probably a daft question because my speed triple only starts with the clutch lever pulled in does this mean you cannot bump start it.
Yes Bob you can bump it. Pulling in the clutch lever has something to do with not engaging the starter or summat like that. I'm sure a more technical explanation will come soon.
Don't know for sure, but thinking about it, it may be possible as I think the clutch switch just stops the starter from engaging. However, if you were bumping because of a flat battery, it would probably be difficult, if not impossible because of the power need for all the electrickery bits now i.e. the injectors etc.
If you don't have any juice in your battery, not only will the engine not turn over but the ECU, fuel pump and injectors will not work either, rendering a bump start extremely difficult.
I have bump started my tiger a few times with no problems apart from a near cardiac arrest!! Don’t forget you release the clutch on a bump start anyway
When you switch on your ignition circuit is live. If you are in gear you have to pull the clutch in to enable the starter circuit - otherwise when you press the starter it would be locked out. When you bump start you need a live ignition circuit but not the starter circuit. Being in gear is essential to turn over the engine once up to speed. The state of the battery will influence how hard you have to push to overcome cylinder compression AND turn over the alternator fast enough to generate a good spark.......but you need the clutch in to get moving at all. Hills are handy.
I ride a T-Bird Commander and wouldn't want to try and jump it. I carry the lithium battery in the picture below. I actually had to use it to start the bike a few weeks ago. It worked like a charm. I've got plenty of storage on my bike, but it will fit in a large coat pocket and it doesn't weigh much. I picked it up at a Walmart for ~$50.00 US.
