How to Jumpstart a Motorcycle With a Car

Every motorcycle needs a well-maintained battery to be able to turn on. 

Although many manufacturers disapprove of using a car to jumpstart a motorcycle and have various opinions.

Below is a 5-step guide on how to jump a motorcycle with a car-

Confirm Why the Motorcycle Won’t Start

First, you need to confirm whether it’s your kickstand lockout or kill switch that could be the reason why the motorbike won’t start. 

Safely and adequately use the jumper cables

After establishing the battery is the problem, knowing how to use the jumper cables is paramount safely. 

Confirm that the vehicle is off before connecting the jumper cables and keep it off throughout the jumpstarting period. The battery is usually under the seat.

Handle the Connections

Use the phrase ‘Red to Dead’ and clamp the positive cord on the positive terminal dead battery after securing the positive red cable on the live battery’s positive terminal.

Next, handle the negative terminals, start with the live car battery, and connect it to the unpainted part on the engine or body of the motorcycle. 

Do a final double-check to confirm everything is as it should be. Positive to positive and negative to negative. 

Start the Motorbike

Once all cables are correctly clamped, let it sit for two minutes to charge the motorcycle.

The vehicle should remain turned off when you turn on the motorbike engine. 

Everything should power on at this point if the battery were the reason the motorbike wasn’t firing up. 

Disconnect the Cables in Reverse Order 

The motorbike engine might sound different and aggressive when you fire it up. It’s normal but remember to take off the jumpers immediately it fires up. 

Disconnect by starting with the negative clamp on the motorbike, then from the car. 

Remove the positive terminal from the car, and finally the positive from the motorbike in that order. 

Let the engine run and idle for a while to sufficiently charge before you go for a ride.

In conclusion

Take the motorbike for a fast-paced ride to recharge the battery, then get it checked out by a professional for proper diagnosis.