Bump starting

[machinest]

I have a 1980 550L and every morning I start it by just rolling down the drive way and bump starting about halfway down (6 AM job in a house full of people who worked till 11 PM-12 PM the night before so quiet is a good thing ) I was just wondering if this us not a good thing to do for unknown mechanical reasons?

[Planecrazy]

Welcome aboard! I just sold my '80 550L (my first bike - had it since 1989) and to answer your question I don't know anybody who's suffered negative consequences from bump starting. In fact, I had starter problems with my 1100G a few years back (right at the beginning of a three day GSR rally) and the ONLY way to start it until the parts for a rebuild came in was to bump start it ... bike has yet to complain.

I doubt you'll cause your bulletproof GS any problems by bump starting it.

Regards,

[Zooks]

Agreed, they are pretty tough. The only caution that I would give is to go easy for the first few km's. When you start it with the starter you would normally give it a moment to get up oil pressure and begin warming up. On cold mornings I would be inclined to bump start it and then stop for a moment to allow oil to get up to the top of the motor.

Other than that I'm sure it will be fine.

[trippivot]

use 2nd gear it is less of a shock on the camchain and clutch other than that you'll save the starter and starter clutch wear battery too.

not a problem at all

[Steve]

If you use 3rd, 4th or 5th gear, it will be even less of a shock. Problem then is making sure you are rolling fast enough for it to catch.

If you are bump-starting the bike to minimize noise, could that possibly be a hint that your bike is just too loud or needs to be tuned?
My wife's '82 850L has stock pipes on it that are louder than I prefer, but I have no problem starting it near people that are trying to sleep. It starts easily, warms up quickly and I can ride off within 30 seconds of starting, without getting the revs over 2000, which keeps it on the quieter side.