Jump start

[hobs]

Read somewhere, either this site or the USA site that it is not advisable to jump start your ST1100 from a car. Is this true and if so, why? Would value others opinion and the science behind it.

[ruSTyEB]

Not sure about a jump start, I would think same risks as car to car.

I have push started my dads ST, on flat ground with him in control. Surprisingly easy.

[alans1100]

There shouldn't be a problem and I've had had the local WA auto club jump start the bike due to a battery failure while I was in Port Hedland.

Reversing this the other way, I've used the 1100 to jump start my Territory a few times until I got the new battery for that.

[Brock]

No reason not to jump start from a car, or another St. Not so good trying to start a car from an ST but, an bit much for the battery and alternator to handle.

[terrydj]

Well all I know is that you cant start it from a Skateboard or Roller Skates. But if a Pushy has an electric motor on it that may be the go.

[Yorkie]

I have started my 1100 from my ride-on-mower prior to purchasing a new battery

[alphafang]

If your jump starting the ST from a car don't have the car running it maybe producing too heavy a voltage.
If your starting a car from the ST have the ST running giving it a bit more voltage.

[Smokeguy]

Sigh - had the misfortune of turning my bike off at the switch and leaving the key on - yep you guessed it after two hours there wasn't enough juice to start it. The hotel boss drove his 4x4 around to me and we jumped from his wagon to my st1300. His was running of course. I read somewhere your supposed to do it that way. Anyhow it worked and after a quick run down the road with headlight off - I'm back to normal. And yeah I have this lil red switch in in the right box that says " Main Switch " It turns the headlight off and on. I thought everyone had one ?
 

[Brock]

Alphagang,

No need to worry about a car running or not, A cars elec system is basically the same as the bike. both supply 13.8 - 14.2 Volts when running. The idea behind starting the car before jump starting a car is to make sure the donor car can still drive away if the battery is a bit low. Also, some cars have a battery that is not much bigger than the STs.

I actually used to jump start my ZZR1100 from 24 volts. boy did that start quick. Didnt leave the battery connected to long but.

[Biggles]

I actually used to jump start my ZZR1100 from 24 volts. boy did that start quick. Didnt leave the battery connected to long but.

That reminds me of starting Dornier 228s' wretched Garrett engines.  A ship's battery start put the two 24 volt batteries in series, so they cranked like champions.  But if you used ground power, which was regulated at 32 volts, they took a very long time to spool up.

Back to motorcycles- I don't recommend pushing more than 14 volts into your bike's wiring.  Something's gonna give.  Brock gets away with it because he's mates with electrickery.   

[STeveo]

I had an FJ ute on the farm as a kid and used to jump start the 6 volt ute from the 12 volt tractor battery. Always started first go but eventually the old bosch starter had enough. A friend had a lincon DC welder (24volt) that he used on low amps to charge batteries with, but I was never game to try that. Have jumped a few bikes from car battery with no problems.