I am an idiot sometimes
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick, OH
Yeah, I'm pretty sure mine will too. If it's in gear and my clutch isn't in, hitting the starter will send the bike jumping forward. I've seen one of my riding buddies do just that on a 2005 Electraglide.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
I've only tried starting in gear once, at a gas station ... fortunately it didn't get away from me ....
I usually shut down in gear, but am used to looking at the lights as soon as I turn the key and push the start button ... watching for the fuel pump light to go off, but also a quick check to see that the green neutral light is illuminated ....
I usually shut down in gear, but am used to looking at the lights as soon as I turn the key and push the start button ... watching for the fuel pump light to go off, but also a quick check to see that the green neutral light is illuminated ....
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
My '08 Sportster did, and my '09 Fat Bob also. Starter will not turn over without the clutch being pulled in, if the bike is in gear.
Your practice of always pulling in the clutch, is a good safety tip though.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 804
Likes: 1
From: Middle GA
Been there, done that. It is not a matter of if but when! Talking to another rider one time and thought I had put the stand down. Glad it was the Vrod and not the Ultra. The Vrod was lite enought to handle so it didn't completely make it to the ground.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Sasser, GA
I didn't know that.
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Good idea
A good idea, I always do it, but my 08 Street Bob still will not start unless it is in neutral. I have done the same thing, the poster has done, in a hurry or tired.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
Everybody F's up sometime.
Was down OBX bike week. When a bunch of us were leaving a sandwhich shop, one of the riders signaled that he was having problems getting started. After several minutes of head scratching someone noticed that he had turned the power switch to accessory! This guy has been riding for years and he wasn't even drinking.
It happens.
Was down OBX bike week. When a bunch of us were leaving a sandwhich shop, one of the riders signaled that he was having problems getting started. After several minutes of head scratching someone noticed that he had turned the power switch to accessory! This guy has been riding for years and he wasn't even drinking.
It happens.