Why do they push the motorcycle?

[Variablevalve]

So I was watching Closer To the Edge last night, and I saw that they always seem to push the motorcycles out of the pit.

Example here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...wzCP_89s#t=49s

Could anyone explain to me why this is done? I can't seem to find any answers through a normal google search.

[sveesix]

Most are total loss (meaning they don't hold a charge) so they need to bump start the bikes because they don't have starters.

[Variablevalve]

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I'm guessing it's done as a weight saving measure?

[Chippertheripper]

Weight savings is the principle, but reducing rotating mass inside the motor (flywheels and stators) to allow the motor to spin up faster and/or make more power is the main idea.

[nt650hawk]

Because I know Graham is lurking.
http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...-flywheel.html

I have a total loss system and retain my starter but have no stator.

It all goes to less weight

Think of a chain saw or weed whacker with a pull starter. They just have to push start theirs. . Similar principals can be applied to a bike.

[Chippertheripper]

Good read. And by idea in my last post, I guess I meant marketing.

[a13x]

Save the clutch

[daviid]

keep time off the motor.

[OreoGaborio]

I thought most bikes at the IOM TT have starters... If you look/listen closely to that video, I'm fairly certain he fires it up with a starter.

If they don't have a starter, they're bump starting it.

If they DO have a starter it's to:

Save the clutch

Get them out quicker
And perhaps also to make sure they don't stall out.

[DucDave]

The example you showed was Guy Martin. There's no telling why he had has bump started...he could just as well have used a steam engine to drive a roller starter!

[The Snowman]

In some cases, the SV650 is a good example, the crank is a weak point, which often fails under a lot of use. Lightening the stator rotor, or removing it altogether (like was done to mine) lightens the lad that is placed on the crank.

So, in this case, it's for durability.

[catahoulabuldog]

In some cases, the SV650 is a good example, the crank is a weak point, which often fails under a lot of use. Lightening the stator rotor, or removing it altogether (like was done to mine) lightens the lad that is placed on the crank.

So, in this case, it's so I can eat more donuts.

there.. I fixed it..