders are likely to become warped, and with so much wiring near the engine, the electrics are also at risk. 

The engine temperature warning light is your best tool in avoiding this damage. This mototcycle warning light will illuminate when coolant levels are running low or there’s a leak in the system. 

Can I still ride with my engine temperature light on?

You’ll be able to ride with the engine temperature light on. However, the best response is to turn your engine off as soon as possible and allow it to cool before taking a look, and topping up with coolant if necessary.

If the light comes back on again after topping up you should get it checked out to fix the underlying problem.

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This motorcycle warning light appears on two occasions. Firstly, the light will appear for a few seconds when switching your ignition on, a sign that your starter system is working well. 

Secondly, the light may stay on after a few seconds or suddenly turn on when riding. This is a warning that you have a problem with your electrical system. 

Can I still ride with my ignition light on?

The ignition light won’t affect your riding but it’s always best to turn your engine off as soon as it is safe. A battery that fails to charge will need replacing, and failing to do so could mean breakdowns or significant damage for your bike.

Get yourself to a garage before your battery loses the ability to hold charge completely.

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An ABS system is designed to prevent you skidding when applying your brakes. 

With balance playing such a vital role in motorbike driving, ABS is an important safety feature when braking quickly and in wet or icy conditions. 

Many other motorcycle warning lights on your dashboard will illuminate with ignition and switch off a few seconds later. However, some ABS lights will only extinguish after reaching 10 to 15mph, the speed at which the system becomes activated. 

Can I still ride with my ABS light on?

If the light remains on at higher speeds, there’s something wrong with your ABS system, but thankfully this doesn’t affect your normal brakes. 

You’ll still be able to ride, but take extra care – particularly in adverse weather conditions – so find a garage to have a look. 

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For more information read our guide to brake pads.

Oil is used as a lubricant in your bike which reduces friction between moving parts.

It’s the job of the oil pressure motorcycle warning light to highlight low pressure which occurs with low oil levels. 

Can I still ride with my oil pressure light on?

If you see this light, it’s important to stop as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine. If oil pressure levels drop, your bike is at risk of damage. 

Check your oil levels, and if it's low, top it up with after your engine has cooled down. If the light comes back on, you think you have plenty of oil in the system or you're losing oil quickly after topping up, take your bike to a garage. 

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Engine management systems are responsible for monitoring a range of features and its warning light should go out a few seconds after ignition. 

If you find the light stays on after this time you could have problems with emissions, air intake, fuel… the list goes on.

Can I still ride with my engine management light on?

Driving with the engine management light on risks further damage to your engine, and as there’s several potential problems that could be the cause, it’s best to visit a professional as soon as you can.

Use our search tool to find your nearest RAC approved garage.

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The least complicated dashboard light, the neutral light lets you know when your motorbike is set to neutral. 

Can I still ride with my neutral light on?

If the neutral light is showing whilst you’re riding (and not in neutral) it must be faulty. Your riding shouldn’t be affected but have a professional take a look and fix the problem light.

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Indicator warning lights are there to let you know that your indicators are flashing in a given direction, or when both directions are used, that you’re alerting other drivers to a hazard.

Motorcycle warning light cluster

If you are new to driving a motorbike, then you will notice that the 'dashboard' is a lot smaller than that you see in a car or van.

These warning lights are therefore kept in a cluster on the dashboard, so pay attention to what might appear and deal with it accordingly.

We hope that you now know what your motorcycle warning lights are. Have a great trip!

If you experience any faults, warnings or failures with your motorbike, find a local mechanic across the UK to help.