How to Jump Start Street Glide: Ultimate Guide for Harley Riders

The Harley-Davidson Street Glide is a legendary motorcycle, known for its powerful engine and iconic style. But even the most reliable machines can sometimes experience a dead battery, leaving you stranded. Knowing how to jump start your Street Glide can be a lifesaver, allowing you to get back on the road quickly and safely. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you’re prepared for any battery-related emergencies.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have the following items:

• A working vehicle with a good battery: This will be your jump start source.
• Jumper cables: Ensure they are in good condition and of sufficient length.
• Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from potential sparks.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from potential battery acid.

Locate the Battery

The Street Glide‘s battery is located under the seat. Here’s how to access it:

1. Remove the seat: Open the seat latch and lift the seat off the motorcycle.
2. Locate the battery: The battery is typically a black rectangular box with red and black terminals.

Connect the Jumper Cables

Connecting the jumper cables correctly is crucial for a safe and successful jump start. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Connect the positive (red) cable: Connect the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery on your Street Glide.
2. Connect the other end of the red cable: Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery in the other vehicle.
3. Connect the negative (black) cable: Connect the black cable to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
4. Connect the other end of the black cable: Connect the other end of the black cable to a metal grounding point on the frame of the Street Glide. This is usually a bolt or a metal bracket. **Do not connect it directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery.**

Start the Good Vehicle

Once the cables are connected, start the good vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. This will ensure that the battery has enough charge to jump start the Street Glide.

Start the Street Glide

With the good vehicle running, try to start the Street Glide. If it doesn’t start immediately, try cranking the engine for a few seconds, then let it rest for a few moments before trying again.

Disconnect the Jumper Cables

Once the Street Glide has started, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them.

1. Disconnect the black cable from the ground point on the Street Glide.
2. Disconnect the black cable from the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red cable from the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red cable from the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.

Let the Street Glide Run

After the jump start, allow the Street Glide to run for at least 15-20 minutes. This will help to recharge the battery and ensure that the charging system is working properly.

Troubleshooting

If your Street Glide doesn‘t start after following these steps, there might be other issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Battery is completely dead: If the battery is completely dead, a jump start might not be enough to revive it. You may need to replace the battery.
• Loose or corroded connections: Check the battery terminals and connections for any loose or corroded wires. Clean any corrosion with a wire brush and reconnect the terminals securely.
• Faulty starter: If the starter motor is faulty, it won’t be able to crank the engine even with a good battery. You’ll need to have the starter motor inspected and potentially replaced.
• Fuel system problems: If there are issues with the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump, the engine won’t start. You’ll need to troubleshoot the fuel system.

Why Jump Starting May Not Be Enough

While jump starting can get your Street Glide going, it’s not a permanent solution. A jump start only provides a temporary boost to the battery. If your battery is old or weak, it will likely need to be replaced soon.

Preventing Future Dead Batteries

Here are some tips to prevent future dead batteries:

• Regularly check the battery’s charge: Use a battery tester to check the battery’s charge level.
• Keep the battery terminals clean: Clean any corrosion off the battery terminals with a wire brush.
• Don’t leave the lights on: Make sure to turn off all lights and accessories when you’re not riding.
• Use a battery tender: A battery tender is a device that maintains the battery’s charge while the motorcycle is not in use.

Riding Away Safely

After jump starting your Street Glide, it’s important to ride it for a while to ensure the battery is charging properly. If the battery light comes on or the engine starts to sputter, stop immediately and have the charging system inspected.

What Now?

Now that you’ve successfully jump started your Street Glide, it’s time to take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Consider these options:

• Battery replacement: If your battery is old or weak, replacing it is the best way to prevent future issues.
• Battery tender: Invest in a battery tender to keep your battery charged while the motorcycle is not in use.
• Regular maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure your motorcycle’s electrical system is in good working order.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: How long can I use jumper cables to start my Street Glide?

A: You should only use jumper cables for a short time to jump start your motorcycle. Once the engine is running, disconnect the cables as soon as possible.

Q: Can I use a car battery to jump start my Street Glide?

A: Yes, you can use a car battery to jump start your Street Glide. However, make sure the battery in the car is charged and in good condition.

Q: What if my battery is completely dead and won’t accept a jump start?

A: If your battery is completely dead, a jump start might not be enough to revive it. You may need to replace the battery.

Q: Can I use a battery charger to jump start my Street Glide?

A: No, you cannot use a battery charger to jump start your Street Glide. A battery charger is designed to slowly charge a battery, not to provide a quick boost.

Q: What if my Street Glide starts but then dies after a few minutes?

A: If your Street Glide starts but then dies after a few minutes, there could be a problem with the battery, charging system, or another electrical component. It’s important to have the motorcycle inspected by a qualified mechanic.