You know how important it is to charge a motorcycle battery, but what happens if it dies? The best motorcycle battery is needed to get it started, but sometimes even a top option fails.
In this guide, we review how to jump start a motorcycle so that you can get back on the road.
Why do motorcycle batteries die so fast? Here are a few of the common causes of a dead motorcycle battery.
Overloading the Battery
Making too many accessories run on the battery can cause it to fail prematurely. Only run what’s necessary for an enjoyable ride.
Leave Lights On
The lights draw power from the battery. If you forget to turn them off and the bike isn’t running, it will cause the battery to die.
Bike Not Used Frequently
Unless you hook up a motorcycle battery charger, the engine needs to run to keep it at optimal levels. Putting your bike in storage might cause you to come back to a dead battery.
Faulty Voltage Regulator
This occurs most frequently with higher-mileage bikes. The faulty regulator or alternator can reduce the life of your battery.
Poor Ground Connection
If there isn’t a proper ground between the frame and the battery, it won’t be able to receive a full charge or charging will take longer than needed.
Leaky Circuit
Any accessory can create a leaky circuit. Look at your GPS, high beam lights and alarms to ensure there isn’t an open circuit that is draining the battery power.
Heat and Vibration
Vibration and heat are going to reduce the lifespan of your battery. It just isn’t meant to endure extra stress, which is why you want to ensure it is secured properly.
How to Jump Start a Motorcycle: 3 Different Methods
If you want to know how to jump start a dead motorcycle battery, you have several methods to choose from.
1. Motorcycle to Motorcycle Jump Starting
Jump starting a motorcycle from another bike is the same as jump starting two cars. For this to work, you will need a set of jumper cables.
- 1Put both bikes in neutral and make sure they are off.
- 2Locate the battery terminals. In most bikes, the battery is under the seat.
- 3Align the two bikes so you can reach the terminals.
- 4Connect the jumper cables with the positive clips first.
- 5Start the bike that has a good battery. Allow it to run for a few minutes.
- 6Try to start the dead bike. It could take a couple of tries.
- 7Disconnect your jumper cables.
After you get the motorcycle running, you should take a longer ride. If you can spend about 30 minutes on the road, it will ensure that the battery gets recharged.
2. How to Jump Start a Motorcycle from a Car
While you can learn how to jump start a motorcycle with a car, it’s not the ideal solution. Because the car battery contains higher amperage, you risk damaging the motorcycle battery or the electrical system. However, in a pinch, you could follow these steps.
- 1Put the bike in neutral and make sure it is off.
- 2Turn the engine off on the car.
- 3Connect the jumper cables to each battery with the positive clips first.
- 4Start the car. Allow it to run for a few minutes.
- 5Try to start the dead bike. It could take a couple of tries.
- 6Disconnect your jumper cables.
Again, take a ride to allow your motorcycle battery the chance to charge.
3. How to Jump Start a Motorcycle from a Portable Jump Starter
It’s not difficult to figure out how to jump start a motorcycle battery with a portable jump starter. The trouble is, most riders don’t carry this handy tool with them because of a lack of storage space. If you do have one on-hand, follow these steps.
- 1Put the bike in neutral and make sure it is off.
- 2Keep the jump starter powered off for now.
- 3Connect the jumper cables to the motorcycle battery with the positive clips first.
- 4Turn the jump starter on.
- 5Try to start the dead bike. It could take a couple of tries.
- 6Disconnect your jumper cables.
Make sure you take a ride to allow your motorcycle battery the chance to charge.
Diagnosing A Faulty Motorcycle Battery
If you want to know if the motorcycle battery is dead, you will want a multimeter. Connect this multimeter to your motorcycle battery terminals. Turn it on and set it to read voltage. Here’s what you might find.
Tips To Extend Your Motorcycle Battery Life
To avoid learning how to jump a motorcycle starter solenoid, you want to ensure you are taking care of the battery. Here are some tips to keep the battery in good condition.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Which battery terminal do you connect first on a motorcycle?
You should always connect the positive first. If you do it the reverse way and you touch any metal on the bike, you could become part of the circuit, allowing the current to run through you.
Is red positive or negative on a motorcycle battery?
The red terminal is the positive connection. On the other hand, the black terminal is negative. Sometimes, these are also marked with a positive and negative sign.
What is the average lifespan of a motorcycle battery?
A durable motorcycle battery should last at least four years if it is taken care of. However, poor charging practices and bad battery maintenance can cause it to fail sooner.
Should I remove my motorcycle battery for the winter?
Yes, you want to remove the battery when your bike goes into storage. Hook it to a trickle charger and ensure that it is being stored at an appropriate temperature.
How do you bump start a motorcycle?
For most bikes, you will put it into second gear. Run with the bike until you can’t any longer. Then, place your left foot on the peg and hop on. Let the clutch back out and get it started.
Is it safe to push start a motorcycle?
If you are on a busy street, you might be putting yourself in danger. If you can, push start the bike on a quieter side street.
Can you jump start a motorcycle without a battery?
If you connect your jumper cables to the positive and negative terminal wires, you can bypass a battery and get your motorcycle started. This will work unless your alternator has gone bad.
Conclusion
The next time you have a dead motorcycle battery, you know how to get back on the road. Use one of our steps to jump start your motorcycle quickly.