bump Starting Dommies and other Big singles .what's the definitive method for success

[willywombat64]

OK ..I know about putting them in a high gear and rolling back until you feel the compression then changing to say 2nd with the clutch in roll along ...JUMP on and release clutch at the same time . Even with this method and a gentle downhill slope i've had difficulty . Just wondered if there are any further tips/tricks . I've heard of people who claim to be able to bump start big singles on the flat with wet grass underfoot! obviously some bikes will require usage of the manual decompressor but that's not an issue on the dommie. Also some say don't open the throttle up ( as would be most peoples natural tendency). I suppose things vary whether the bike is hot or cold.
thanks
Bill

[Ken Wales]

I don't know about bumping it but mine won't start on the button if I open the throttle, it's got to stay shut.

[Cabby]

Tow it.

[Bobn]

Use 3rd gear, get it rolling fast.
These RFVC engines have an automatic decompressor.
Why are you bumping it? It'll knacker the thing pretty quickly.

[willywombat64]

hi Bobn
I'm not bumping her at the moment ..just preparing for if i need too . I had a DR600 years ago and couldn't use the kickstart ( no electric ) as a result of the bloomin thing smacking my foot . I was in Greece at the time and had to get a local to bump her as i'd had no success. As mentioned i'm intrigued to know how people claim to do it on wet grass at slow speeds?

[Bobn]

Oh I see. Well if you ask anyone what's the bike most famous for not starting they'll probably answer DR600

With these engines bumping is pretty easy (because of the automatic decompressor), I've bumped mine a couple of times on loose sand and rocks, when I've been off-road and I've gassed it up. I think the DR had a manually operated decompressor didn't it? If you held that in and bumped it might work.
My two are excellent starters, I think they are in general and hopefully you won't need to bump yours either.....