too much bump starting = bad?

[Dayao12]

So it's getting kinda chilly out now. My bike's giving me a difficult time starting up if I leave it outside(tent garage) for more than a day. I hear loud clanks that kinds scares me whenever I press the starter. So I bump start it and it turns over fine. But I do it too often...is that bad for the engine? Are those loud clanking sounds normal? Should it even die out this quickly? The battery seems fine and strong.

 

[frekeyguy]

depends what's causing the sound.

bump starting isn't bad, but it puts stress on certain components such as chain sprockets etc...

 

[Tripletrouble]

Sounds like it could be the starter sprag clutch Make sure the battery is really good. Sprag clutches aren't cheap and are often deep in the motor= not cheap to replace.

 

[skapan]

If it is in fact the cold temps then a change to synthetic oil would help. Check the owner's manual, a thinner grade may be allowed for colder temps. You should not need to bump start it.

 

[Stewart]

only virago's dont want to start, but if you have the gs500, bump starting is not a problem. how many kms on the bike? check battery terminals then check the amp draw of the starter motor. is the noise comming from the left side behide the stator/rotor?