How to Jump Start a Harley Davidson Street Glide: Essential Steps and Maintenance Tips

Ever found yourself stranded with a dead battery on your Harley Davidson Street Glide? You’re not alone. Many riders face this frustrating situation at some point, and it can put a damper on your ride.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Your Bike: Familiarize yourself with the Harley Davidson Street Glide’s battery type, electrical system, and starter motor to effectively troubleshoot starting issues.
• Essential Tools for Jump-Starting: Use high-quality jump leads, a portable jump starter, a multimeter, and safety gear to ensure a safe and efficient jump-starting process.
• Step-by-Step Jump-Starting: Follow a systematic approach to connect jumper cables correctly, first attaching positive leads and finishing with the negative to avoid sparks.
• Post-Jump Maintenance: After jump-starting, inspect the battery for damage and corrosion, and regularly perform maintenance to prevent future issues.
• Preventing Battery Drain: Be mindful of accessory usage when parked, and check the battery age—most last 3-5 years—ensuring proper care to prolong life.
• Regular Inspections: Conduct monthly checks of your battery and connections, and consider using a smart charger during long periods of inactivity to keep the battery charged.

Understanding The Harley Davidson Street Glide

The Harley Davidson Street Glide is a popular touring motorcycle known for its sleek design and comfort. Riders often experience the hassle of a dead battery, making it crucial to understand the factors that impact starting.

Features That Impact Starting

• Battery Type: The Street Glide uses a 12-volt battery, often a maintenance-free, sealed lead-acid type. A well-maintained battery lasts longer and ensures reliable starts.
• Electrical System: The motorcycle’s electrical system includes various components such as lights, radio, and GPS. High power draw from accessories can lead to battery drain.
• Starter Motor: The quality of the starter motor affects how easily the bike starts. A worn-out starter can struggle to turn the engine over.
• Charging System: The alternator recharges the battery while you ride. A malfunctioning charging system can prevent the battery from reaching optimal power levels.

• Battery Drain: Leaving the ignition on or using accessories while parked can lead to battery drain. Always turn off all accessories when not in use.
• Corroded Connections: Corrosion at battery terminals can disrupt the flow of electricity. Regularly check and clean the battery connections to ensure a strong connection.
• Extreme Temperatures: Cold weather can reduce battery performance. A battery’s effectiveness drops significantly in temperatures below 32°F (0°C). Store your bike in a warmer place during harsh winters.
• Aging Battery: Most motorcycle batteries have a lifespan of 3-5 years. Regularly inspect your battery’s condition and replace it as needed.

Understanding these features and common issues helps you maintain your Harley Davidson Street Glide, making it less likely to encounter starting problems.

Tools Required For Jump Starting

To jump start a Harley Davidson Street Glide, specific tools ensure a smooth process. These tools facilitate safe and efficient battery recharging, minimizing potential damage.

Essential Equipment

• Jump Leads: Use high-quality, insulated jump leads for better conductivity and safety.
• Portable Jump Starter: Consider a compact, battery-operated jump starter. It provides convenience and portability.
• Wrench: Carry a 10mm wrench to tighten or loosen battery connections, if needed.
• Multimeter: Utilize a multimeter to check battery voltage and ensure optimal battery health before jump starting.

• Gloves: Wear insulated gloves to protect against electric shock while handling cables.
• Safety Goggles: Use safety goggles to shield your eyes from possible sparks or acid splashes.
• Protective Clothing: Don long sleeves and pants to guard your skin from accidental contact with battery acid or sparks.
• Footwear: Opt for closed-toe shoes with good grip. This protects your feet and provides stability while working around the bike.

Step-By-Step Process To Jump Start

Follow these steps to safely jump-start your Harley Davidson Street Glide.

Preparing The Vehicle

1. Check the Battery: Inspect the battery for corrosion, cracks, or leaks. Ensure it’s charged and properly connected.
2. Position The Vehicles: Park the donor vehicle close enough so the jumper cables can reach both batteries. Turn off the engine and remove the keys.
3. Gather Your Tools: Ensure you have your jumper cables and any necessary safety gear, like gloves and goggles, at hand.

Connecting The Jumper Cables

1. Identify the Terminals: Locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on both batteries. Clean any corrosion off the terminals if needed.
2. Connect the Cables:

• Positive First: Attach one end of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
• Donor Vehicle Connection: Connect the other end of the positive cable to the donor vehicle’s positive terminal.
• Negative Second: Attach one end of the negative (black) cable to the donor’s negative terminal.
• Ground the Dead Battery: Connect the other end of the negative cable to a metal surface on the dead motorcycle, away from the battery, to prevent sparks.

1. Start the Donor Vehicle: Start the engine of the donor vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
2. Attempt to Start Your Street Glide: Turn the ignition on your motorcycle. If it doesn’t start immediately, wait a few moments and try again.
3. Disconnect Cables: Once your motorcycle starts, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order: negative from the bike, negative from the donor, positive from the donor, and finally positive from the bike.
4. Let It Run: Keep your motorcycle running for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure the battery recharges adequately.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth jump-starting process for your Harley Davidson Street Glide.

After Jump Starting

After successfully jump-starting your Harley Davidson Street Glide, it’s essential to take a few steps to ensure long-term reliability. Checking battery condition and performing regular maintenance can prevent future issues.

Checking Battery Condition

Inspect the battery for signs of damage or corrosion. Look for:

• Corrosion: Clean any white, powdery substance on battery terminals. This indicates corrosion and can affect performance.
• Visual Damage: Check for cracks in the battery casing. Replace if damage is noticeable.
• Fluid Levels: If your battery is maintenance-free, ensure it’s sealed. For refillable types, add distilled water to the required level.
• Voltage Check: Use a multimeter to measure voltage. A healthy battery should read between 12.4 to 12.7 volts when fully charged.

If the battery shows signs of weakness or doesn’t hold a charge, consider replacing it with a new one.

Recommended Maintenance Tips

Maintain your Harley Davidson Street Glide with these tips:

• Regular Inspections: Check the battery and electrical connections every month. This can detect issues early.
• Keep Clean: Regularly clean terminals and connections to prevent corrosion buildup.
• Battery Charger: Use a smart battery charger during long periods of inactivity. This keeps your battery topped up and ready to go.
• Ride Regularly: Frequent rides help keep the battery charged. Short rides may not provide enough charge.
• Professional Check-Up: Schedule an annual check-up with a professional mechanic to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

These practices minimize the risk of battery failures and enhance the longevity of your motorcycle’s electrical system.

Conclusion

Jump-starting your Harley Davidson Street Glide doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the right steps and a little preparation you can get back on the road in no time.

Remember to keep an eye on your battery’s health and stay proactive with maintenance. Regular checks and a smart charger can make a world of difference.

Enjoy your rides and keep that Street Glide running smoothly. Safe travels ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes dead batteries in Harley Davidson Street Glide motorcycles?

Dead batteries in Harley Davidson Street Glide motorcycles can be caused by various factors, including battery type, age, electrical system issues, and battery drain from accessories. Regular wear and tear or leaving the bike unused for long periods can also contribute to battery failure.

How can I safely jump-start my Harley Davidson Street Glide?

To safely jump-start your Harley Davidson Street Glide, use jumper cables, ensuring the donor battery is of similar voltage. Connect the positive (+) terminals first, followed by the negative (-) terminal to a ground point. Start the donor vehicle, let it run for a few minutes, and then try to start your motorcycle.

What should I do after jump-starting my motorcycle?

After jump-starting, check the battery for corrosion or physical damage, monitor fluid levels, and conduct a voltage check using a multimeter. This ensures the battery is functioning well and helps avoid future issues.

How can I maintain my Harley Davidson battery?

To maintain your Harley Davidson battery, regularly inspect it for wear, clean terminals, use a smart battery charger when not in use, ride the motorcycle regularly to keep the battery charged, and schedule professional check-ups to enhance longevity and prevent failures.

How often should I check my motorcycle’s electrical system?

It is advisable to check your motorcycle’s electrical system at least once a month or before long rides. Regular inspections help identify potential issues early and ensure reliable performance, contributing to the overall health of your bike’s electrical system.