Bump start?
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Lehigh Valley, PA
Bump start?
When unloading my ’88 FXR (with S&S Super E) in Daytona a month ago, after a long cold winter and trailer ride from PA, the battery was dead. So, coasting down the driveway, I just ‘bump started’ it, like I have for years. The motor caught and ran fine once warm. Three of the other guys with me, all with EFI models (’05 FXD, ’03 FLHTC, and ’07 FXSTF), all wondered out loud “Could we bump start ours, too, in an emergency?”
My answer was “No, because there would be no juice to run the fuel pump, and thus no fuel to the injectors.”
Asssuming a dead battery, was I correct?
My answer was “No, because there would be no juice to run the fuel pump, and thus no fuel to the injectors.”
Asssuming a dead battery, was I correct?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
RE: Bump start?
If they can get it started it would not run but a minute or two. The fuel line will drain and then you are in trouble cause the battery would be dead and so will the pump. The computer will sence no fuel and shut it down. Seen it tried and what a mistake it was..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Bump start?
The older, non computer, alternator bikes will bump cause the alt jumps volts up when it spins. Although not enough juice from batt to use starter, they will start and run once bumped. I don't know how the EFI bikes work.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
RE: Bump start?
Uhhhh, carry a spare battery? 
Just "kick" the damm thing. Oh, never mind, I forgot, we are in the 21st century. Instead of kicking it, take out the cell phone and call AAA or the dealer. DeJavu, me and the rest of the "dummies", will kick.
Another ? I have, do Harleyselectronics "shut down" on low voltage? In other words, would the "puter" even"fire" the plugs with low voltage? My Mallory will "shut down" when the voltage gets too low. I forgot to "polarize" my generator one time, and ran with the lights on, batt voltage got too low, and electronic ign shut down, but still had "REAL" dimlights. Anyone know 'bout the "new" ones?
Just "kick" the damm thing. Oh, never mind, I forgot, we are in the 21st century. Instead of kicking it, take out the cell phone and call AAA or the dealer. DeJavu, me and the rest of the "dummies", will kick.
Another ? I have, do Harleyselectronics "shut down" on low voltage? In other words, would the "puter" even"fire" the plugs with low voltage? My Mallory will "shut down" when the voltage gets too low. I forgot to "polarize" my generator one time, and ran with the lights on, batt voltage got too low, and electronic ign shut down, but still had "REAL" dimlights. Anyone know 'bout the "new" ones?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Bump start?
Found out about the alt voltage thing when my chopper was new. The engine was tight and the kicker just wouldn't start it, period. A quick bump and it would fire on the first TDC. Freaked a few "experts".
Put a meter on it, taped to tank and saw the volts at 12.5 while kicking, but when bumped the volts shot up to 14 real quick. Now that it's broke in it's 2 primes and 1 kick cold. 1 kick warm, just like it's supposed to.
Put a meter on it, taped to tank and saw the volts at 12.5 while kicking, but when bumped the volts shot up to 14 real quick. Now that it's broke in it's 2 primes and 1 kick cold. 1 kick warm, just like it's supposed to.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Northern Colorado
RE: Bump start?
ORIGINAL: dhoward
Dead battery, no.
Enough juice to run FP and ECM but not enough to crank, yes.
Dead battery, no.
Enough juice to run FP and ECM but not enough to crank, yes.
Ditto for FI bikes.
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