2015 rgs
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,740
Likes: 8,537
From: Bates County MO
While being in neutral to start is safer, because there is less drag on the starter, you should be able to start in gear, with the clutch level pulled in. If not, then the left hand control module is bad ( actually it's just the clutch switch part, but that's integrated into the assembly)
Part number 71500128B ( would be covered under extended warranty, if you have that)
Part number 71500128B ( would be covered under extended warranty, if you have that)
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
While being in neutral to start is safer, because there is less drag on the starter, you should be able to start in gear, with the clutch level pulled in. If not, then the left hand control module is bad ( actually it's just the clutch switch part, but that's integrated into the assembly)
Part number 71500128B ( would be covered under extended warranty, if you have that)
Part number 71500128B ( would be covered under extended warranty, if you have that)
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
What exactly happens if you're not in N and you try to start. No response from the start button? i.e. NOTHING happens? No click, no nothing? Or does the starter try to engage and struggles or stalls? This is a US bike, yes? i.e. not bought in the EU and brought here.
Sorry for all the specific and repetitive questions, but trying to troubleshoot a very unusual condition over the internet requires you to be as specific and provide as much detail as possible... You're a nurse - think about how you would describe symptoms. You don't just say "he doesn't feel good" right? ;-)
And you said you can buy a jack. That'll be a hundred bucks or so for even a cheap one. Ride by the dealer where you bought the bike and ask the service writer to take a look. If you're nice they'll probably do it for nothing without hesitation. If that doesn't work, tell then you can only spend one hour on it to diagnose. At least you may get an answer - if you get nowhere here.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
From: South Bend
When the bike is in gear with clutch lever all the way in absolutely nothing happens when I try to start it. No clicking, or any indication the bike is trying to start. I bought the bike from Brandts HD near Ft Wayne, IN brand new. Normally I could turn the ignition and put it in neutral and see the neutral light and back it up with moderate effort. Now it rolls a few inches and stops as if the brakes engaged. I'm not sure if it will roll forward in neutral, but I will for sure check tonight and report back 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,226
Likes: 3,049
From: St.Louis Mo.
The starting issue sounds just like the trikes. They will not start in gear unless the clutch is pulled in and one brake applied. This is only a feature on the trikes i believe, not the two wheelers. I wonder if this bike has a kickstand switch that could keep it from starting in gear ? I'm starting to believe it's the left hand switch pack that's keeping it from starting when in gear, but that doesn't have anything to do with it not backing up. I think i would be carefull riding that thing until i located and corrected the problem. Don't want to get dumped on your head.
Last edited by hardheaded; Aug 6, 2018 at 10:04 AM.
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