bike stone dead after trying to jump start it .
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: clayton, NC
The power source doees not matter as long as it is 12 volts ......But you should never connect to the ground on the battery when jumping, Ground to the frame or the starter it self. Why this can(...not will, but it can) Fry electrical componets such as the ECM I do not know, but I have seen it done to everything from cars to heavy equiment and Diesel trucks. Its the same reason you unplug batterys when you weld on a frame or body.
But start with the fuses. I use the K.I.S.S method Keep It Simple Stupid
But start with the fuses. I use the K.I.S.S method Keep It Simple Stupid
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: NJ
Connecting directly to the negative terminal of a battery will NOT fry components. Electrically, the negative terminal of the battery is exactly the same as the frame...it's at ground potential. The reason you don't make the connection directly to the battery is that the final connection, which will be ground if you follow the directions, is prone to sparking. You don't want sparks near the hydrogen gas that's given off by lead acid batteries.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,373
Likes: 4
The power source doees not matter as long as it is 12 volts ......But you should never connect to the ground on the battery when jumping, Ground to the frame or the starter it self. Why this can(...not will, but it can) Fry electrical componets such as the ECM I do not know, but I have seen it done to everything from cars to heavy equiment and Diesel trucks. Its the same reason you unplug batterys when you weld on a frame or body.
But start with the fuses. I use the K.I.S.S method Keep It Simple Stupid
But start with the fuses. I use the K.I.S.S method Keep It Simple Stupid
Soooooooooo.....After all that what is the final prognosis for the OP's bike???
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,380
Likes: 3,347
From: usa
I blew the main fuse and probably shorted out the battery . Yes the car was running , I should have let it charge for 5 mins but once I got the cables on I tried to start it. Anyway new battery and fuse and it started .
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
Connecting directly to the negative terminal of a battery will NOT fry components. Electrically, the negative terminal of the battery is exactly the same as the frame...it's at ground potential. The reason you don't make the connection directly to the battery is that the final connection, which will be ground if you follow the directions, is prone to sparking. You don't want sparks near the hydrogen gas that's given off by lead acid batteries.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 1,144
From: Directly above the center of the Earth
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
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From: Midwest
Many times it's because they've read it in an owners manual, which is another name for "anti-lawsuit document". Or an old thread that's been dredged up from several months back. :-)
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
It's been said several times - 12 volts is 12 volts. No reason to worry about jumping the battery. Can't hurt anything by properly jumping. However - on the vehicle with the dead battery, you definately want to avoid any sparks near the battery! The dead battery may be emitting some fumes and those fumes can be explosive. I always make the last connection in the process, the negative connection on the vehicle with the good battery. I make that connection to the frame or starter (as far from the battery as possible) to avoid any sparks near the battery. I have seen car batteries blow up while jumping when the final connection was made to the negative terminal of the dead battery. The spark can ignite the fumes from the dead battery, and jump right into the battery's vent hole. Makes a big mess to clean up and you better have some baking soda handy.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
What year is your bike? If it is a newer bike you are NEVER supposed to jump start them. If you do, you will fry your electronic ignition box.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Ontario East
