Yes, the earliest motorcycles did rely on push starting, also known as bump starting or jump starting. In the early days of motorcycles, kick-starters or electric starters were not yet available. Instead, riders would manually push the motorcycle to get it rolling at a sufficient speed and then engage the clutch to start the engine.
To push start a motorcycle, the rider would typically follow these steps:
Position the motorcycle: The rider would place the motorcycle in a position where they could easily push it forward, such as on a flat surface or a slight downhill slope.
Prime the engine: The rider would ensure that the fuel supply and ignition were turned on, and the motorcycle was in the appropriate gear.
Gain momentum: With the clutch lever pulled in, the rider would push the motorcycle forward using their body strength or with the help of another person. The aim was to gain enough forward momentum to rotate the engine's internal components.
Engage the clutch: Once the motorcycle was rolling at a sufficient speed, the rider would release the clutch lever to engage the engine. This action would transmit power from the rotating wheels to the engine, causing it to start.
Push starting was a common method for starting motorcycles until kick-starters and eventually electric starters were introduced, providing a more convenient and reliable way to start the engine. Nowadays, push starting is less common and often reserved for situations where the battery is dead or the electric starter is malfunctioning.