• Welcome to the Two Wheeled Texans community! Feel free to hang out and lurk as long as you like. However, we would like to encourage you to register so that you can join the community and use the numerous features on the site. After registering, don't forget to post up an introduction!

Bump Start With a Slipper Clutch

Forums New posts
copb8

copb8

Most Ignored
Forum Supporter
Joined
Nov 27, 2013
Messages
3,107
Reaction score
2,166
Location
Highland Village (Dallas) TX
First Name
Bart
Last Name
Nale
This may be a dumb question but here goes anyway.

Yesterday it was time to knock the dust of the 690 and take it for a ride. When I tried to start it the battery was very weak (forgot to plug in trickle charger) and it wouldn't turn over. Since I had a tank bag strapped to it making seat removal difficult I decided to push it up my very steep driveway and bump started it coming down. First time I did it I thought I was in second and that I did something wrong because it just coasted down the hill without turning the engine over. On second try (and half dead) it did the same thing even though I was sure I was in gear, etc. I think I finally realized it may be the slipper clutch. Something I'm a bit new to.

So does it sound like that was the case? And if so, is there a way to bump start a bike with a slipper clutch? Do I need to get going a lot faster before dumping the clutch for there to be enough drag to turn it over???

TIA
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Vec
I’m sorry I can’t help you but, I bought a used 250 KTM years ago when the recluse was fresh to the market that had one in it, Very first thing I did when I got it home Was change the oil and put the OEM clutch pack back in that was in a box of extras that the original owner gave me.

I’m sure somebody that is actually Ridden more than a test ride with one will be along shortly to help you more
 
  • Like
Reactions: my6
Interesting question. I have a few bikes with a slipper clutch. They all slip some, but they all also do some engine braking as they slip.

I did try to bump start my KTM 1290 Super Duke and the clutch definitely engaged so at least that model with a slipper clutch doesn't slip so much that you couldn't bump start it.

I think it's something else in your case.

Side note....someone mentioned a Rekluse. That's very different than a slipper clutch. A Rekluse will free wheel if the engine isn't running at a high enough RPM and you can't bump start one unless you disengage the Rekluse.
 
Last edited:
No Rekluse but I've thought about one for the 500 but they're $$$

I can say that there is zero clutch slip under normal spirited operation so I don't feel like the slip would be due to worn clutch plates or anything. Also that would mean clutch springs, etc are all in good working order.

Can't think of anything else that would cause the symptom.
 
copb8 said:
No Rekluse but I've thought about one for the 500 but they're $$$

I can say that there is zero clutch slip under normal spirited operation so I don't feel like the slip would be due to worn clutch plates or anything. Also that would mean clutch springs, etc are all in good working order.

Can't think of anything else that would cause the symptom.
Click to expand...
Weird. If you are stopped and put it in gear, will it roll?
 
2WheelNut said:
Weird. If you are stopped and put it in gear, will it roll?
Click to expand...

I know it'll have resistance since if I'm parking it on a hill I always put it in gear to hold it there. And I can't push it in gear.

I'm going to get it out tonight and try some things with it now that I can just ride it up the driveway and not push it. I really want to get the answer so if I'm caught out somewhere I know what to expect and do.
 
Sure it was in second gear?
I recall my Kawis (maybe many Kawasakis) have a gizmo that that makes it tricky to upshift to second if the bike is not rolling. I think it was called a positive neutral finder or something like that.
 
dukey33 said:
Sure it was in second gear?
I recall my Kawis (maybe many Kawasakis) have a gizmo that that makes it tricky to upshift to second if the bike is not rolling. I think it was called a positive neutral finder or something like that.
Click to expand...
This sounds feasible...false neutral or something and it really never got into 2nd....
 
My 1090 has a slipper clutch. If I get energetic enough I will ride to the top of a big hill near the house, shut off the engine and try coasting down and bump it. No way I would ever try to push it LOL
 
Maybe it is an auto compression release until it is running. It would seem like it is not turning motor and possibly starter circuit opens injector for fuel. Try pushing starter as you bump it, and make sure kill switch is off :)
 
Last edited:
Will it run on a dead battery? Some Kawasaki models require a minimum voltage for the ECM to trigger the coils.
 
Got a steep hill about 5 miles from me so went there to check it out. No problem bump starting Tracer 900GT. Only bike I've had with a slipper so just thought I would find out. May be different with the 690, but I wouldn't think so. You should be able to just accelerate kill the engine and bump while still rolling in order to check.
 
copb8 said:
First time I did it I thought I was in second and that I did something wrong because it just coasted down the hill without turning the engine over. On second try (and half dead) it did the same thing even though I was sure I was in gear, etc. I think I finally realized it may be the slipper clutch. Something I'm a bit new to.
Click to expand...

Battery should not interfere with clutch engaging or disengaging causing the engine to not turn over when trying to bump start would it?
I would think same with auto compression release. Wouldn't it engage only when starter is actuated?
 
JQ1.0 said:
Got a steep hill about 5 miles from me so went there to check it out. No problem bump starting Tracer 900GT. Only bike I've had with a slipper so just thought I would find out. May be different with the 690, but I wouldn't think so. You should be able to just accelerate kill the engine and bump while still rolling in order to check.
Click to expand...

Graham texas and steep hills do not go together [emoji23]
 
Ok, so I rode it up the driveway a few times yesterday afternoon (way easier) and then bump started on the way down. It seems I need a little speed for it to create enough friction to turn the engine over. I found 3rd gear was best and build speed before dropping clutch. Kicked off.

Not sure how I'd get it started if I was somewhere on the flat and this happened. Hopefully won't ever find out.
 
copb8 said:
Not sure how I'd get it started if I was somewhere on the flat and this happened. Hopefully won't ever find out.
Click to expand...

www.techbatterysolutions.com

NOCO GB40 1000A Jump Starter - Portable Battery Booster Pack

NOCO GB40 delivers 1000A jump starting power for gas engines up to 6L. Spark-proof design, USB charging, LED flashlight. Battery specialists since 2010.
www.techbatterysolutions.com www.techbatterysolutions.com

Good to know it can be bump started just not easy. Lots of folks caring some version of these little jump packs. I have used mine on my V-strom.
 
bwdmax said:
www.techbatterysolutions.com

NOCO GB40 1000A Jump Starter - Portable Battery Booster Pack

NOCO GB40 delivers 1000A jump starting power for gas engines up to 6L. Spark-proof design, USB charging, LED flashlight. Battery specialists since 2010.
www.techbatterysolutions.com www.techbatterysolutions.com

Good to know it can be bump started just not easy. Lots of folks caring some version of these little jump packs. I have used mine on my V-strom.
Click to expand...

The small portable no-name battery booster I have died this weekend when I tried to use it on the 690. So this is a great time to find a quality replacement. Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top