Jump-Starting a Motorcycle

A variety of different factors can lead to a dead battery, from bad weather, a part defect, or even old age. To ensure you don’t end up late for work or worse, stranded on the side of the road, be sure to read over our guide on how to successfully jump-start a motorcycle.

Set Up

To set up your jump, you’ll first need to grab the red jumper cable and attach it to the positive battery pole of each vehicle. While setting up your cables, both vehicles should be off. Next, take the black jumper cable and attach it to a grounded piece of metal on your motorcycle—such as the frame or fender. Attach the other end to the other vehicle’s negative battery pole. 

Car vs. Motorcycle Batteries 

If you’re using a motorcycle to jump-start your vehicle’s battery, you’ll want to start up the other model while connected to the cables and allow it to run for a few minutes before starting up your own motorcycle. However, if you’re trying to use a car battery to jump-start your motorcycle you’ll need to ensure it uses a 12-volt system or it could destroy your motorcycle’s battery. Do not start the car at any point in the jump-start process. Once both vehicles have been connected via cables for a minute or two, try to start your motorcycle. Once your model starts up, leave it running as you remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that you originally attached them. 

If you’re located nearby in Ventura or Bakersfield, California, we encourage you to stop by Santa Maria Harley-Davidson® for all of your motorcycle needs! Whether you’re in need of repairs, replacement parts, or are in the market for a new model, you can find everything you need and more at our location here in Santa Maria, California.