How to Jump Start a Motorcycle Battery
A motorcycle battery can die during a ride, but it can also be jump started. It's important to follow the proper motorcycle battery jump starting procedure - both to ensure success of the process and your personal safety. We've created the following guide to jump starting a motorcycle battery below.
If you have questions or want to shop motorcycles for sale, contact Big St. Charles Motorsports. Our dealership is located in St. Charles, Missouri, and we also serve those in St. Louis and St. Peters.
Prepare for a Dead Motorcycle Battery
The first step is proper planning. If you don't own jumper cables yet, head to the store and pick some up. There are options that are sold in compact packages and cases that are easy to store on your motorcycle.
Besides jumper cables, it's wise to pack a pair of safety glasses and mechanic gloves made of a sturdy material (such as nitrile).
Safety First
When a motorcycle struggles to start or suddenly stops, it's easy for the focus to be getting back on the road as soon as possible. But it's crucial to keep safety as the priority.
Before you look over the battery, put on the safety glasses and gloves. This will help protect you from unsafe situations, such as contact with dangerous acids. If you are wearing any jewelry, such as a watch, take it off. You don't want items to come into contact and conduct the battery's charge.
Analyze the Situation
Next, look over the battery. Gather as much information as you can, which can help you determine whether a dead battery is the culprit.
For example:
- Are there any cracks?
- Are the electrolytes levels low?
- Is the battery leaking electrolytes?
- Are the positive and/or negative battery cables loose fitting or suffering from corrosion?
- Are there any severed wires?
- Is there any equipment left on that is draining the battery power?
Find a Vehicle
In order to jump start a motorcycle battery, you will need access to another vehicle. This can be another motorcycle or an automobile.
Attach the Cables
- Get the two vehicles close to each other, but not touching. This helps prevent shock if the cables slip.
- Take off any insulating clips from the batteries.
- Find the positive poles, which are usually indicated by a plus sign.
- Place one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal on the motorcycle battery and the other end to the positive terminal on the other vehicle.
- Connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the other vehicle and to a grounded part of the motorcycle (such as the frame).
The next step differs depending on if you are using a motorcycle or automobile.
- For motorcycles: start it and leave it running.
- For cars: do not start the engine. Car batteries have higher amperage than a motorcycle and that excess power could harm the motorcycle's charging system.
Next, start the motorcycle.
Once the motorcycle battery is good to go:
- Take off the red cables from the other vehicle.
- Take off the red cables from the motorcycle.
- Take off the black cables from the other vehicle.
- Take off the black cables from the motorcycle.
It's wise to head over to a service department and let the experts check your motorcycle battery, making sure there are no other hidden issues that could pose a safety threat.
Want more tips on jump starting a motorcycle battery? Looking to explore motorcycles for sale? Whatever you need, find it at Big St. Charles Motorsports. Our dealership is based in St. Charles, Missouri. We also serve St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri.