Assuming the battery is not completely flat, and can power the pump and ignition, is it possible to Bumpstart the bike. If someone has actually done this, that would be great to hear about. I am thinking about the effect the Slipper Clutch has on the drivetrain?
Well, I never managed to bump start my '10 1200S, despite heroic efforts: I assumed that there just wasn't enough current being generated to power up the ECU/ignition for long enough to deliver fuel and get a spark.
I haven't tried bump-starting a Multistrada, but based on past experiences, I'll bet it's not easy: Elefant 900 ac: complete doddle. Just above walking pace, hop on side-saddle, away you go, sort your seating out as you're going. SL1000 Falco: not a chance, even with a push. All you get is out-of-breath. I reckon the Multistrada is more like the Falco…
I did bumpstart my 2012 with a flattish battery, but it was on a steepish hill and it only just made it. The slipper clutch isn't a problem but as bradders says the big pistons are. A low gear just locks up the rear wheel and a high gear doesn't turn the engine over very quickly, so be ready with the clutch as soon as it fires. Without the hill, forget it, unless you have a rugby team to hand.
