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Pushing a motorcycle can be a temporary solution if the battery is flat or the starter is defective and the motorcycle may not start. In our practical tip, you will learn step by step how to do this safely and effectively.
Pushing a motorcycle – what you should consider beforehand
Before you start, check the following points carefully:
- Fuel level: Make sure there is enough fuel in the tank.
- Fuel tap (on carburettor models): This must be open so that fuel can flow.
- Fuel pump (on fuel injection systems): On modern motorcycles, the fuel pump hums briefly after the ignition is switched on. If you do not hear this noise, there may be a fault with the pump or the fuse – in this case, pushing the motorcycle will not help.
- Emergency stop switch: The switch must be set to “Run.” If it is deactivated, the ignition will be interrupted.
- Side stand: For safety reasons, many motorcycles will not start with the side stand down – check that it is correctly folded up.
- Tip: If there are contact problems, it often helps to clean the contacts – dirt easily accumulates here.
- Gear selection: Select second or third gear – first gear often has too much resistance, which makes it difficult to push the motorcycle.
- Safety clothing: Always wear suitable protective clothing (helmet, gloves, jacket) when pushing. Falls can also occur when pushing.
- Choose the right environment: Find a suitable route, such as a straight or slightly downhill road with a firm surface. The route should be at least 40 meters long, with no people, vehicles, or obstacles in the way. It is particularly helpful if a second person helps with pushing.
Pushing the motorcycle: Step by step
Once all the requirements have been met, you can start pushing. Important: Someone should always be sitting on the motorcycle if possible – this increases control and significantly reduces the risk of accidents. A second person can help push, or you can use a slightly sloping road to gain momentum.
- First, turn on the ignition. Make sure that the emergency stop switch is set to “Run” and shift into second or third gear – first gear is usually too short and makes starting difficult. Now pull the clutch completely and hold it in.
- As soon as you are pushed or start rolling down a slope, make sure you have enough speed. Ideally, you should reach about 8 to 12 km/h – this is roughly equivalent to a brisk walking pace.
- Once you have reached this speed, release the clutch jerkily. You should feel a strong jolt through the motorcycle – this is normal, as it means that the engine is being set in motion mechanically.
- When the engine starts, immediately pull the clutch again and gently apply some throttle to prevent the engine from stalling again. In many cases, a short burst of throttle is enough to keep the engine running smoothly at idle speed.
- Now let the engine idle for a while or drive a short distance to recharge the battery. If the motorcycle stalls again immediately after being pushed, this may indicate a deeply discharged battery or another technical problem that should be investigated further.
- Important note: Pushing should only be a temporary solution. Have the cause of the problem (e.g., defective battery, defective starter) repaired at a workshop as soon as possible to avoid further damage—especially with fuel-injected engines, frequent pushing can damage the catalytic converter or the control unit.
When pushing does not work:
Pushing does not work on all motorcycles:
- Automatic transmissions (e.g., many scooters) cannot be pushed.
- Motorcycles with a severely discharged battery and electronic immobilizer or fuel injection that do not start the system often do not start because the electronics are not getting enough power.
- If there are defects in the ignition or fuel supply (e.g., defective fuse, control unit), pushing will also not help.
