Can You Push Start A Motorcycle With A Dead Battery? (8 Ways To Do It)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation of desperately searching for “Can You Push Start A Motorcycle With A Dead Battery?” Well, your search ends here. This article is designed to guide you through this dilemma, offering you a comprehensive understanding of the process.

So, can you push start a motorcycle with a dead battery? Yes, you can. A motorcycle with a dead battery can be pushed started by using the bike’s momentum and the clutch to spin the engine fast enough to initiate combustion, thereby starting the bike.

The article is a must-read for every motorcycle owner as it not only explains the ‘how’, but also delves into multiple ways to do it. This piece provides practical knowledge that could be highly beneficial in emergencies when you’re stranded due to a dead battery.

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What Different Types Of Motorcycles Can Be Pushed Started?

There are a few different types of motorcycles that can be push-started. The most common type is the Standard Motorcycle.

These kinds of motorcycles have an easy-to-use kickstart lever that allows the rider to start the engine by pushing the bike forward with their legs. Standard Motorcycles are relatively lightweight and have simple mechanics which makes them ideal for push-starting.

Another type of motorcycle that can be pushed started is the Scooter. Scooters are much lighter than standard motorcycles and often have an electric start option. However, they can also be push-started by pushing the bike forward while pressing the start button.

This type of motorcycle is great for urban commuting as they are easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Finally, some small displacements motorcycles such as Mopeds and Pit Bikes can also be pushed started. These motorcycles usually have a small engine and do not require a kickstart lever.

Instead, the rider can just press the start button and push the bike forward to start the engine. Mopeds and Pit Bikes are great for young riders or those looking for a fun ride around town.

Overall, several types of motorcycles can be push-started. Standard Motorcycles, Scooters, and small displacement bikes like Mopeds and Pit Bikes are all relatively easy to push start.

Can You Push Start A Motorcycle With A Dead Battery?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to push start a motorcycle with a dead battery. However, there are some things to consider before attempting this.

Firstly, the motorcycle needs to be neutral. If it is in gear, it will be more difficult to push start, if it is even possible at all. It is also important to make sure the engine is warm before attempting to push start, as a cold engine takes more effort to start.

Finally, the motorcycle needs to be on a flat surface. Any incline can make it difficult to get the motorcycle moving fast enough to start the engine.

If all these criteria are met, you can then attempt to push start the motorcycle. Push the motorcycle forward at a good speed until it is moving fast enough to engage the clutch, then pop the clutch and the motorcycle should start.

It is important to remember to pull back on the throttle at the same time the clutch is engaged to help ensure a successful start.

Push starting a motorcycle with a dead battery is not the most desirable method of starting the engine, as it can be difficult and risky.

It is always best to charge or replace the battery if possible to avoid the risk of damaging the engine. If a battery is dead and must be replaced, it is important to make sure the correct battery is used so that the motorcycle functions properly.

How To Push Start A Motorcycle With A Dead Battery? 8 Different Ways!

Traditional Push Start

The traditional push start, also known as bump starting, is the most common method of starting a motorcycle with a dead battery. This method relies on physical effort and the mechanics of the motorcycle itself to start the engine.

Start by turning the ignition switch to the ‘on’ position and ensuring the kill switch is set to ‘run’.
Stand on the side of the motorcycle and hold the handlebars firmly.
Begin pushing the motorcycle until you reach a jogging speed.
Quickly jump onto the motorcycle and immediately press the clutch lever.
Drop the clutch quickly, allowing the rear wheel to turn the engine.

Using a Hill to Start the Motorcycle

If you are near a hill, you can use gravity to your advantage. This method is much easier than the traditional push start, especially for heavier motorcycles.

Position the motorcycle at the top of the hill facing downwards.
Set the ignition to ‘on’ and the kill switch to ‘run’.
Mount the motorcycle and start rolling down the hill, picking up speed.
When you’ve gained enough momentum, release the clutch quickly.
The speed and momentum should turn the engine and start the motorcycle.

Roll Starting Down a Slope

In the absence of a steep hill, a mild slope can also be used to start a motorcycle with a dead battery. The roll start method is similar to the hill start, just on a smaller scale.

Position the motorcycle at the top of the slope.
Set the ignition to ‘on’ and the kill switch to ‘run’.
Gain momentum by rolling down the slope.
Once you’ve gained enough speed, release the clutch quickly.
The momentum should turn the engine and start the motorcycle.

Starting with a Helping Hand

If you’re not alone, having a helping hand can make push-starting a motorcycle much easier. Another person can provide the necessary push while you focus on releasing the clutch at the right moment.

Sit on the motorcycle with the ignition turned ‘on’ and the kill switch set to ‘run’.
Have the other person push the motorcycle from behind.
Once enough speed has been achieved, release the clutch quickly.
The motion should start the engine.

Using a Jump Starter

A portable jump starter can be a lifesaver when dealing with a dead motorcycle battery. This method requires no physical effort, and these devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

Connect the jump starter to your motorcycle battery, matching the positive and negative terminals correctly.
Turn on the jump starter.
Try to start the motorcycle as usual.
Once the motorcycle starts, disconnect the jump starter.

Using Jumper Cables and Another Vehicle

If you have jumper cables and access to another vehicle with a working battery (car or another motorcycle), you can use this to start your motorcycle. Remember, though, that the other vehicle’s engine should be off during this process to avoid damaging your motorcycle’s electrical system.

Connect the red (positive) clip of the jumper cables to the positive terminal of the dead motorcycle battery.
Connect the other red clip to the positive terminal of the working battery.
Connect the black (negative) clip to the negative terminal of the working battery.
Connect the other black clip to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the motorcycle’s frame to ground it.
Try to start the motorcycle as usual.
Once the motorcycle starts, carefully remove the jumper cables in reverse order.

Using a Battery Charger

A motorcycle battery charger can also be used to revive a dead battery. This method requires time but is a reliable way to recharge your battery without causing any potential damage.

Connect the battery charger to your motorcycle battery, matching the positive and negative terminals correctly.
Plug in and turn on the battery charger.
Leave the battery to charge for the recommended time stated in your charger’s instructions.
Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect the charger and try to start the motorcycle.

Push Starting with a Second Motorcycle

In situations where two motorcycles are available, you can use one motorcycle to push start the other. This method requires coordination between the two riders but can be effective in a pinch. The key here is to match the speeds of the two motorcycles closely to avoid potential accidents.

The rider of the motorcycle with the working engine should position his bike behind the one with the dead battery.
The second rider, on the motorcycle with the dead battery, should set the ignition to ‘on’ and the kill switches to ‘run’.
As the first rider starts to push the second motorcycle, the second rider should drop the clutch once enough momentum is gained.
The engine of the second motorcycle should then start.

In conclusion, there are many methods to push start a motorcycle with a dead battery. The method you choose will largely depend on your circumstances and the resources you have available.

While these methods can be effective in starting your motorcycle, remember that they are temporary fixes.

If your motorcycle’s battery is consistently dying, it’s a sign that there may be a larger issue at play. It’s always recommended to get your motorcycle checked by a professional to ensure that it’s in good working order.

What Mistakes To Avoid When You Try To Push Start A Motorcycle?

The most important mistake to avoid when trying to push start a motorcycle is not having the handlebars in the neutral position.

It is important to ensure that the handlebars are in the neutral position before attempting to push start the bike. This will prevent any accidental acceleration, as the handlebars will stay still while the bike is being pushed.

Furthermore, it ensures that the gas is not being released as the bike is being pushed, which can cause the bike to become difficult to push.

Another mistake to avoid when trying to push start a motorcycle is not making sure the clutch is engaged. The clutch must be engaged for the bike to start, and it is extremely important to make sure that the bike is in gear before attempting to push start it.

Additionally, it is important to make sure that the bike is in a flat area with no incline, as pushing the bike up an incline can be difficult or impossible.

Finally, it is important to make sure that the bike is neutral before attempting to push start it. If the bike is not in neutral, the engine may not start as the bike will be stuck in a gear.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the bike is in good mechanical condition and that all of the components are in working order. If the bike is not in working condition, the chances of successfully push-starting it are slim.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to push start a motorcycle with a dead battery, but it’s important to remember to take the necessary safety measures.

It’s important to wear protective gear, ensure that the motorcycle is in neutral, and get help from a friend.

While it’s not a recommended strategy for starting a motorcycle, it can be done in cases where the battery is completely dead.

Reference Source:

https://www.instructables.com/How-To-Push-Start-A-Motorcycle/