How to Start a Motorcycle When the Battery is Dead?
3 Answers
When a motorcycle's battery is dead, you can start it using the kick starter, or by putting it in third gear with the clutch engaged, pushing the bike to its maximum speed, then releasing the clutch to start the engine. Alternatively, you can recharge the battery before starting. Below are specific reasons why a motorcycle may fail to start: 1. Dead Battery: A dead battery is a common issue during daily riding, requiring timely checks to ensure the battery is functioning properly. This is especially prevalent in colder winter temperatures, and aging motorcycle batteries are more prone to failure. 2. Fuel Valve: These valves contain a filter screen that may become clogged over time. If the fuel valve is the cause of the motorcycle not starting, gently tapping it externally or cleaning the interior can often resolve the issue.
I've ridden motorcycles for many years, and when the battery is dead, my go-to method is the push start. Find a downhill slope or flat road, turn off all lights, and shift into second gear. Have someone push the bike while you jog alongside to accelerate. Once the speed reaches 10-15 mph, jump on, steady yourself, and quickly release the clutch lever—the engine should fire up. Coordination is key; otherwise, it’s easy to stall or drop the bike. A dead battery is often due to aging or forgetting to turn off the power. If pushing doesn’t work, use jumper cables from a car: connect positive to positive and negative to negative with the other car turned off, then start the motorcycle engine. For regular maintenance, check the battery fluid level and connections. Warming up the bike for a few minutes before riding helps prevent issues. This method has saved me a few times in the wilderness.
My old motorcycle often runs out of battery, so push-starting has become my daily skill. Find a helper to push the bike on flat ground, I shift to second gear for acceleration, then jump on and release the clutch to start. Speed is crucial—avoid first gear as it's too heavy. When alone, choosing a small slope to coast down is safer. Frequent short trips or battery aging are common causes of power loss, so I visually inspect the battery weekly. If pushing fails, keep a portable jump starter connected to the cigarette lighter for emergencies. For prevention, ensure lights and anti-theft systems are off when parked to reduce power drain. Regular rides help keep the battery charged. Simple and practical measures can save you the hassle of towing.
