I'm getting used to my new bike. When it starts up, it jumps in gear just a little even with the clutch fully squeezed. Is this something that needs adjusting? After it starts I don't notice any creep while in first but there is resistance to backing up.

I should add I have a 2009 Sportster 883

 

Not sure I'm understanding you correctly. are you starting it in gear?

 

You can go through the procedure to adjust your clutch, but what you are describing is normal. What happens is that the clutch sort of binds up over night. That first disengagement breaks it loose. I leave my bike in neutral in the garage overnight. The first shift into first in the morning is usually accompanied by a somewhat robust "thunk".

If the bike runs and shifts correctly, you're probably fine.

Still, knowing how to adjust your clutch is a good thing, so you should learn the procedure and give it a try. Nothing to it.

 

Try starting in neutral with the clutch lever pulled in. I've read this is the way you're supposed to start it so there's less rotating mass for your starter to turn.

 

Yes, I'm starting it in first. It's fine when starting in neutral. I guess I'll start doing it that way.

 

Most bikes will lunge a bit starting in gear with the clutch in. If your clutch is adjusted properly, it won't continue to keep trying to pull you forward until you start letting the lever away from the bar.

 

I started my bike in gear, clutch pulled in once, just to see what it'd do and I'll never do it again. Period.

 

I experience the same on my '15, my brother has the same on his '94, and a friend has the same on his '13. Start it in neutral to avoid it. Unless I am on an incline, I start it in neutral.

 

Wet clutches have a tendency to "stick" due to adhesion between the wet plates. This is especially true if the bike has sat for a few days. I always start my bike in neutral, but it's not uncommon for it to "jump" forward an inch or two when dropping it into low for the first time of the day as the dragging clutch plates break free.


Perfectly normal behavior.