moto zeroTransitions Lab

Learn how motorcycles work, and how to work on them.

See every part in 3D, ride it, build it and trace its wiring. A free course for mechanics, students and riders.

Explore the motorcycle in 3D → Diagnose a problem
3D OverviewTap any part, see inside, watch it runCockpitStart the engine, ride and run a dynoBike builderAssemble a bike, change its specificationWiring LabTrace circuits and find faultsCourseFive modules from engine to batteryUnder the EngineEvery gear and valve moving, in 3D

32 chapters289 3D models38 technical plates274 repair guides16 motorcycle types148 quiz questionsThousands of bikes served

Start here

Four ways into the machine

Pick one. They all link together.

The Overview: classic four-stroke motorcycle in 3DThe same bike with a see-through shell, electrical parts highlightedSolid and see-through
01

How a motorcycle works

Tap any part of a 3D bike to look inside and watch it work.

  • Highlight a whole system: powertrain, chassis, electrics
  • See hidden parts through a see-through shell
  • Run the engine, brake, chain, carburettor, ignition and motor, with live graphs
Open the Overview →
The Bike builder half way through: frame, engine and wheels fitted, sprockets and chain next
02

Build a bike from the ground up

Fit every part in workshop order, then change the specification.

  • Wheel size, sprockets and engine size
  • The effect on gearing, top speed, acceleration and ride height
  • Speedometer error, power to weight and more
Open the Bike builder →
Wiring Lab, main harness
03

Learn all about wiring

Trace the harness, work the switches and find faults.

  • Main harness, starting, charging and ignition circuits
  • Trigger real faults and find which wire goes dead
  • Change the circuit and see current, voltage drop and fuses respond
Open the Wiring Lab →
Under the Engine: a 125 cc engine with the covers offThe five-speed gearbox in function coloursEngine and gearbox
04

Under the Engine

A 125 cc engine with its covers off. Start it, pull the clutch and shift through the gears.

  • Crank, valvetrain, generator, kick and electric start
  • Clutch plates part as you pull the lever
  • Watch the shift drum and forks select each gear
Open Under the Engine →
Repair

What is wrong with your bike?

274 problems, 185 step-by-step repairs and 134 parts, for petrol motorcycles, scooters and electric bikes.

Diagnose a problemThree questions to the likely fault and the fix By problemStart from what you see, hear or feel By repairStep-by-step jobs, rider to workshop By partWhat each part does and how it fails Spare partsPrices and shops for 41 popular bikes

Common problems

Engine turns over but will not startDo not rideBattery goes flat after the bike is parkedRide with careBrake lever or pedal feels spongyDo not rideChain is noisy, clattering or slappingRide with careAir-cooled engine overheatsStop nowSudden loss of power while ridingDo not rideFlat tyre on a wheel with an inner tubeDo not rideBrakes squealRide with care
The course

The course: from how it works to how to fix it

Five modules, 32 chapters, each with pictures, animations and a quick check.

01

Foundations

Anatomy, physics, workshop.
02

The engine

Four-stroke and two-stroke.
03

Fuel, ignition, electrics

Mixture, ignition, wiring.
04

Drivetrain and chassis

Clutch to brakes.
05

Electric motorcycles

Motors, batteries, charging.
Interactive figures in every moduleWorking animations with graphsEasy, mixed and hard quizzesProgress saved in your browserFree PDF modules to download

Go to the course → Take a quiz Read the history Motorcycle types

In the workshop and on the road

For the people who keep machines running

Riders and mechanics on open grassland in Kenya
Close-up of an air-cooled V-twin engine
A mechanic fitting a carburettor
Two people working on a motorcycle outside a garage
Two riders beside a Kenyan flag
Coming soon
Electrical components training

Electric motorcycle training for mechanics

Practical modules on motors, controllers and battery packs, for the fundis who keep the fleets moving.

Until then, try the Wiring Lab.

Open the Wiring Lab →Module 05: Electric motorcyclesAbout the programme
Electric motor, 3D render Motor controller, 3D render High-voltage battery pack, 3D render Charge port, 3D render
Work with us

What we are looking for

Moto Zero is open and growing. If one of these is you, get in touch.

Training centres and workshops

To pilot the course and the repair guides with apprentices and fundis.

Fleet operators

Boda boda and delivery fleets, petrol or electric, who want their mechanics trained.

Mechanics and engineers

To check the repair steps and specifications, and share the faults you see most.

Translators

Kiswahili, French and other languages, so more mechanics can use it.

3D artists

To model more parts and bikes for the Overview and the builder.

Partners and funders

To bring electric motorcycle training to more places.

Get in touch →

More

Everything else

About Moto ZeroThe story behind it DownloadsPDFs, models, diagrams Under the Engine3D engine and gearbox, every part moving Motorcycle typesSixteen types, 1885 to today ArticlesGuides to engines, chains and wiring 3D model library289 models to explore Sources and creditsBibliography and licences My progressSaved in this browser UpdatesWhat changed and when ContactCollaborate or ask Kids: build a bikeFor younger learners