Bump starting a bike - was I kidding myself?

[Polo]

Can you bump start a Fireblade in a short space? I managed to push the bike, after flattening the battery before realising I needed to switch to reserve, out of the Croydon Underpass into Fairfield Halls car park.

Have circled the area I was trying to do it - but failed. Fortunately, as I had just left work 200m away, I rang a mate and he came and gave me a push.

Was it ever a possibility to do it on my own? Or do you need a slope and more space to stand a chance? Each time I tried it, the back wheel locked up - 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear.
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[Jenks]

you could have done it , it just takes some serious effort.
Tends to help if you run next to it and jump on the seat hard.
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1978 MZ TS 250 1 Supa 5
1992 yamaha fzr1000 exup
1998 aprilia af1 sintesi

[Polo]

I did try that but the engine would maybe turn twice, three times tops if you see what I mean.

At least I know it can be done - cheers.
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[KLR600]

I've found when bump starting bikes that it takes few times for them to "warm up" (probably not whats happening though but that's the easiest way to explain it) but it gets easier the more times you try. Of course you also get more tired with each time but I used to be able to bump my old KLR and my XJ in about 15ft worth of space before I get the ZRX.
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[Finglonga]

If I can bump start an 1150GS then a Fireblade will be a piece of pi$$, you need to practice for next time you need to do it again.
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Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[Cigaro]

You need to put as much weight as possible on the seat when you jump on, as having enough weight over the rear wheel will ensure the wheel doesn't lock and give you enough momentum to start the engine. Also helps if you are in a higher gear, 2nd or 3rd for instance.

[Ben.]

i cant bump start my sv is it harder with v twins?
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[G]

I could bump start my downgeared zx9 that some headwork done (definitely /felt/ like high comrpession ratio ).

Technique:
Run along beside bike until you get a decent speed up, jump on to seat. If your clutch is working good, do it wit the clutch in and dump clutch as you land on seat.

If you've got to run with it in neutral, either knock it down as you land, releasing the clutch as your weight gets on it. Or get on the bike knock it down with the clutch in, then stand up and drop down onto the seat, releasing the clutch as you drop down.

[Polo]

Many thanks, chaps.
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My mum smells your fingers

[M1ghtyDUck]

Fairfield Halls? Might be a bit of effort/tight squeeze, but if you could fit it down the underpass there's a pretty decent long slope down there. It's long and straight over the other side. Might not really be feasible but hey, it's an idea if you're really stuck.

[Method]

I have to bump start all my race bikes, its not hard.

Theres a knack to it, like all things.

Run along next to it, get some momentum up, jump on the seat and drop the clutch at the same time!

Now - this is where most people end up ruining their chances... Dont stay on the seat - whats that going to acheive? Hop back off and keep pushing it, being very easy on the throttle. You will hear it pop and feel it jump forward a little bit as it splutters, then its just a case of feathering on slowly small bits of throttle untill it catches.

When it catches, yank the clutch in, keep it revving and jump back on it. Ride it to a stop and put it into neutral.

Simple as.
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[Madmanx]

Practice it one day when you have time.
Then you'll know how to do it when in need.
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[geordiecbrblo...]

Done it a few times on my old (heavy) CBR600, 2nd gear, push it along, let clutch out and she started.

This was on the flat within about 3 car lengths, so no great build up or need to jump on to the seat.

[map]

Old carb bikes should be ok to bump but I was told not to even try with injection bikes.

Can anyone clarify?
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[Sparks!]

I could do it in a shorter space....

unfortunately had a lot of practice with my CBR6
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[Fawbish]

can bump start my zx6 in about ten feet, and i only weigh ten stone

I assume a thou would be a bit harder though


But i know big v-twins are a right bastard! My mates TLR, we tried loads and the back wheel just locked up every time, with both of us pushing
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"Oh....it looks like Average Joe's is forfeiting the match!" - "Yeah, its a risky strategy but lets see if it pays off for 'em Cotton."

[iooi]

[Method]

[Dom_]

I was bump starting my cbr4 everywhere for about a month when the battery was shagged, was only about 9 stone at the time, no problem.

I'm sure i've bump started a fuel injected car though.

[JAMSXR]

I managed to do it with my 636 in a space of about 5 meters, i was shocked! My KTM 640 was a different story

I think temprature can help, in the middle of winter cold tyres and ice cold roads don't help but on a hot summers day that bit of extra grip will stop the back wheel locking.[/i]
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[matthab]

thank the lord for kick starts
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[WildGoose]

I seem to remember it being a fair slog to bumpstart a firestorm on a flat road, there were 4 or so of us pushing it, all hungover so probably not giving our best performance, but took more than a couple of goes.

MY CB-1 flattens the battery trying to start it in below freezing temps it just doesn't go. It's worth nothing that if the starter struggles when the battery is healthy, there is not a great deal of chance that you will do better bumpstarting it in the same environment, in my experience.

As has been said the more times it takes, the more you will want to die, particularly in full leathers, so give it everything on the first go, with a view to not needing a second attempt
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So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[virus]

managed to bump start an xl600 once, and thats a single cylinder beast, just knock it into second, roll backwards untill its hard to move, thats the start of compression, clutch in, go forwards as fast as possible then dump the clutch.
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stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.

[Peter3hg]

[c_dug]

I give a big to bump starting!

I was giving my dad a hand with his R1100S beemer and it decided to backfire leaving a nice black mark all over a (nearly) new white shirt and it didnt even start!

Anyways the battery was shagged so he got one of those capacitor things to replace the battery, not sure exactly how it works but it does the job so now no more bumping for us, yay!

c_dug
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