Using Newmark-Hilber-Hughes-Taylor (Newmark-HHT) integration method, transient characteristics of the dual-rotor system with an intershaft bearing subjected to mass unbalance and base motions during start-up are illustrated. Rotary inertia, gyroscopic moment, shear deformation, mass unbalance and deterministic base motions are considered. Due to variable angular velocities, additional stiffness matrices associated with rotating angular accelerations are also introduced in the equations of motion. The effects of base motion parameters on the dynamic characteristics of the dual-rotor system are discussed, including base axial rotation, lateral rotations, and harmonic translations. The results show that base axial rotation significantly changes the transient critical speeds and resonant amplitudes of the dual-rotor system. In the case of base lateral rotation, the center of the orbit is no longer on the bearing centerline, but with a dynamic offset. When increasing the rotating speeds, the dynamic offset becomes greater. Unlike base lateral rotation, base harmonic translation doesn't result in dynamic offset, but it amplifies response amplitudes over the entire range of rotating speed. In conclusion, it provides a flexible approach with high efficiency and good expandability to predict transient responses of dual-rotor systems under base motions, and to prevent dual-rotor systems against potential excessive vibration in the design phase.