Can't push start the Rocket

[Disco]

Yesterday while at work, the Rocket wouldn't turn over. I figured it was the battery since it is the original.

I made one attempt to push start by myself. When I popped the clutch, the bike grinded to a halt without spinning the wheel. This resulted in being off balance and tipping over. Luckily there was no dammage.

Then I had a couple of guys volenteer to give me a push. Still couldn't get the back wheel to spin. I figured out that I need to bounce down and pop the clutch at the same time. But my two mules were looking tired so I called a buddy to give me a jump.

The lesson learned is that if your battery dies, call for a jump. This baby is just too ***** heavy for push starting.

Anyone know what's the model number for the battery?

Thanks

[TallRocket]

Because it is fuel injected rather than carb'd. there really isn't a ghost of a chance that the bike would ever start even if you had unlimited amount of speed or start attempts - - is there? Even if you towed the bike behind a truck, the fuel electrical system would not open and allow gas in the cylinder...would it? Don't know hope I never have to find out, just a question from your post. I have successfully push started non fuel injection bikes, but not a fuelie.

On my to do list is to fashion a set of small jumper cables for my tool kit. Thanks for reminding me. I did get the tire plug kit last week, the flashlight and the bag. Jumper cables and fuses next.

:???:

[tbsrider2000]

Not only fuel injection... but electronic ignition as well.. I don't think push starting will generate enough current to fire off an electronic ignition system..

[phatdad]

I'd rather walk than push 800lbs.

[Diego]

> Not only fuel injection... but electronic ignition as well.. I don't think push starting will generate enough current to fire off an electronic ignition system..

A few folks in the Bonneville forum have reported being able to get enough current from pushing to fire electronic ignition. But of course, that's (a) half the weight to push, and (b) only electronic ignition. When you have a full fledged Engine Control Module (computer) to drive the electronic ignition, plus the injectors on top of that, there's just about no way to push start the varmint.

Disco, do you leave the bike unridden for long periods of time in the winter? It really doesn't seem reasonable for your battery to be dead after less than two years of service if it is used often enough.

[Ugarte]

On 2006-04-06 14:34, Diego wrote:
It really doesn't seem reasonable for your battery to be dead after less than two years of service if it is used often enough.

I agree.....maybe a trickle charger will do the trick. You may have a problem with your charging system too. The battery should still be good unless you have overly drained it by leaving the parking light on.....which is fairly easy to do.

[sully]

My battery started losing charge and cutting out . Regulator had failed . all sorted now

[Aussiebikerdave]

Getting the motor to turn would depend on what gear you are using and what speed you where able to obtain. If you you push start manual tranmission cars with much bigger engines and more weight, it follows that you could push start the Rocket as well. If you had a decent hill or 40 strong bustards pushing, then dump the clutch in third with a bounce on the seat, I dare say that it would fire. But then, maybe it wouldn't! Davo :-D

[Diego]

> If you you push start manual tranmission cars with much bigger engines and more weight, it follows that you could push start the Rocket as well.

Trust me, if the car is fuel injected and the battery is dead enough not to operate the fuel pump and pulse the injectors, the car isn't going anywhere either.

I speak from experience... :-D

[Aussiebikerdave]

Like I said... "maybe it wouldn't" :-D :-D :-D