I am 57 yrs old. I have bump started 4 strokes and 2 strokes, cars trucks, even cars with automatic transmissions in the old days. I have never been able to bump start my Savage unless it was running at least 45-50 and then only in fourth or fifth gear. (It was when I had trouble with the gas flow and it quit completely at speed. I hit prime and popped the clutch while still in motion) When I try to bump it any slower or in a lower gear it makes a whine like a jet turbine running up to working speed and sometimes locks up the rear wheel. I KNOW how to do this, including the timed bounce on the seat for traction. I did not use the starter button. I have no idea what I'm missing or the reason for this. It has been bumped a couple of times in the 2 yrs I have had it. Basically stock 2001 bought with 7400 miles. Now has 14,000+. Need input.    

I've tried it a few times and it always slid the tire.  Mine's an 86 and only has about 7500 miles on it.

I bumped mine several times , last time in the flat parking lot at work once when my wiring shorted out. Didnt have to press start, just ran alongside of it with clutch in 2nd, jumped on it, let the clutch go and give it gas. It worked with no effort everytime.

Guys, my right foot no longer works in both directions, only down, not up. I can barely push my bike, but for two years now it has only made a whining sound as described and locked rear wheel. I know it's crazy, and I have stopped on long hills and tried to bump it off with no luck. If I were ya'll I would think I was doing something wrong, too. Just don't know.