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How To Jump Start Your Motorcycle

By Walter F. Kern

Here are some steps to follow to jump start your motorcycle. You may want to print out these steps and include in a ziplock bag also containing your motorcycle jumper cables.

The subject of jumping a battery is controversial. There are many opinions on the best way to jump start a dead battery on a motorcycle. Bike electrical systems are not the same and those differences can cause problems. The best course of action might be to call for a tow truck and get a new battery.

Here's How to Jump Start a Motorcycle:

  1. Arrange another motorcycle so its good battery is close to the dead battery.
  2. Attach one red clip (+) of the jumper cables to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
  3. Attach the other red clip (+) to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
  4. Attach one black clip (-) to the frame of the bike with the dead battery or to the negative (-) terminal of the dead battery if a suitable frame location cannot be found.
  5. Attach the other black clip (-) to the frame of the bike with the good battery or to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery if a suitable frame location cannot be found.
  6. Start the bike with the dead battery. As soon as it starts, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were attached.

Tips:

  1. If you use a car battery for the good battery, use the same procedure as above except DO NOT START THE CAR OR HAVE IT RUNNING. Incompatibilities between the car and motorcycle electrical systems may destroy some of the electrical components.
  2. If you have a roadside assistance plan for your bike, use your cellphone to call for help. You may have to wait an hour or so before help arrives. Many plans will tow you to the nearest bike dealer for your make.
  3. If you can't get the bike started, you'll need to use the cellphone to summon help. A hat and water bottle will be essential if you encounter a long wait in the sun.

What You Need:

  • Motorcycle jumper cables
  • Water bottle
  • Cellphone
  • These instructions

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