Jump starting
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Effingham Co. GA
Jump starting
Am I the only dumbass who didn't know that jumpstarting a bike with a running vehilce is bad? 
I had a thread on here about starting problems. Talked to my local shop yesterday, and they said that my stater and/or regulator is prob toast now. Most likely the reason it won't start.
I had a thread on here about starting problems. Talked to my local shop yesterday, and they said that my stater and/or regulator is prob toast now. Most likely the reason it won't start.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
No Idea
Just acquired my first electric start bike recently. Are you talking about a jump from another bike or some other vehicle? I wouldn't think a jump from another bike would be harmful, but certainly don't have any experience.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 14
From: Delawere
Never heard of a problem before. I jumped mine from a car a few weeks ago after leaving my ignition on. No problems at all. As a matter of fact I always jumped from a car or other bike. If it is the same voltage I can't see a problem but I may be wrong. Maybe someone here can pipe in.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 58
From: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
I don't understand why people are worried about jumping their bike from a car that's running.
You're starter is only going to draw the amperage it needs to turn over, nothing else.
It's not like all the amps the car is generating is flowing through your bike.
As long as the voltage is the same (12 volts) I don't see a problem.
Think about it.
Does your washer or dryer burn up when you turn them on even if the rest of the house is drawing 200 amps at the time?
No, they don't.
They only draw the amperage they need.
You're starter is only going to draw the amperage it needs to turn over, nothing else.
It's not like all the amps the car is generating is flowing through your bike.
As long as the voltage is the same (12 volts) I don't see a problem.
Think about it.
Does your washer or dryer burn up when you turn them on even if the rest of the house is drawing 200 amps at the time?
No, they don't.
They only draw the amperage they need.
Last edited by silvrbill; Oct 20, 2010 at 02:58 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
One possible problem is that modern automotive charging systems put out considerably higher amperage than the motorcycle. Car's charging system sees the draw of the battery of the motorcycle and kicks up the output, surge could hurt the mc system?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
There are enough stories of fried starters from using a running car to jump a bike that it seems prudent to avoid the practice. Seems some get away with it and others don't. It's not the voltage that's the issue, it's the amperage.
The argument that a car alternator is only going to generate the amount of amps called for by the bike is apparently a sound one from what I've read but with all the stories about fried starters it's not something I want to take a chance with.
The argument that a car alternator is only going to generate the amount of amps called for by the bike is apparently a sound one from what I've read but with all the stories about fried starters it's not something I want to take a chance with.
Last edited by jimmers1817; Oct 20, 2010 at 03:50 PM.