How to Jump Start a Motorcycle – Step by Step Guide
Motorcycle batteries, just like car batteries, can run out of charge after a specific time. When that happens, one of the biggest problems you’ll encounter is failure to start the bike. Unless the battery is completely dead, there are ways to start the motorcycle to complete the journey. That’s why it is always good to know how to jump start a motorcycle in case of such emergencies.
Four Ways to Jump Start a Motorcycle
If you press the start button and the bike makes a clicking sound while the instrument panel barely lights up, it is a sign of a dead battery. In this situation, you have the option of replacing the battery with another or trying to start the bike without a battery.
There are four methods to jump start a motorcycle with a dead battery:
- Using a portable battery jump starter
- Using another motorcycle
- Using a car battery
- Push starting
Tips and methods to start the motorcycle without a battery
Running out of battery on the bike is always unpleasant and mostly happens at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, you should know several methods and tips to jump start a motorcycle without a battery.
How do you Jump Start a Motorcycle with Portable Jump Starter
Using a jump starter charger is one of the best options to start a motorcycle without a battery. These starters can be carried on the motorcycle to solve an emergency of this type at any time. In addition, they are easy to use and will be of great help to you. Here is how you can do it:
Connect the Attached Cables
- Connect the charger clamp to the battery and take special care.
- Attach the red clip to the positive pole of the motorcycle’s battery.
- Connect the black clip to the negative pole of the battery or a bare metal surface on the bike.
Turn the Jump Starter Pack On
- Start a portable jump starter and set it to the correct voltage of your battery. For instance, if you have a 12 volts battery, then set it to 12 V.
Try Starting Your Motorcycle
- Push the starter on your motorcycle and wait for 2 to 3 seconds only.
- If your motorcycle doesn’t start, wait a few minutes before starting again. Trying again immediately can burn out your jump starter.
Disconnect the Jumper Cables
- Disconnect the negative clamps first and ride your bike for about 30 minutes to recharge its battery.
How to Jump Start a Motorcycle Using Another Motorcycle
One of the most common options to start a motorcycle without a battery is to do it with the battery of another motorcycle. It transfers the energy from one battery to another.
- Turn off both motorcycles and make sure they are neutral.
- Now start locating battery terminals. Try to find them on the chassis.
- Once you find the terminals, connect the positive clamp or red clip to the dead battery’s positive terminal.
- Connect the other positive clip to the positive terminal of the good battery.
- Attach the negative clip to the negative terminal of the good battery.
- If it has started, let it run for a few minutes to ensure your battery is operational.
- Disconnect the connections in the reverse order you connected them.
How to Jump Start a Motorcycle with a Car
When using this technique, you would need to find someone willing to lend you their vehicle for a few minutes while the battery charges.
However, it is important to note here that this method should only be used when no other method is possible. Since a car’s battery has a much higher amperage, there is a chance of damaging the bike’s battery or electrical system.
- Turn off both motorcycle and car engines.
- Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the motorcycle battery.
- Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the car battery.
- Start the motorcycle while keeping your car turned off.
- If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few minutes before you try again.
- Disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order of the order you connected them.
How to Push Start a Motorcycle
Starting the motorcycle by pushing it is the best solution if you have run out of battery. In this case, you will not require any special tools or jumper cables.
First of all, you must leave the ignition on and put the second or third gear. Then release the clutch and move the bike, engaging the clutch and pushing. Once the bike has gotten up to speed, you must remove the clutch. During this moment, you have to give gas without stopping until you get it to start.
Find a Clear Stretch of Road
Make sure you look for a road that is clear and big enough to allow you to move around safely. Use safety gear like helmets and knee pads if necessary. There are different types of helmets available in the market, you can buy any as per your choice.
Put Your Motorcycle Into 2nd Gear
Put the bike in second gear. Second gear is the most effective for this activity, as first gear can cause the motorcycle to move forward and cause you to pull out abruptly.
Pull the Clutch in and Start Pushing Your Motorcycle
Pull the clutch and start pushing. Try to make a target from 5 mph to 10 mph. You can push forward in the following ways:
- Waddle or push your bike forward: This is easier if your bike is light. You can drag a motorcycle while pushing it with your feet.
- Pushing alongside your bike: Once you have the right speed, you should be able to hop on your bike.
- Have someone’s help: The helping hand of another person can make it easier to get up to the required speed.
- Finding a road with a downhill slope: You need no effort; walk and let gravity help you.
Release the Clutch Quickly
- If sufficient speed has been reached, release the clutch and press the Start Button.
- Give the motorcycle a moderate amount of throttle.
- Once your motorcycle starts, pull the clutch to get control back.
- With the clutch pressed, invert the engine so that it does not fail again.
These are some of the most common and effective methods to jump-start a motorcycle that has run out of battery. However, you can always call a mechanic for better assistance. However, proper maintenance can make your motorcycle last longer.
Besides dead batteries, there could be several reasons why your car isn’t starting. Check all parts and see if any of them needs repair or replacement. Browse through the list to find an array of motorcycle parts in the UAE.
In case your motorcycle needs complete repair, it’s better that you buy a used motorcycle in the UAE. You can also head to these motorbike showrooms in the UAE and make a purchase.
If you find the guide useful, stay tuned to the UAE’s popular auto blog for more maintenance tips.