Can your harley be bump started??

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Jul 16, 2009 | 12:30 PM

#11

CWDoc115

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2009

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From: Virginia

There was a posting a while back where someone with EFI tried this, and it would not start.

Jul 16, 2009 | 12:31 PM

#12

will2002

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Joined: Nov 2007

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From: Texas

But Gump, ......Ya look soooo dam kool kikkin it over !

Just like ole Easy Rider, ya know?

Jul 16, 2009 | 12:41 PM

#13

xFreebirdx

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'

I've done it when needed.

Jul 16, 2009 | 12:42 PM

#14

DuraGlide

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Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 1,895

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From: Southern WV

You would need at least 10 volts for the ECM to function and the fuel pump to build up pressure on the newer bikes. So if the battery is graveyard dead it ain't gonna start. Won't have enough crankshft rpm for the alternator to help either unless you push very fast a very long way. Have helped bump start 2 bikes this year. One was a fuel injected dyna with starter circuit issues and one was a sporty that the battery was weak but not totally dead.

Jul 16, 2009 | 12:43 PM

#15

bfrmbama

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Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 386

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From: Huntsville, AL

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWDoc115

There was a posting a while back where someone with EFI tried this, and it would not start.

I've always heard you couldn't push start an EFI if the battery is dead. Someone posted that they were able to. Now I'm just curious, can it be done?

I've got a carbed '03...

Jul 16, 2009 | 12:51 PM

#16

Da Gumpmeister

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Joined: Dec 2007

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From: Forest Lake, Mn

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfrmbama

I've always heard you couldn't push start an EFI if the battery is dead. Someone posted that they were able to. Now I'm just curious, can it be done?

I've got a carbed '03...

Not TMK. AND I M too dammt olt, to push one, to find out.

When we first got the pan, the dist. was so worn out, kikkin' was almost impossible. I would have Momma pull start me, using a tie down. Try that chit with ONE rear drum brake, and a WOMAN at the wheel!!!!!!!

U B bizzeyer than a one armed wallpaper hanger, smokin' a joint. SOME things jus' shouldn't be tried. Can you say, time for a Mallory electronic dist.????

Jul 16, 2009 | 01:02 PM

#17

kwb377

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Joined: Jul 2008

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From: Birmingham, AL

I've bump started a couple of my EFI bikes before...

Jul 16, 2009 | 01:23 PM

#18

carlgrover

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 8,852

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From: Decatur, Alabama

Back in the day I could jump the ironhead easy. Fast forward 25 years and an electronic ignition and I can't.

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Jul 16, 2009 | 01:25 PM

#19

Cyphilis

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Joined: Aug 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by CWDoc115

There was a posting a while back where someone with EFI tried this, and it would not start.

I have bump started my '99 Ultra several times when I was having charging problems.... its fuel injected and started up everytime with no problems. My stator and flywheel were bad, and the bike would not charge going down the road (I only realized this when I was 120 miles from home, 40 miles from any town at a lake) My Battery was so dead it wouldn't even click the starter over. I bumped it the first time when I was on top of a hill. The next 2 times, were at a gas station, and liquor store on the way home.. and that was with a buddy pushing me.
I always did it in 2nd gear. So yes, a fuel injected bike,.. with no power at all can be bump started, at least in my own personal experience.

Last edited by Cyphilis; Jul 16, 2009 at 01:28 PM.