I just finished trying to push start the bike for the first time and I was very successful. I tried it about 9 times and got it about 7. (And I have been riding for over a year now) With so many new members on this board, I just wanted to reiterate that to those who don't know, learn to do this. It will save you in times of trouble.

My Method: Bike on in Neutral, While on Bike, take 10-12 good full steps, Clutch In, Shift in 1st or 2nd, Give a little Gas, Done.

While pushing I had to lean forward on the tank to go faster, I didn't even do it on a downhill either. Practice makes Perfect.

Why do you have to be in neutral to start? Can't you just hold the clutch in while pushing and then pop it out?

I haven't had to do this yet and am slighty apprehensive of the day when I do. Maybe I should practice. Does the practice damage the bike in any way?

-James

x

Quote from: arcsecond on August 11, 2006, 05:51:34 PM
Does the practice damage the bike in any way?

-James

I asked this same question a while back. Here is the thread with some good responses.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=27332.0

I like to stand on the peg and slam my butt down on the seat the same time I release the clutch - that way, you get some serious traction on the rear tire.

I prefer to be in second gear vs. first gear. There's less likelyhood of poping a unexpected wheelie

Quote from: gsmetal on August 11, 2006, 06:03:22 PM
I prefer to be in second gear vs. first gear. There's less likelyhood of poping a unexpected wheelie

i had to push start my virago alot,4'th gear turned over easy.   thats why i traded for my gs no need to puhs start it.    virago starters sux, after ten years i sayd that it.    have fun pushing out there.

Quote from: gsmetal on August 11, 2006, 06:03:22 PM
I like to stand on the peg and slam my butt down on the seat the same time I release the clutch - that way, you get some serious traction on the rear tire.

I prefer to be in second gear vs. first gear. There's less likelyhood of poping a unexpected wheelie

+1 on the butt-slam and 2nd gear. 

I am not tall enough to seriously accelerate her straddled. And I'm too attached to my balls to take a flying jump on her. So, if there's the slightest bit of juice left, here's what I do:

2nd gear (not because of the accidental wheelie, but because the rear has more torque to deliver to the motor that way)
As much choke as you normally need to start her
Pull clutch
Push as fast as you can go
At the same time: Pop the clutch and press the start button
Soon as she starts, pull the clutch again.

Works every time. The additional torque from the rear wheel is enough to support the tired starter. But without my weight on the saddle the wheel alone can not turn the motor, so addition of the starter is a must.

And don't be too afraid that you can't control the bike running on the side with running motor. It's not that fast/difficult.

Ditto metal and monkey.

The butt slam is how most of the flat trackers fire their 200 lb racers.

Quote from: MarkusN on August 12, 2006, 01:23:48 AM
Pop the clutch and press the start button
.

No reason at all to hit the start button. By jump starting you are bypassing the starter.

the only thing I didnt notice mentioned was.. Be sure you have the kill switch set to "Run" or you will be pushing for nothing

Quotey jump starting you are bypassing the starter.

Thing is, All I get out of this without the starter is a nice skidmark where the rear tire cleans the asphalt. Without the weight of the rider there's not enough traction there; the motor stalls the rear wheel. Frustrated me no end until I found the combined push start arnd starter trick.

But, yeah, good call on the kill switch.

cool, i havent tried this yet, i think im gonna practice

I learned the sweaty way how to do this.

Quote from: scottpA_GS on August 12, 2006, 08:13:08 AM


Be sure you have the kill switch set to "Run" or you will be pushing for nothing

Also the Key turned to on. don't ask me why I'm mentioning this 

Quote from: scottpA_GS on August 12, 2006, 08:13:08 AM
No reason at all to hit the start button. By jump starting you are bypassing the starter.

If the battery is weak (not dead) it can help you.  That was the original point.  I think.