bump starting a dead EFI?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
I have always wondered if it would work to make a set of jumper cables that had the tender charger ends on it. I think it will work now that I hear you had success with a tv power cord. I guess I should give it a try and hope that the next person I run into that needs a jump or is offering me one has a tender charger plug installed.
Dennis
Dennis
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 9
From: NYC
That's exactly what I did, used the kill switch to turn off the bike in gear, just like the dealer told me to, but neglected to turn off the ignition and lock it. VERY lucky the bike wasn't stolen.
The idea of using the battery charger leads as jumpers occurred to me as well initially but the more I learned and thought about it, it's a bad idea. The TV power cord we used was 18 gauge, very thin, and got very hot very quick. It's too small for that amount of amperage. As soon as we got it started we pulled the wire away. the guys were just hand holding the wire to the battery terminals and they were wearing gloves. Tough guys determined to get the bike started. But you want to get the wire leads off ASAP. The battery tender leads are 16 gauge, not much thicker than what we were forced to use. A battery tender operates at low amperage, cranking a V-Twin starter motor does not. The other problem with using the battery tender leads is you won't be able to get the wire disconnected quickly and may fry some electronics in one or both of the bikes. The jumper cables I've found online are either 8 or 10 gauge wire, much more copper to handle the large amperage load of starting a bike. I really wouldn't recommend trying to jump a bike with the tender connection. What little I know about electricity says things will fry, hopefully just the wire, maybe the battery and hopefully not the computer "brain."
Here's a "how to" link I found and some made cables;
http://www.ehow.com/how_4448881_make...er-cables.html
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products...sp?Item=BBOOST
http://www.jirehmetric.com/servlet/Detail?no=29
The idea of using the battery charger leads as jumpers occurred to me as well initially but the more I learned and thought about it, it's a bad idea. The TV power cord we used was 18 gauge, very thin, and got very hot very quick. It's too small for that amount of amperage. As soon as we got it started we pulled the wire away. the guys were just hand holding the wire to the battery terminals and they were wearing gloves. Tough guys determined to get the bike started. But you want to get the wire leads off ASAP. The battery tender leads are 16 gauge, not much thicker than what we were forced to use. A battery tender operates at low amperage, cranking a V-Twin starter motor does not. The other problem with using the battery tender leads is you won't be able to get the wire disconnected quickly and may fry some electronics in one or both of the bikes. The jumper cables I've found online are either 8 or 10 gauge wire, much more copper to handle the large amperage load of starting a bike. I really wouldn't recommend trying to jump a bike with the tender connection. What little I know about electricity says things will fry, hopefully just the wire, maybe the battery and hopefully not the computer "brain."
Here's a "how to" link I found and some made cables;
http://www.ehow.com/how_4448881_make...er-cables.html
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products...sp?Item=BBOOST
http://www.jirehmetric.com/servlet/Detail?no=29
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Austin...well 30 miles from Austin
After skimming thru this thread...got a problem...asking for a solution
Problem...dead battery? everything turns on but the bike. Press the start switch and nothing happens
Can I charge the battery by connecting the negative to the frame? Will I fry something?
Just want to start it so I can get to shop
I am mechanically challenged to say the least. I hope the forum can help me
thanks
Problem...dead battery? everything turns on but the bike. Press the start switch and nothing happens
Can I charge the battery by connecting the negative to the frame? Will I fry something?
Just want to start it so I can get to shop
I am mechanically challenged to say the least. I hope the forum can help me
thanks
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 20
From: Reno
After skimming thru this thread...got a problem...asking for a solution
Problem...dead battery? everything turns on but the bike. Press the start switch and nothing happens
Can I charge the battery by connecting the negative to the frame? Will I fry something?
Just want to start it so I can get to shop
I am mechanically challenged to say the least. I hope the forum can help me
thanks
Problem...dead battery? everything turns on but the bike. Press the start switch and nothing happens
Can I charge the battery by connecting the negative to the frame? Will I fry something?
Just want to start it so I can get to shop
I am mechanically challenged to say the least. I hope the forum can help me
thanks
Why not use jumper cables and a vehicle and use standard jump method?
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Austin...well 30 miles from Austin
I should say...it is a 2012 sportster...
To answer your question...I cannot get to the negative post...and do not know how to remove battery....seems like it would be somewhat difficult
To answer your question...I cannot get to the negative post...and do not know how to remove battery....seems like it would be somewhat difficult
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
Just be aware , you will be replacing that battery soon, because they don't last long at all after being run down.
That's exactly what I did, used the kill switch to turn off the bike in gear, just like the dealer told me to, but neglected to turn off the ignition and lock it. VERY lucky the bike wasn't stolen.
The idea of using the battery charger leads as jumpers occurred to me as well initially but the more I learned and thought about it, it's a bad idea. The TV power cord we used was 18 gauge, very thin, and got very hot very quick. It's too small for that amount of amperage. As soon as we got it started we pulled the wire away. the guys were just hand holding the wire to the battery terminals and they were wearing gloves. Tough guys determined to get the bike started. But you want to get the wire leads off ASAP. The battery tender leads are 16 gauge, not much thicker than what we were forced to use. A battery tender operates at low amperage, cranking a V-Twin starter motor does not. The other problem with using the battery tender leads is you won't be able to get the wire disconnected quickly and may fry some electronics in one or both of the bikes. The jumper cables I've found online are either 8 or 10 gauge wire, much more copper to handle the large amperage load of starting a bike. I really wouldn't recommend trying to jump a bike with the tender connection. What little I know about electricity says things will fry, hopefully just the wire, maybe the battery and hopefully not the computer "brain."
Here's a "how to" link I found and some made cables;
http://www.ehow.com/how_4448881_make...er-cables.html
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products...sp?Item=BBOOST
http://www.jirehmetric.com/servlet/Detail?no=29
The idea of using the battery charger leads as jumpers occurred to me as well initially but the more I learned and thought about it, it's a bad idea. The TV power cord we used was 18 gauge, very thin, and got very hot very quick. It's too small for that amount of amperage. As soon as we got it started we pulled the wire away. the guys were just hand holding the wire to the battery terminals and they were wearing gloves. Tough guys determined to get the bike started. But you want to get the wire leads off ASAP. The battery tender leads are 16 gauge, not much thicker than what we were forced to use. A battery tender operates at low amperage, cranking a V-Twin starter motor does not. The other problem with using the battery tender leads is you won't be able to get the wire disconnected quickly and may fry some electronics in one or both of the bikes. The jumper cables I've found online are either 8 or 10 gauge wire, much more copper to handle the large amperage load of starting a bike. I really wouldn't recommend trying to jump a bike with the tender connection. What little I know about electricity says things will fry, hopefully just the wire, maybe the battery and hopefully not the computer "brain."
Here's a "how to" link I found and some made cables;
http://www.ehow.com/how_4448881_make...er-cables.html
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products...sp?Item=BBOOST
http://www.jirehmetric.com/servlet/Detail?no=29
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 20
From: Reno
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
I have always wondered if it would work to make a set of jumper cables that had the tender charger ends on it. I think it will work now that I hear you had success with a tv power cord. I guess I should give it a try and hope that the next person I run into that needs a jump or is offering me one has a tender charger plug installed.
Dennis
Dennis
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 55
From: Londonderry, NH
After skimming thru this thread...got a problem...asking for a solution
Problem...dead battery? everything turns on but the bike. Press the start switch and nothing happens
Can I charge the battery by connecting the negative to the frame? Will I fry something?
Just want to start it so I can get to shop
I am mechanically challenged to say the least. I hope the forum can help me
thanks
Problem...dead battery? everything turns on but the bike. Press the start switch and nothing happens
Can I charge the battery by connecting the negative to the frame? Will I fry something?
Just want to start it so I can get to shop
I am mechanically challenged to say the least. I hope the forum can help me
thanks
If you can't get to the Pos(+) terminal, the Starter lug will work just fine (goes directly to the battery +) and may be easier to get at. I've done this many times. Saves time removing the seat.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
It is difficult, relatively. For the negative I use the end of the negative cable, that is attached to the battery, where it attaches to the frame.