Yeah, I know what the manual says about starting in neutral -- I just get impatient sometimes as finding neutral on this bike is a bit finicky compared to my previous rides (I'll get it down in time). I was just concerned as my 2 Kawasaki's nor my wife's old Street 750 exhibited this behavior. Plus, as I said earlier, my wife's '19 Low Rider (which for all intents and purposes is mechanically the same as my Slim) doesn't exhibit this either. I'm not too worried about it now thanks to all the comments although I've got the Service Manual and will go ahead and check the primary fluid level as well as the clutch adjustment just to be safe.

 

 

Harley Davidson attorneys require you to start the bike in neutral, "to prevent life threatening unintended acceleration".
Start the bike in gear, it's easier on the transmission.

 

I don't see how turning the mainshaft with no load will accelerate transmission wear. I do think that because of clutch drag, starting the bike in gear puts more load and wear on the starter assy.

 

Sure, the starter works harder and I don't mean wear to the main shaft.
Dropping into first with a cold clutch results in a big clunk and that can't be good for the dogs and cogs. Starting in gear unsticks the cold clutch plates.
A starter is cheaper than transmission parts.

 

Starting in neutral is a very good idea. I have a tire "burnout" mark on my garage floor that often reminds of that advice.

 

Besides not starting the bike in gear, pushing it around with the motor off and in gear with the clutch pulled in also isn't a good idea. If your hand slips off the lever the bike will probably fall over when the clutch engages.