2 Minute Moto - Jump Starting a Motorcycle with a Car

[@Ajbarili]

I am standing by a dead motorcycle

[@leeparsons6373]

haha

[@derrekevans2324]

Me too

[@fpsjohnny3896]

Me too.

[@808adrian5]

@@fpsjohnny3896 me too

[@qwanathomas735]

I think I'm standing next to a dead motorcycle too :(

[@FisherMan_Al]

I knew from the Jim Carrey clip alone, this video was gonna tell me everything I needed to know. Thank you sir

[@TheMotogiro1]

Most motorcycles employ what is termed, "Shunt regulators" Shunt regulators are rated to dissipate any extra charging energy from the bike stator into heat through the semiconductor to the heat sink. Car alternators can produce much more charging current ( amperage) than the motorcycle shunt regulator can deal with, hence destroying the regulator. This may not occur in all cases depending on many other conditions but generally it is advised to not have the car engine running when jumping a motorcycle. For safety, Always wear safety eye protection when jumping any vehicle. Ride safe and have fun!

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

Moto Giro Yes, thank you. I was about to make the same comment. A lot of anecdotal evidence will appear to the contrary, of course, but if it is just a low battery, it should fire-up easily without the car on.

[@Kab0oze]

I've been looking for the real technical reason why you should jump your bike with the car off (aside from just being told "don't do it!" by the internet) - this makes perfect sense, thanks!

[@chrislevi1531]

And if your having to engage the starter for more than a few seconds, that extra heat is why you usually see melting around the connectors for the 3 white or yellow stator wires. Connector being the weakest link

[@sqwop]

Every bike deserves a kick start.

[@qwanathomas735]

True, bloody electrical nonsense.

[@richieb9067]

Nice and precise, not an extra long ego inflating session like most on KZbin. Thanks for the info!

[@BlindIo42]

A trick for getting a big clamp down to a hard to reach moto terminal is to clamp onto a long screwdriver shaft and hold it onto the terminal. I had to do this in the middle of nowhere, while not ideal, it does work in a jam.

[@boilerkim1530]

Thanks Lem. After all these years you are still teaching me stuff

[@tinytyron0411youtub1]

Loving that glove tan :)

[@cloudmaker]

Another great video Lemmy. Two minutes plus, packed with useful info'. I have bike jump cables permanently packed on my Honda Deauville Nt700 along with my tool/puncture kit,as with most modern bikes they are almost impossible to bump start. Hadn't noticed the tan lines,until i read the other comments! Ride Safe.

[@sawgunner85]

It would have been sweet if you mentioned in which order to hook up the positive/negative and when or if both vehicles should or shouldn't be switched on....

[@iamtheboxer]

I remember i watched a few of your videos when I first purchased my 2022 Sportster. Great advice. and you came through again...

[@TheHarleyTech]

Wow! I made it in a Revzilla video! Next time we should film it together, Lemmy!

[@MattzTattz]

Stop watching videos and get to work making more!

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

HAHA! Congrats man.

[@yourejustintim]

I spotted it too haha

[@nestorlugo.]

Lol

[@freetob1]

DO NOT HAVE THE CAR RUNNING WHEN JUMPING A MOTORCYCLE!!! MAKE SURE THE CAR IS OFF TO CHARGE THE MOTORCYCLE!!!

[@dmironyuk]

👍 "less voltage = safer"

[@argentosebastian]

One important step he missed. Which terminal to connect 1st. Positive or negative?

[@ozzy1280]

Thanks for the amazing tips Lemmy !!! Would love to see a video on how to push start a motorcycle.

[@uses0ap]

i like how they use the a/c line as a ground at 1:08

[@gavinhansen6823]

You either know or you don’t! Electrical is a ghost for sure!

[@cnmg7121]

Direct, to the point, informative Liked and subscribed Thanks for this video

[@fistbumpbros]

Did this all the time with my car in the garage. Those car jumper cables clamps are indeed a tad too big for motorcycle use though.

[@DavidBlack101]

Thanks guys - saved my Saturday ride today! 😀

[@dastuun]

Perfect timing on this one. Ahem. Thanks, Lemmy.

[@cesarjuarez3888]

It’s my birthday and I left the key on after I came home to set up my cardo, smoke and boom dead lmao

[@0bso]

So, what about older bikes with shunt type regulators? Are you sure this information 100% applies to them too?

[@mattcottrell3336]

Just based on the comments I've read if you are standing next to a dead motorcycle and need to jump start it, go get a new battery as soon as possible. It looks to me like a lot of people don't realize an AGM battery will hold a charge til it doesn't and then needs to be reconditioned. You will eventually lose enough acidic conductivity to a point where even jumping or charging it won't help it... a battery has to be replaced based on its warranty life expectancy. If it dies before the warranty they will give you a new one based on that warranty....

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Lemmy is one of the few KZbinrs on my automatic thumbs up list.

[@kiffy07]

Lemmy solid arm sunburn, you need to get out of the office and more on the road!! 😂

[@dadtrap]

Lemmy nice using John Maxwell’s video lol. I carry a NOCO GB20 in both my bikes. It is compact and the clamps are perfect for a motorcycle. It will also start up to a 5 liter car engine.

[@Boobtube.]

I would question having the car running while doing this. Keep car turned off while jumping a bike, unless you want to fry things on fuel injected bikes.

[@CGFIELDS]

He should have said this. Was waiting to hear it. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@PDPIE1029]

No, that’s not how 12 volt systems work. A component draws what current it needs. Think about it, if that’s how the components worked the ECU would be hooked to the battery and would tell the battery when to send current. That’s not the case though. The ECU tells the component to turn on, then the component draws what ever current it needs to run. Nothing more, nothing less.

[@Boobtube.]

@@PDPIE1029 dont care, A car does not have to be running to jump start a bike. . Period. There is no need for it. If you think there is a need, than you go right ahead and keep the car running while you jump your bike. Safer way will *ALWAYS* be to turn car off before jumping any bike. Period. Your thinking is backwards. You are thinking what each component draws current wise. I'm saying a cars charging system will shove tons more current into the bike, regardless of what the components "say" they need, hence frying things. I'm done with this conversation. Will not be responding.

[@PDPIE1029]

@@Boobtube. lol, noob

[@PDPIE1029]

@@Boobtube. as long as it’s a 12 volt system, the max a car or a bike will see is 14.8 to 15volts. You can have a car running and nothing will kill the bike. You know NOTHING about 12 volt electrical systems. www.maniacelectricmotors.com/will-a-high-output-alternator-damage-the-ecu-pcm-ecm.html

[@alexisvilla1063]

Love it I stopped watching after 10 seconds for that’s all I needed to know

[@luketalaid1295]

I used my semi truck to jump my r6 and now my r6 is hitting 230° - 250° i dont think its normal

[@miniacs2]

I am not reading all the comments here but I hope someone stated to be sure the car engine is not running when jump starting a bike. Battery to battery works because a battery is just a "bucket of electricity" to take out as much as the bike needs. If the car is running however it should be understood the charging system is a "pump" potentially delivering/pushing out many more amps than the bike electrical system can handle. So be sure to store in your long term memory "car engine off" when jump starting.

[@ciocanul]

The amps running through a wire are dictated by the resistance of the consumer and the voltage of the source (Amps=Volts/Ohms. Ohm said it, not me). So the smaller the resistance or the higher the voltage, the more amps will be generated in the circuit. Although car's alternator can sustain a high current without frying itself, the bike's circuits will only generate the curent they need, based on their internal resistance. The amps will not increase no matter how powerful the source, as long as the voltage stays the same. If, however, the source is not able to generate the current required by a powerful consumer, the voltage will drop and the source may get fried. If the source's output voltage is higher, the amps will increase and the consumer will get fried (this is why you don't plug your phone directly to your wall socket). I never get tired of explaining this although I am rarely understood.

[@tcatnat70]

I had read an article a few months ago that said when jumping a motorcycle with a car that you shouldn't have the car running. Any truth to that?

[@rehtorbF03]

I got the same question!! Whats the truth Lemmy??

[@Benjamin-dj4pt]

By experience, I will tell you that I never started my car when boosting my bike. The simple power of the battery was enough. What I would suggest is try 1st without starting the car and if it doesn't work, start the car. Also, by doing that, like Lemmy says, you will have a better idea on the condition of your battery.

[@JensEskildsen]

Why would you start the car? If the carbattery is sufficient to start the car, it will start any motorcycle no problem.

[@austin1002]

I used to work at a motorcycle dealer. We had a few bikes come in with roasted regulators and/or stators from jumping off a car. Always leave the car off to jump start a motorcycle. The car's electrical system could harm your bike's charging system and it's often not necessary to run the car to generate sufficient amperage to start a motorcycle.

[@HRMayo]

Not a necessity but not a horrible idea either.

[@da72ma]

Good job Lemmy... Always watch your your what to do series...

[@ababbit7461]

I would like to add one thing to this video. At 1:19, the battery is shown being jumped with the negative jumper being attached to the battery first and then, the positive jumper cable is attached second. WRONG. That is completely opposite of the way you do it. If you put the negative first, there is a chance of causing a spark, when the positive cable is attached! This could cause an explosion!!! Nope, put the positve on first, then the negative so that there is no chance of causing a spark.....

[@gangGreenthumb]

Hey Lemmy. Turned my switch, no power at all. Connected a tender. Nothing. Connected jumper cables. Nothing. Connected external battery jumper, nothing. Battery is HD Lithium less than a month old. I disconnected the battery, noticed a spark. Tightened the bolts, turn the switch. I have power and could start the bike. Why would would my FLHXS act as if the battery was completely dead (or not installed) until I reseated battery cables? There was nothing wrong with the connection.

[@willg54]

I was told that when you jumped the motorcycle, do not have the car running, because the amperage of a car battery is a lot more than that of a motorcycle, and it could easily damage your motorcycle battery. Just what I heard, passing it along to you.

[@glennrueger8689]

I melted a lithium iron battery by jumping it car to bike. I was later told by the manufacturer's rep not to do the jumping. So I went back to a heavy Yuasa lead acid. Jump all you want, all day long. (Note: iron not ion, yeah)

[@Truncali82]

Glenn Rueger Yikes, just tried this on my bike with a lithium battery after watching this video. Something fried, no electrical system response at all now. Car battery is fine, I removed the bike battery and hope I can it will come back with a trickle charger... :/

[@iamtheboxer]

Thank you!

[@InReality33]

Glove tan on fleek.

[@Zach_A]

1:17, that's a gen 1 SV650. One of my favorite bikes.

[@terrellgarfield7434]

That’s exactly what I have. It’s been sitting all winter. I’m too excited to get it back on the road.

[@jaredwalker4759]

Hey so I just did this to my Honda CH80 scooter and something happened... I think I fried something. The main fuse is ok... uh oh what do I do now? No lights, no horn, no starter, no gas gauge, totally dead...

[@Truncali82]

Jared Walker, Same thing happened to mine. Have you figured out a solution?

[@garthhowe297]

Didn't know there were smaller jumper cables available for bikes ... good to know.

[@partyman6666]

Clamps.. not cables. The cables still need to be thick enough to transmit the starting current safely without melting. Thicker cables preferably made of copper are better. You'll notice that most battery tenders use small gauge wires like 16 or 18 gauge which is insufficient for actually jumping a motorcycle whereas jumper cables are ideally 2 to 6 gauge.

[@aidanacebo9529]

You can also jump a car with a bike. I've done it a few times.

[@Ybhunter04]

Damn I did exactly what you said not to do did I just fry my battery or my whole bike :(

[@ichhasseamerika]

Thanx dude!! Btw, that's one sad lookin battery on your table there. Right terminal is freakin melted! Anyway, thanx for the info!

[@stephensticht]

Thanks a lot, just what I needed!

[@John-rw2zf]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

[@lachezarbalev6662]

I've jump started my bike (Honda NC750) with a car battery without starting the car. No issues but... Now I'm rereading the Owner's Manual and I've found something written with small letters: "NOTICE: Jumpstarting using an automotive battery is not recommended, as this can damage your motorcycle's electrical system." :-) No explanations whatsoever. Next time I'll try to push it bit instead.

[@isaactaylor1833]

Not recommended because car batteries are larger than motorcycles and have more amperage that could damage motorcycle batteries. That’s all.

[@lordthomas71]

Battery to battery is fine. It's when the car is running that might cause issues.

[@justinmclaughlin4551]

I used a set of automotive jumper cables before watching this video, what is a dead short and how do I fix it?

[@BikingAdventuresandRoutesNI]

Thanks needed this

[@maxthullen6408]

Very helpful! Thank you sir!

[@seanwillman6373]

Thanks partner!

[@desmondbeck507]

I was trained at MMI to never so this because there is an amperage difference, and that it can fry to ECM. Be careful.

[@INNOVATIONCONCEPT]

simple and effective as a video ,thanks

[@roncar1761]

Hmmmm...I was taught to have the vehicle OFF when jump starting a motorcycle. With the vehicle engine on raise the risk of overloading other sensitive parts on the motorcycle!

[@tamar5261]

Thanks... standing next to my dead Royal Enfield after a winter layup

[@desipranksterz7909]

My bike would not start after turning it off for a short period of time. When I let it sit overnight it starts up the next day no problem, only doesn't start when im riding and turn it off for like 10 mins and go to start it again. Anyone got ideas what's going on?

[@TheThinkingMansTemplar]

My bike battery is dead as we speak....thanks for this...left my keys in the ignition ..

[@jesustheyounga]

Same bro same, I had to race to work lol

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks for another useful video

[@jsteveabbott]

Great video! Thanks for the tips!

[@ConservativeCalifornian1032]

But can you jump a car with a motorcycle battery? I would love to know that knowledge in case my familys car goes out when we’re road tripping.

[@rickdj]

Great info and right to the point! However one question and I'm trying to find out which is correct.. I was told if you jump start a bike from a car, to turn the car off and not have the engine running so it does not put excess power out which could possibly damage the motorcycle electrical system. Is this true or false? Also I've been in situations where I keep a small portable jump starter in my bike bag which can jump start not only a car but a motorcycle as well and has the small connectors to attach to the motorcycle battery. RSVP soonest on the question regarding the jump start portion and again thanks for the great info :-)

[@mattgayda2840]

The last thing you want to do is dump a bunch of amperage quickly into a small battery! This can not only destroy the battery but create an explosion because the charging causes hydrogen gas to be created... Think Hindenburg but with plastic shrapnel from the battery exploding 🤯 So you ALWAYS have the charging vehicle off and simply use the massive account of CCA (cold cranking amps) to start the smaller engine. If the engine dies when disconnecting the larger battery the battery is probably junk and you will cause damage to the motorcycle by running the charging system at full blast constantly. It's much cheaper to replace a battery than dismantling the engine and replacing all these components! You can also damage the electronics on newer bikes by dumping high amperage into them, my truck can put out 270 amps and a bike isn't even rated for anywhere near that so it could destroy the ECU and wiring harness.

[@ciocanul]

@@mattgayda2840 The amps running through a wire are dictated by the resistance of the consumer and the voltage of the source (Amps=Volts/Ohms. Ohm said it, not me). So the smaller the resistance or the higher the voltage, the more amps will be generated in the circuit. Although your truck's alternator can sustain 270amps without frying itself, the bike's circuits will only generate the curent they need, based on their internal resistance. The amps will not increase no matter how powerful the source, as long as the voltage stays the same. If, however, the source is not able to generate the current required by a powerful consumer, the voltage will drop and the source may get fried. If the source's output voltage is higher, the amps will increase and the consumer will get fried (this is why you don't plug your phone directly to your wall socket). I never get tired of explaining this although I am rarely understood.

[@user-wr3gp8hj3i]

My Buddy has a dead battery but also stripped the screw on his battery cover (2012 super glide).. can he jump from starter wire? He was told NO by a local shop.

[@tommagloves]

Riding tan! Nice one.

[@019208237]

I've a question that I can't find anywhere and it's can you bump start a motorcyle if the voltage regulator and main 30 fuse on the starter relay is blown? I can't bump start mine and this means no spark and I've a fried voltage regulator but I'm wondering there might be more that's at fault like the stator. My 30 amp fuses keep blowing every time I put one in the starter relay and it's not the starter relay as I've just put a new one on then noticed the voltage regulator is deformed underneath. I've ordered a new voltage regulator.

[@jamie-ox8sg]

Im here because im building a trike and wondering if a car battery will damage the wiring or even be charged by the bike engine or cause any damage to the starter motor

[@nickscaring2170]

Thank you

[@russianamerican7397]

People telling me jumping bike of car will fry stator, I did it for 25 years and never had an issue.

[@Idlehandzx2]

Any thoughts on the 3 years that have past with battery technology ie lithium batteries in motorcycles. I left my lights on battery is dead with my lithium battery inside a Harley fat boy I am having a hard time finding answers

[@billflixtone6684]

My Harley has a Lithium LiFe battery is that also OK

[@MattzTattz]

That happened to me. It was like playing the game Operation, and I hit a little tab sticking off the frame of my Electra Glide. Killed the battery.

[@Supermofo338]

You guys should host a bike night/ ride

[@rwilletts1968]

Does it matter if the car is running or not while boosting the car?

[@rickgold6664]

Hey! Since when has Jason Mamoa been doing these videos? 🤔😜

[@mr.holmes233]

Thank youuuu

[@ayosirsnow]

My bike starts with a jump but it doesn't start without cables, it makes that buzzing battery noise. Wtf do I do????

[@fernandov2838]

Great video

[@arushibajaj8756]

So helpful, thank you! I'm having some issues - followed this and jump started the bike, but even after the mechanical took over, it stopped after a few minutes, and won't start at all now - no lights, etc too. What should I do? Thanks!

[@lucidafflictions1706]

Probably a bad battery. If it can't hold a charge it won't keep your bike on. Try testing it or replacing it.

[@arushibajaj8756]

@@lucidafflictions1706 thank you so much!!

[@Banjoliope]

Don’t have the car running while jumping a motorcycle. Very important.

[@NoNameForThisGuy]

Why do people tell me to ground to the frame rather than the negative post?

[@wyattsmith912]

Yes you can without any damage but it never works for my Harley’s Just won’t get the juice It needs but soon as I get my booster pack or charger for it, it fires right up.

[@AstoundingAmelia]

It it's not starting You may need to then start the car and wait 5 min

[@thebarila5649]

Does the car have to be on ?

[@Charlie-wc8oh]

My bike is also dead

[@davidj9804]

*Black then red you're f***ing dead! Red then black you're okay Jack!* Especially if you just topped off your gas tank 💥kabloww💥

[@meganterry3864]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 awesome vid. Nice and short with common sense explanations. 2 bonuses- you speak well and threw in some Pet Detective 👍🏼

[@souleater0815]

I am standing by a dead motorcycle.

[@souleater0815]

It worked!

[@seanhall4098]

I heard not to start your car, just start the motorcycle. Alternator puts out alot when a car starts.

[@tiagovazkez9356]

Can you jump the car with the motorcycle?

[@alfiepar722]

Nice 👍 one fella!!!

[@1silvervespa]

To be safer do not have the car running ... Incase the car is putting out too much from the Alternator !!! Don't take that chance .

[@thelostostrich6712]

Question. So when I’m jumping off my bike with my car do I not connect the negative to the battery of the bike? Or do I connect it to a ground on the bike? Everything else on the car is connected right both positive and negatives are connected to the battery of the car?

[@davidgruben9771]

Thanks thats Good too know bro

[@EmoKen]

Left my LEDs on, used a truck to charge the battery but had to push start.

[@skirwan78]

I feel odd that I immediately recognized that was John's house from watching his youtube videos lol.

[@joshuabruns2842]

This is how you short your rectifier plate

[@Keyumiz]

If i start my motorcycle over and over will it drain the battery? I was practicing my friction zone and kept stalling. I kept starting the bike and now it wont start anymore

[@RevZilla]

In most cases yes, since you are using the battery power to start the bike but not giving it enough time to recharge what it just lost. You should use a multimeter on the battery and test the level to see if that is the culprit, but it likely is. For more questions, feel free to reach out to our Gear Geeks in customer service as they are able to help easier. You can reach them at 877.792.9455 or [e-mail]. Ride safe, - Pat

[@billybegood466]

One thing I've always done with jumping a bike with a car is to not turn the car on. The bike can draw the juice it needs without the car running, and I think there's a chance that a running car can fry your bike's electrical.

[@naushad911]

How can a running car damage the motorcycle's electricals?

[@billybegood466]

@@naushad911 If you're using bike jumper cables, then it's not an issue. But if you have to use car jumper cables, then a running car can push too much current into your bike.

[@ciocanul]

@@billybegood466 The amps running through a wire are dictated by the resistance of the consumer and the voltage of the source (Amps=Volts/Ohms. Ohm said it, not me). So the smaller the resistance or the higher the voltage, the more amps will be generated in the circuit. Although car's alternator can sustain a high current without frying itself, the bike's circuits will only generate the curent they need, based on their internal resistance. The amps will not increase no matter how powerful the source, as long as the voltage stays the same. If, however, the source is not able to generate the current required by a powerful consumer, the voltage will drop and the source may get fried. If the source's output voltage is higher, the amps will increase and the consumer will get fried (this is why you don't plug your phone directly to your wall socket). I never get tired of explaining this although I am rarely understood.

[@undisputed1one]

​@ciocanul ok so what's the conclusion. You can run the car no issue? Or should the car always remain off. According to your comment if the voltage increases there's a problem. And the voltage increases when the car is turned on so...

[@billybegood466]

@@undisputed1one I've always been able to successfully jump my bike with the car off, so I've never seen a reason to turn it on.

[@hghmhgm]

Thank you mate, you really made it clear!!

[@murda_daniel]

Same

[@jimpion]

Can you jump a bike from another bike using the SAE leads? Or from a car for that matter, assuming you have the clamp to SAE connection handy?

[@austin1002]

The wire gauge for most SAE leads is not intended for high amperage. It is possible it may work, or you may melt the cables from excessive resistance.

[@user-uf4fv4rn8t]

Hey quick question for any one who would know. Can I use the battery tender plug that I always leave connected to my bike battery to jump start it with the clamps also compatible with my battery tender plug? I don't see with it would not work it's just that I think there are fuses on those adapters so maybe not made to withstand jumpstarting current?

[@NoCommie]

You ever figure that one out?

[@user-uf4fv4rn8t]

@@NoCommie have never tried but read and heard that the wire gauge is too small and not made for that kind of current so should not jumpstart with the battery tender plug.

[@NoCommie]

@@user-uf4fv4rn8t Thank you for sharing that