Can I bump start my Honda?

[Gene]

 I have a '85 Honda 650cs Nighthawk. I bought a new gellcell battery recently, so I don't expect to have to try the following scenario in the immediate future.

If I end up with a dead battery, and in a place that I can't get help, can I bumpstart it? (no kickstart on this bike)

Anyone actually tried this?

[emmazedd]

A dead battery is a dead battery?

[Larry Fine]

No, you can't bump-start a bike with a dead battery, because there will be no spark.

Yes, you can jump-start a bike, even with a dead battery, just like you would a car.

[Pete in PA]

If the battery is low and the starter won't do it, you can bump start it.

You should practice it, it's a skill all bikers should have.

There's a big range between fully charged and dead.

Bikes can be jumped if the battery isn't completely dead.

[Gene]

 Thanks everyone.

Pete, I've bump-started bikes before, but they were small displacement street/dirt 2-strokes. I usually bump-started them in 2nd gear.

As for my Honda 650, it's heavy, and has 4-cylinders. I think I might be able to bump-start it down a hill, but flat and level, I doubt it without someone helping me.

BTW, some good comments about the state of the battery. Yes, I agree, completely dead battery, no ignition possible. If the battery has enough power to run the ignition, then I have a chance. One problem though, my bike has the so-called feature of the headlight always being on. That does not help.

[Pete in PA]

Actually large 4 cylinder bikes bump easier then big singles.

Hondas kill the headlight as the start button is pressed.

[Gene]

Pete,

I had forgotten that, I did notice the headlight going out when the start button was depressed once when I first got the bike.

Thanks!