Cold bike wont start. Cranks fine, and roll-jump works
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,335
Likes: 27
From: San Diego, CA
Yes, you can bump start a FI bike as long as all systems are working. Now, if for some reason the fuel pump is not working when cranking, no it won't start because there has to me enough pressure at the injectors to spray fuel to the cylinder. I have had to bump start my 2007 Sprortster 1200C Custom a few times when the battery was too low to crank but had enough to power everything else. Don't know what would cause the OP's problem but just had to put my two cents in as to whether or not it is possible to bump start an FI equipped Harley. After all, cranking the engine over with the starter is no different than cranking the engine over with the drive train via the tire and drive belt. They both turn the engine and thus the crank position sensor etc. etc.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 14
From: Western MD
this makes sense. if you are losing power/voltage, you may want to give the ign switch connector a quick look. i've seen others here with connector melting issues. if the connector is melted, it may have melted to the point of enough resistance that would still allow amp draw operation, but when cranking the engine, the starter pulls more amps and can drop volt/amp supply to the ecm and sensors.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
FI bikes push start fine as long as the battery is not dead...the only thing keeping you from kick starting it is the ignition...it does not fire on the first rotation...I am surprised that the aftermarket has not come up with a simple fix for that.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 790
Likes: 4
From: Internet
roll down a hill to build up some speed, kick it in gear (i choose 2nd) and dump the clutch with ignition on. It takes a moment to work sometimes, thats why its easier on a hill so you can dump clutch and keep rolling until it kicks over
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
What's interesting is that roll starting works but crank starting doesn't. Either way there must be power to all systems and the CPS has to send the timing info to the ECM. There are two differences that I can think of right away for a roll start... the bike isn't in neutral when it starts and the starter circuit isn't involved. Since I can embarass the heck out of myself by trying to start the bike in gear, then on my bike it must be the starter circuit and not a kickstand sensor or neutral safety switch (don't know what model or year you are riding).
I don't understand how a bump start can make up for no fuel pump pressure, either.
You may not be getting enough power to the ECM due to the starter load. I would start with connections and power tests.
C#
I don't understand how a bump start can make up for no fuel pump pressure, either.
You may not be getting enough power to the ECM due to the starter load. I would start with connections and power tests.
C#
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: USA
I think it's probably the battery. It might sound like it's cranking fine, but check and see how much the voltage drops when you crank it. If the voltage drops too much while it's cranking, it won't be enough for the EFI.
Have you tried topping off the battery with a charger before trying to start it? When batteries get old it's not uncommon for them to lose some cranking power after a week of sitting.
Can you please explain why a motor with a CPS can't be push started or kick started? Did you know that even the carbed TC motors use a CPS?
Have you tried topping off the battery with a charger before trying to start it? When batteries get old it's not uncommon for them to lose some cranking power after a week of sitting.
Can you please explain why a motor with a CPS can't be push started or kick started? Did you know that even the carbed TC motors use a CPS?
Last edited by str8jacket; Dec 18, 2011 at 11:57 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 0
From: A SaltwaterHillbilly-Surrounded By Cages
I do plan to get a new battery next season, but id never pin this issue on the battery because the crank sounds strong. Could it be a fuel pump issue?
thanks
I'd be happy if it were a battery issue, since as i said i know mine is on its last season. But it just doesn't make sense if its cranking like crazy.
cables are tight, anything else i can check?
thanks
I'd be happy if it were a battery issue, since as i said i know mine is on its last season. But it just doesn't make sense if its cranking like crazy.
cables are tight, anything else i can check?
