Jumping a Valk

[Mikey]

Dumb question: Can you jump a Valk (or any motorcycle, for that matter) the same as a car? I left my key on last night, and the battery is dead dead, not even a glow on the headlight. So I'm wondering if I can hook it up to my truck, jump start it, and ride it for an hour, or if I need to charge it with the battery charger to avoid hurting the alternator.

[Jay]

I think you could jump it, but if you're not in a hurry I'd put it on the charger for a while.

[Daniel Meyer]

I've jumped motorcycles (and Valks) without problem. Just don't have the car/truck running. Not needed and could provide too much voltage/spikes.

[Joe Hummer]

Yes, you can jump it.  Just don't leave the car running (no real need to).  And make sure the polarity is right...or you will pop the main fuse...don't ask how I know this.    

Once you get it running, you will want to keep the rpms up for a bit...then ride it right away for about 20-30 minutes at highway speeds (or above 2500rpms) to put enough of a charge on the battery to get it started again.

Joe

[Chrisj CMA]

I see many bikes in the same situation in the parking lot we work down in Daytona.  People refuse to NOT use the key to turn off the motor.....they use the kick stand or the kill switch and then walk away.  Im not saying thats what happened to you, just I see this a lot, and yes we jump them off with a car battery (car not running) all the time...I didnt let them change me at the MSF course, I still use my key to shut her down....... 

[Black Pearl's Captain]

You can jump start a Valk. I had to just 4 weeks ago. I stopped at a guys house and left the key on for 40 minutes. Dead er then heck but jump started right off. No reason to run the car.

Raymond

[LadyDraco]

I have a few times ...  I just pop it from 2nd gear.... But mine roll real easy 

It's a weird feeling ... But a piece of cake to do...

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

Here's a kicker, I have used my Valk to jump start 2 cars with dead batteries. Just hook up, bring rpm's up for a few minutes and start the car. 

[Chrisj CMA]

Im sure the Valk will do it, but I wouldnt make a habit of it.........I think its very hard on the alternator to do that........not cheap

[Mikey]

I see many bikes in the same situation in the parking lot we work down in Daytona.  People refuse to NOT use the key to turn off the motor.....they use the kick stand or the kill switch and then walk away.  Im not saying thats what happened to you, just I see this a lot

Pretty much exactly what happened I'm sure... That's what happens when you're already in trouble with the lady for "taking the long way home" 

[Chrisj CMA]

I see many bikes in the same situation in the parking lot we work down in Daytona.  People refuse to NOT use the key to turn off the motor.....they use the kick stand or the kill switch and then walk away.  Im not saying thats what happened to you, just I see this a lot

Pretty much exactly what happened I'm sure... That's what happens when you're already in trouble with the lady for "taking the long way home"  

In trouble eh.....been there done that (with first wife)  my philosophy back then was "it takes two to fight" so it didnt matter how mad she was about a ride I decided to do as long as one of us was happy there would not be a fight    .  Now adays, Judy just says "cool" "wish I cudda gone too"

[John U.]

You have a good woman there Chris.

[Chrisj CMA]

Thanks....Yep, Id have to agree

[Hoser]

I jump started a HD  with an old cb750 honda once, and his "friend" posted the picture he took on the internet!     hoser