Knowing how to push start a motorcycle is a handy skill, especially in emergency situations. Push starting a motorcycle is a way to power up the motorcycle when the battery is fully drained or completely dead.
There are six steps to push start a motorcycle.
- General inspection of the motorcycle
- Lowering the gear to first or second gear
- Holding the clutch and then pushing the motorcycle to at least 5mph
- Releasing the clutch and powering up the engine
- Revving the engine
- Driving to the nearest motorcycle service station
Remember to do this for emergency situations only because frequently push starting a motorcycle can cause irreversible damage to its engine and battery.
The Process
General Inspection
As aforementioned, push-starting is unhealthy for the motorcycle and should only be done in case of emergencies. The first step is to inspect the motorcycle for other issues. Make sure that the battery is indeed dead and that is the sole cause as to why the engine isn’t starting.
Check for other possible causes of a dead engine.
- Check the gas tank for fuel. Refill if necessary.
- Make sure that the petcock is set to “on.” This is a feature present in older motorcycle models.
- The kickstand must be up.
- The engine transmission should be set to “neutral.”
- The kill switch should be on “run.”
Lower The Gear
For you to push-start your motorcycle, you must start at a lower gear than the usual. Set the gear to the first of the second gear. Most motorcycle models are easier to push start when they are set to second gear.
Go from neutral to first gear by depressing the clutch and then pressing down on the foot control. To go from first to second gear, depress the clutch and then press up on the foot control. This is applicable for manual transmission motorcycles. It is easier to shift gears for automatic models.
Hold The Clutch And Start Pushing
You’ll need some space for this so make sure to set your motorcycle in a wide area. Clear any possible obstructions along the way. You should also clear the areas at the sides to make a way in case the motorcycle swerves uncontrollably.
If possible, locate a downhill road and then push start by rolling your motorcycle. You can just ride once it gains momentum. The downhill road technique is advisable for heavier motorcycle models that may be challenging to push on flat roads. Avoid going for roads that are too steep because this will make the motorcycle accelerate too fast.
Under normal circumstances, you can just push start the motorcycle, run alongside it, and then hop on it once the engine is on. If the motorcycle is too heavy, ask for a buddy to push with you.
Hold the clutch in and then push the motorcycle in a straight line. It is advisable to get it to the speed of at least five miles per hour.
Release The Clutch And Start It Up
Once you have achieved the minimum speed of 5 mph, you can release the clutch and then turn on the engine starter button. Roll down the throttle generously to allow more power into the engine. You can expect the motorcycle to start so keep your hand on the clutch at all times so that the motorcycle won’t get too far ahead of you.
Warm Up The Engine
The motorcycle engine is finally awake and you should rev it to keep it from dying again. Depress the clutch and rev it at medium level. Do so repetitively until you are sure that it will not sputter and die. Revving prevents the engine from choking. It also revives a drained battery by charging the cells and making power run through it. Don’t let the engine die because it will definitely be difficult to start it again.
Ride To The Nearest Service Station
Push starting a motorcycle is a temporary fix so you should drive home or to the nearest motorcycle service station. Remember that you shouldn’t let the engine die because there’s a chance that you won’t be able to start it up again.
Once at the service station, identify the root cause of the motorcycle’s failure to start properly. If the battery is drained, it needs to be recharged. If the battery is completely dead, it needs to be replaced. Other causes may include complications in the fuel system. You’ll need to consult a mechanic to troubleshoot the problem.
Other Tips
If your model has a large displacement motor, it is advisable to start the engine at the exact same time you release the clutch. This will help the engine start smoother and you’ll have a better sense of control over the motorcycle.
For older models, try using the choke as the motorcycle is being push started. If you have a high compression motorcycle, try standing on the footpegs to add more weight to the rear wheels. This will make it easier to turn the motorcycle.
