I just wanted to remind everyone with the newer bikes that it won't start if it is in gear without the clutch pulled in.

We went on a 1,000 mile ride to Savannah Ga and back home today. When we got to the halfway point (Savannah) the guy leading missed a turn so we stopped at the side of the road waiting for him to turn around. I shut off my bike and when he came back my bike wouldn't start. I tried changing out the battery with my car remote battery. Nothing. Tried putting the battery back, nothing. Then one of the guys noticed my dumb *** didn't put the bike in neutral before I shut it off. Popped it into neutral and the bike started right up.
I was pretty relieved that nothing was wrong since we were 500 miles from home.


You can learn a lot from a dummy.

 

Must have been new for 07 because my 06 will start in gear.

 

I can start mine in gear also but you have to squeeze the clutch lever first.

 

I'm thinking that no bike will start in gear without the clutch being pulled in, unless you push start it.

 

My Sportster would start in gear without the clutch being pulled in and your 04 Dyna should too. You will get a surprising lurch forward and wake up quick if you accidently do it though.

2007 and up Harleys have the neutral safety switch.

 

Your sig pic always makes me do a double take....Your bike is backwards....LOL

 

Well, at least it stands out as different!

Back to the OP, don't feel too bad. I had major issues trying to restart my bike while in gear even WITH the clutch pulled it. The lever mount was just loose enough that it wouldn't engage the switch. Tightened it up and all was fine again.

 

If mine has power it will crank turning right through the trans to the rear wheel, done it since day one.