Starting a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a dead battery can be a bit challenging, but there are a few methods you can try. Here are a couple of common approaches:
Jump-start with another vehicle:
- Find a car or another motorcycle with a fully charged battery.
- Position the vehicles close to each other, but ensure they're not touching.
- Connect a set of jumper cables, starting with the positive terminal (+) on the working battery to the positive terminal of your Harley (+).
- Next, connect the negative terminal (-) of the working battery to a suitable ground on your Harley. Look for a solid metal part of the frame, away from the battery and fuel lines.
- Once the connections are secure, attempt to start your Harley. It should start up using the power from the working battery. If successful, let the motorcycle run for a while to recharge its own battery.
Push-start (also known as bump-start):
- Ensure the ignition switch is turned on and the motorcycle is in gear.
- Find an open, flat area where you can gain some momentum by pushing the motorcycle.
- Stand on one side of the bike, hold the handlebars, and push it forward to gain some speed.
- As you reach a reasonable speed, release the clutch lever quickly while simultaneously applying the throttle.
- If all goes well, the engine should start, and you can continue riding to recharge the battery.
Remember, jump-starting or push-starting your Harley-Davidson should only be temporary solutions. It's essential to inspect and address the underlying issue, which may be a faulty battery, charging system, or other electrical problems. It's recommended to have your motorcycle checked by a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the battery or electrical system problem properly.