Can you push start a bike without a battery?

[JohnnyWash1]

Quick, probably stupid question. I just purchased a Kat that needs a new starter. I went to push start it today and realized it had no battery in it. So I have a new one charging right now, but need to know if it is possible to push start a bike without a battery. I would assume no because the circuit isn't complete.

[Wreckie29]

i know you can push start a car without a battery and run it off the alternator but a bike doesn't have a very powerful alternator but maybe. Never hurts to try.

[JohnnyWash1]

I did try and I couldn't even get it to try and turn over. I've never push started a bike, so I don't know how fast I should be going or in what gear. I just pushed as hard as I could to get it to 5 or so MPH and dropped the clutch in first gear. It would just skid the rear tire.

[Wreckie29]

i push start in 3 or 4th with mine i get bored some times and prove that i can i gotta get a pretty good jog to get mine to go

good idea is to find a hill it makes pushing it easier

[Electrical_Tech]

once when I left my key in the park position (one click past lock) it drained the battery completely flat. I could get the bike to jump start but it would not stay going. Once I got the battery recharged the bike started with no troubles. I expect that you won't get the bike to run without at least a weak battery in place.

[Wreckie29]

that may be true cause a car charges at 14.4 volts and i think my bike only charges at like 13.2 volts which is a big difference. And my car alt that runs the car after pushstarting was 130amps not sure what the bike puts out amp wise.

[JohnnyWash1]

So is 1st gear a bad gear to push start in?

[hardlydangerous]

no

[Wreckie29]

higher gears don't kick back as hard

[kahunah]

It will......if you"ve installed a magneto.

[JohnnyWash1]

no

What is this in response to?

And am I correct in assuming the overwhelming answer is no, the bike will not start without a battery?

[arsenic]

yes

[Enjay386]

I wouldn't think so but I suppose anything is possible.

[JohnnyWash1]

Thanks all, I will be trying again with a fresh battery in about an hour. I'll report back. Oh, and what gear should I be in?

[Wreckie29]

try 3 or 4th