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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Budrick320 on June 08, 2006, 09:34:47 PM

Title: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: Budrick320 on June 08, 2006, 09:34:47 PM
Is there any long term side effects with too much Push Starting??
I have heard it puts alot of stress on the engine and components. By the way I need to practice this a few times so I know how to do it if need be. Like changing a tire, everyone should do it at least once so they know how to do it.
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: Phaedrus on June 08, 2006, 09:42:13 PM
A better question would be why someone would need to keep push starting.  It isn't something you should have to do often.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: Straymonolith on June 08, 2006, 11:24:16 PM
Haha, I had experience pushstarting a crappy 350cc Yugoslavian bike. The battery kept falling out.
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: chrisalberts on June 09, 2006, 05:59:06 AM
Quote from: Budrick320 on June 08, 2006, 09:34:47 PM
Is there any long term side effects with too much Push Starting??
I have heard it puts alot of stress on the engine and components. By the way I need to practice this a few times so I know how to do it if need be. Like changing a tire, everyone should do it at least once so they know how to do it.

If you are push starting *every* time you start the bike then, yes, it's bad.  If you want to practice half a dozen times just so as you're ready when and if it happens, don't worry about it. 

I've never jump started a bike, but have done it in many cars, and I would say that:

a) it's possible to do it somewhat gently (letting out clutch slowly not violently) and
b) it's probably no worse for the bike than carelessly letting out the clutch in a low gear.

But as someone else posted, it's usually an easy fix so it shouldn't be a long term deal.

C.
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: LPC2104 on June 09, 2006, 05:59:48 AM
Pushing starting is really easy, don't sweat it.  I've become a bit of an expert.  Turn bike on, put in 2nd, straddle it and run as fast as you can, put your feet up and pop the clutch.  Squeeze clutch back in as soon as it fires.
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: 3imo on June 09, 2006, 06:14:03 AM
Depends on your definition of "too much".

Push starting puts stress on your bike, but is not really bad.  All the parts are technically doing what they would do under normal operation. (I said "technically)
I am sure there is some abnormal stress somewhere.

I think for this question the best advise is that it is not bad as long as you know that it is not a "normal" everyday thing to do, and that you have the mindset to fix the problem ASAP.
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: sledge on June 09, 2006, 08:03:12 AM
When you push start torque is transmitted through the drive-train in the opposite direction than from normal running so the question is would parts such as the gearbox, clutch, primary-drive etc be able to handle this reversed torque? Once in a while doesnt cause any problems but if you did it say.......10 times a day for a year I am sure something would give and my guess would be a sheared gearbox output shaft as it is getting a shock load that it doesnt get in normal operation.
A tip when push starting that I have never heard mention of in the forum before. When you push the bike and dump the clutch you will find the rear wheel may lock up or skid and as a result the bike losses all the momentum. If you are pushing it you need to jump on the bike "side-saddle style" and get your arse over the wheel the instant  you dump the clutch or if you are going downhill stand up on the pegs and slam your arse down. The weight will increase traction and momentum. There is a technique to it and it takes a bit of confidence and practise but after a few times its suprisingly easy, over here we call it Bump-starting.
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: Chuck on June 09, 2006, 08:05:25 AM
Quote from: sledge on June 09, 2006, 08:03:12 AM
When you push start torque is transmitted through the drive-train in the opposite direction than from normal running so the question is would parts such as the gearbox, clutch, primary-drive etc be able to handle this reversed torque?

It happens all the time when you're engine braking, too, which some folks do all the time.  I wouldn't worry about it.

I think if you're continually push starting you're going to break your back before you break your bike.
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: 3imo on June 09, 2006, 01:26:33 PM
TO prevent the rear wheel from locking up, your supposed to be in a higher gear.

I use third gear.
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: corndog67 on June 09, 2006, 06:09:58 PM
I posted this the other day.  Put it in second.  Pull it backwards until the engine backs up against compression.  Continue pulling backwards, but pull the clutch in until the plates break loose.  Stop pulling and put it in neutral.  Give it a good run, 5-6 steps jump on, pull in the clutch, shift into second, dump the clutch and it should start.  As soon as it fires, pull in the clutch.  The purpose of rolling it backwards is because when you jump on and dump the clutch, the engine will get one full turn before it hits compression, and start easier.   And it absolutely works. 
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on June 10, 2006, 04:27:07 AM
h7
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: Kasumi on June 10, 2006, 04:49:36 AM
You know then you've simulated a push start when you go down to too low a gear and let the clutch out and the back wheel locks and skids. Yes i have done it but just the once  :laugh:  It wasn't nice. Made me think the chain might snap more than some internal workings.
Title: Re: Is too much Push Starting bad??
Post by: bargovic on June 10, 2006, 09:57:20 AM
You guys inspired me to go practice pop starting. Pretty cool trick to have done before in case you need it.