Does bump starting damage anything?

[ChrisW]

If you're concerned about the bump start (and I wouldn't be) could you use the starter whilst you're rolling away?

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

Trust me on the bump starting thing, Vauxhall Vectra cats were about £400 20 years ago.

[Nobby]

Yes. A Fence.
Bump starting a CZ175 on a Petrol Forecourt on the A25 between Dorking and Reigate.
Me running alongside and a mate pushing from behind.
It was chugging along almost firing , when it just took off. I and my mate did a double face plant, to look up and see the back of the piece of shit disappearing through a new bike shaped hole in a Panel Fence and down into a nettle filled ditch.
There's more to the story, but let's just say I got away with it.

[Sadlonelygit]

Yes. A Fence.
Bump starting a CZ175 on a Petrol Forecourt on the A25 between Dorking and Reigate.
Me running alongside and a mate pushing from behind.
It was chugging along almost firing , when it just took off. I and my mate did a double face plant, to look up and see the back of the piece of shit disappearing through a new bike shaped hole in a Panel Fence and down into a nettle filled ditch.
There's more to the story, but let's just say I got away with it.

Glad you reminded me!
X7 that belonged to a mechanically inept friend. Stopped starting on the kick for 'some' reason, so asked for a push.
I agreed to operate the controls and HE could push.
One step, two steps zzzzzzzzzzziiiiiiinnnnnnmnmnggggg
Fucking thing went vertical, then bounced off several fences, then laid down on the floor doing donuts spraying gravel everywhere!
Daft twat had fitted carb slides wrong way around!
I have many stories of him and things mechanical!

[BBB]

As others have said get a ski pass holder or similar and have your pass on your arm. Bump starting seems an unnecessary solution to the problem