I have learned the hard way that my '06 FXDI (and I'm assuming most other HD's) do not have some basic safety features that far less expensive scoots do. One is an engine cutoff feature if you try and engage the clutch while she is in gear with the jiffy stand down. The other is a neutral safety switch or in other words, not being able to actuate the starter while the bike is in gear. Even though I usually put her in neutral when i park, the other day I forgot for some reason. Anyway, i was so excited to let my cousin hear my new V&H BSS scream a little, I almost started her up in gear. Thanks god he stopped me just before i pushed the start button to tell me the neutral indicator was not lit, would've been ugly. The thing that really gets me is the my practically new $13K "real" bike doesn't have the basic features that my 02 shadow "wannabe" does. why is that?

 

That's a good question. A friend of mine got some new V&H big shots and I wanted to hear them. We were both pretty drunk and failed to notice that it was in gear. Bike lurched forward like a foot, but that's about it.

 

I dont' get it, is this a pot stirring troll type of thread or are you serious?

I've never found any of the features you mention to be necessary, I always park in gear, I always pull the clutch when I start it.

 

Harley is the top of the line motorcycle, it should have all the safety features buit in. If you bought a top of the line car, you would expect to have the safety features built in also....unless....you found these features not necessary in a top of the line car?????

 

No safety features! Thankyou Harley-Davidson that suits me ju...........st fine. No offence to anyone just my opinion. Stay cool.

 

Are you serious? I hate those damn features on my other bikes!

 

I would always check to see if the neutral light is on. Or always pull the clutch in. It's not rocket science.

What, you want an airbag on there now like that ridiculous Goldwing prototype?

The pussification of the American Harley rider.

[sm=badbadbad.gif]

 

No offense but if those options are important to you then you may have bought the wrong bike. Common sense and safety should tell us that you always use the clutch when starting the bike. It's like an unloaded gun. You can't trust that there is not a bullet in the chamber, double check for yourself each time.

 

Here is the problem it presents for me....I ride a lot of offroad single track on KTM 4stroke dirt bikes which since 03 have electric start....same place on same side as my Bob.....so you get use to throwing you leg over a 235 lb dirt bike not really paying attention or giving a **** if its in neutral or not be cause its not going to get away from you anyway. I've had 3 day weekends when I've been on the KTM and the Bob 2 times each and knocked out 200-300 miles on both bikes....if you don't pay attention its real easy to hit the button on the Bob without even thinking about neutral.

my 2 cents.....I'd like to have the Bob starter disabled while in gear nothing elese.

 

Rather than safety features, Harley's have personal responsibility. I prefer that. I would be real upset if I couldn't start the bike while it's in gear -- I park with the bike in first so it won't roll and there are times I can't "get" nuetral until the bike's started. I don't think my experience is unique.

But you know what? I've had bikes with the shifter on the right. I've had bikes where the shift pattern was one-up/four down. You learn to use your tools. It's not the world's job to adapt to you.