How to Jump-Start a Motorcycle Battery: A Step-by-Step Guide
- by Joe Weber - updated on 5/19/2025
A dead motorcycle battery can be a real inconvenience, especially when you're eager to hit the road. Fortunately, jump-starting your motorcycle is a straightforward process that can get you back on your journey quickly. This guide will walk you through the safest and most effective methods to jump-start your motorcycle, whether you're using another motorcycle, a car battery, or a portable jump starter (our favorite method).
Preliminary Checks Before Jump-Starting
Before attempting to jump-start your motorcycle, ensure that the issue is indeed a dead battery.
Sometimes, other factors can prevent your bike from starting:
- Kill Switch: Ensure it's in the "Run" position.
- Kickstand: Some bikes won't start if the kickstand is down.
- Gear Position: Make sure the bike is in neutral.
- Fuel Level: Confirm there's enough fuel in the tank.
If all these are in order, proceed with the jump-starting process.
Method 1: Jump-Starting with Another Motorcycle
This method is ideal when another motorcycle is available.
Tools Needed:
- Jumper cables
- A second motorcycle with a fully charged 12V battery
If you don't have jumper cables designed for motorcycles, that's ok. Regular jumper cables will also work, but the clamps are designed for cars and trucks, so connecting the cables to the battery might be a little more tedious than with motorcycle jumper cables.
Steps:
- Position the Motorcycles: Place both bikes close enough for the jumper cables to reach, but ensure they don't touch.
- Connect Positive Terminals: Attach the red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery, then to the positive terminal of the charged battery.
- Connect Negative Terminal: Attach the black (negative) clamp to the negative terminal of the charged battery.
- Ground the Connection: Attach the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead bike, away from the battery and fuel system.
The goal is to keep sparks away from the battery, since any gases it may release can be flammable. This helps reduce the risk of sparks.
- Start the Donor Motorcycle: Let it run for a few minutes to transfer some charge.
- Start the Dead Motorcycle: Attempt to start your motorcycle. If it doesn't start immediately, wait a few more minutes and try again.
- Disconnect Cables: Once started, remove the cables in reverse order: negative from the dead bike, negative from the donor bike, positive from the donor bike, and finally positive from the dead bike.
- Ride to Recharge: Ride your motorcycle for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery.
Method 2: Jump-Starting with a Car Battery
Use this method only if another motorcycle isn't available.
Important:
- Do Not Start the Car: Ensure the car's engine remains off to prevent overloading the motorcycle's electrical system.
Steps:
- Connect Positive Terminals: Attach the red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead motorcycle battery, then to the positive terminal of the car battery.
- Connect Negative Terminal: Attach the black clamp to the negative terminal of the car battery.
- Ground the Connection: Attach the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the motorcycle. Again, away from the battery and fuel system.
- Start the Motorcycle: Attempt to start your motorcycle. If it doesn't start, wait a few minutes and try again.
- Disconnect Cables: Once started, remove the cables in reverse order.
- Ride to Recharge: Ride your motorcycle for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery.
Method 3: Using a Portable Jump Starter
Portable jump starters are compact and convenient tools for jump-starting your motorcycle. This is our recommended option, and we recommend that every rider have one handy.
Steps:
- Check Voltage: Ensure the jump starter is compatible with your motorcycle's battery voltage (typically 12V).
- Connect Positive Clamp: Attach the red clamp to the positive terminal of the motorcycle battery.
- Connect Negative Clamp: Attach the black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the motorcycle.
- Power on the Jump Starter: Turn on the device.
- Start the Motorcycle: Attempt to start your motorcycle. If it doesn't start within a few seconds, wait a few minutes and try again.
- Disconnect Clamps: Once started, remove the clamps in reverse order.
- Ride to Recharge: Ride your motorcycle for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jump Starting A Motorcycle
Q: Can I Jump-Start My Motorcycle with a Car?
A: Yes, but only if that's your only option, and ensure the car's engine is off during the process to avoid damaging your motorcycle's electrical system.
Q: Is It Safe to Use a Portable Jump Starter?
A: Absolutely. Portable jump starters are designed for such purposes. Just ensure it's compatible with your motorcycle's battery voltage.
Q: What If My Motorcycle Still Doesn't Start?
A: If your motorcycle doesn't start after attempting these methods, the battery may be beyond recovery. Consult the battery experts at your local Batteries Plus to receive a free battery test to see if your battery is beyond repair.
Get Back on the Road with Batteries Plus
By following these methods, you can safely and effectively jump-start your motorcycle, ensuring you're back on the road in no time.
If your motorcycle battery is beyond saving, don't worry—Batteries Plus has you covered. We carry a great selection of the best replacement motorcycle batteries from trusted brands like Duracell Ultra, Xtreme, Yuasa, and X2Power, so you can find the perfect fit for your bike and your riding style. Whether you ride daily or just on weekends, our expert team can help you choose a battery that delivers the power, reliability, and performance you need.
Stop by your local Batteries Plus or shop online today to find a battery that keeps your motorcycle running strong.