Jump Starting your Bike

[Mizz ZZR]

Hey, does anyone know any do's and don't's about this subject.

Is it a good idea?

Are there any reasons why you shouldn't do it?

Are there any special procedures you should follow if you do attempt it???

Will it blow anything up?

Any helpful advice appreciated

The problem has already been fixed, I'd just like to know for next time :)

[Ratmick]

I have jump-started my ZZR with our Magna.

No major problems, just be careful you don't short-out the alligator clamp on the positive cable to the frame of the bike, there's not a great deal of room under the seat .

[Gosling1]

- and although it may *sound* obvious, make sure you don't reverse the polarity of the jumper leads.......

The other tip is don't use the battery earth terminal for the jumper lead, use an engine mount bolt or a frame lug / bolt whatever.

[Neka79]

altho apparently the extra charge etc "can" (supposedly) stuff with EFI and ECU systems on bikes and cars, and they say u should (if using new tech vehicles) have special jumper leads with surge protection....


that said (my disclaimer) i jump my bike with my ute...and both are EFI and have ECU's ...no drama yet..

[Smitty]

-
The other tip is don't use the battery earth terminal for the jumper lead, use an engine mount bolt or a frame lug / bolt whatever.

and that hint ALSO applies to ya cage, ya mower
and whatever else...
earth lead goes to frame..NOT battery

[Neka79]

-
The other tip is don't use the battery earth terminal for the jumper lead, use an engine mount bolt or a frame lug / bolt whatever.

and that hint ALSO applies to ya cage, ya mower
and whatever else...
earth lead goes to frame..NOT battery

why??

ive heard this myth also...but ive always used terminal..as have most mechanics ive seen jump start a vehicle..

[Rossi]

-
The other tip is don't use the battery earth terminal for the jumper lead, use an engine mount bolt or a frame lug / bolt whatever.

and that hint ALSO applies to ya cage, ya mower
and whatever else...
earth lead goes to frame..NOT battery

why??
..

Because........
It is the final connection to be made and as such any sparks that may occur happen away from the battery gases which are explosive

[Neka79]

-
The other tip is don't use the battery earth terminal for the jumper lead, use an engine mount bolt or a frame lug / bolt whatever.

and that hint ALSO applies to ya cage, ya mower
and whatever else...
earth lead goes to frame..NOT battery

why??
..

Because........
It is the final connection to be made and as such any sparks that may occur happen away from the battery gases which are explosive

ahhhhhh u connect the earth/negative last??

i ussually hold the positive between myt teeth as i connect the negative, THEN connect the negative.....


IM JOKING>>>DONT TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS

[Mojo67]

The question we should be asking you is why you want to jump start. Bike batteries don't last forever, especially if they've been treated badly (run flat, left without charging for a long time etc).

Jump starting is ok unless your bike battery is stuffed. If it is, the bike won't run properly and probably die on you just as you ride out of range of the car who jump started you!

Get your battery tested or at least see if it takes some charge before you ride off with it.

[Brian123]

You can jump it from your car just dont turn the car on. If you turn the car on your looking at a fried electrical system on your bike.

[Mizz ZZR]

The question we should be asking you is why you want to jump start.

The battery is fine, I had just stupidly forgotten to switch off my grips and left them running all day. Came out of work to go home - dead flat battery.

Just wanted to know about jump starting it for next time (hoping it never happens again). Cause that would be way more convenient than removing the battery, taking it home to charge it then bringing it all the way back to Willy in the middle of the night like a criminal bike thief and riding it home

Next project: Wiring my heated hand grips into the ignition like they should have been in the first place

[Gosling1]

...Next project: Wiring my heated hand grips into the ignition like they should have been in the first place

Life is full of good lessons like this At least you have a head-start on the problem, and can fix it pretty easy

....why??....ive heard this myth also...but ive always used terminal..as have most mechanics ive seen jump start a vehicle..

as mentioned, its because of the potential to blow yourself to pieces btw its ok to use both the terminals on the battery that is supplying the charge ( the car battery), its just the bike/whatever that is receiving the charge that needs the negative lead on the frame.

One other tip when removing *any* battery is to disconnect the -ve terminal first - this removes any possibility of earthing out the +ve terminal when you are undoing it, and your spanner accidentally touches the engine bay/frame .

[rotaboy]

wouldnt it almost be easier to push start the bike on a hill (provided u live on a hill) this way u wouldnt even have to take the seat off

[Neka79]

wouldnt it almost be easier to push start the bike on a hill (provided u live on a hill) this way u wouldnt even have to take the seat off

sounds good in theory.... depends on the bike... and how much charge the battery may have...


on an EFI bike (well mine neway) it has an elec fuel pump) so if no battery, no fuel...therefore no pushstart...

[red_dave]

I'd be roll starting it...