I too find that it does tend to pull a little if it's in gear with the clutch pulled. I usually put it in Neutral because it seems not to struggle when starting then. It's really bad when it's hot and I try to start it in gear. If I'm in a hurry then I'll do it either way...if relaxed I'll try to find neutral first.

 

I have a 2000 customized police bike and it requires me to pull in the clutch to start it. I think the police leave it in gear, pull in the clutch, start and drive away...saves time in chasing those speeders...

 

All the N light means is the light works. The more often then not if the neutral switch is broken it will default to the lit position meaning that the light means next to nothing unless you see the light on and just rolled the bike to make sure its not in gear.

With that in mind, I always have my bike in neutral and always have pull in the lever.

The pants never fall down when you have your belt and suspenders.

 

Weird. I have almost the same bike (08 fxd) and I don't think I have ever started it with the clutch in. I may start now given some of the stories above...

Steve

 

Ive only once hit tried to start it in gear... But that was because i was trying to hit the turn signal off. But usually i get her in neutral and start with clutch out... But if i try to find neutral and its hard... I usually start with clutch in (even if i eventually found neutral).

 

I always pull the clutch in as well.

 

My MSF Starting Habit

FINEC (Acronym)

F= Fuel (since Harlet has no petcock I check the gas guage)
I= Ignition **** on dashboard is on
N= Neutral (green light)
E= Engine cutoff switch (wait for engine light to go off)
C= Clutch in

 

Thanks for all the replys fellows. I have been doing it both ways is why I asked the question. Seeing some of the replys, I believe from now on I will be pulling in the clutch. Thanks to everyone.

 

Not sure about all of them, but the 2009 Fat Bob does have a safety switch. It will not turn over (if in gear, and the clutch not pulled in).

Yep, exactly how my bike works. And also what is listed in the 2009 Dyna owners manual.

Your bike should have a safety switch.

From the 2009 Dyna Owners Manaul:
To activate the starting system, the clutch interlock circuitry requires that the clutch be disengaged.
The clutch lever must be pulled in against the left handlebar grip and/or the transmission must be shifted to the neutral position (with the green neutral lamp lit).

Having said all that, I still agree with the majority here, and always pull the clutch in, and most of the time shift to neutral.

 

I haven't read all the posts here , but you always squeeze the clutch to disengage it from the tranny so's you will be taking some strain off of your battery and starter wether it's a bike or a car, or truck for that matter