Kick stand switch...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,128
From:
There have been times that i have kept the kickstand down and motor ON and in gear as i pushed backwards with my feet out of an awkward parking situation.
This was done by choice because the parking space was slippery after a rain and at an odd angle.
Keeping engine ON and in gear (clutch engaged) allowed pulling forward if needed and permitted more brake capability because i could use engine power at rear wheel and front brake too, avoiding a front wheel slide.
I pushed back with feet while kickstand was out in case of a lean/fall over if i slipped.
Once i was lined up to go forward the kickstand was kicked UP.
A switched as described would probably not permit that action.
This was done by choice because the parking space was slippery after a rain and at an odd angle.
Keeping engine ON and in gear (clutch engaged) allowed pulling forward if needed and permitted more brake capability because i could use engine power at rear wheel and front brake too, avoiding a front wheel slide.
I pushed back with feet while kickstand was out in case of a lean/fall over if i slipped.
Once i was lined up to go forward the kickstand was kicked UP.
A switched as described would probably not permit that action.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,254
Likes: 4,946
From: England
My Hondas always had a kickstand interlock switch. With the kickstand down, and you put the bike in gear, it shuts off the motor. I’m wondering why Harleys don’t have this. Yeah, I know...it’s something else to go bad, and its only for doofuses,,,,which I am.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 53
Likes: 13
From: Los Angeles
Yeah I've messed with that setting in "advanced>system switches>jiffy stand" ... Its only mildly annoying that the entire menu is missing from the user's manual, tho (along with settings like ACR, EIMTS, etc.)
I left it off, but I see the value for others that fire up their bike while standing next to it and gearing up. I don't know, once you get the muscle memory of your routine, you don't eff it up. Point being - Harley has a sensor there.
I left it off, but I see the value for others that fire up their bike while standing next to it and gearing up. I don't know, once you get the muscle memory of your routine, you don't eff it up. Point being - Harley has a sensor there.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,296
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From: Depends on where I am
I’ll admit I’ve done both. Taking off with it down is much less embarrassing.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 804
Likes: 92
From: Texas
For instance, you are cleaning your bike. When you clean the shifter linkage, your accidentally shift to first or second gear and you do not realize it. Several days later you go to start up your bike. Since you always leave it in neutral, you just start it up. OOPS!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,254
Likes: 4,946
From: England
You can put it in gear by accident.
For instance, you are cleaning your bike. When you clean the shifter linkage, your accidentally shift to first or second gear and you do not realize it. Several days later you go to start up your bike. Since you always leave it in neutral, you just start it up. OOPS!
For instance, you are cleaning your bike. When you clean the shifter linkage, your accidentally shift to first or second gear and you do not realize it. Several days later you go to start up your bike. Since you always leave it in neutral, you just start it up. OOPS!
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Nov 28, 2019 at 10:21 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 5,947
Likes: 5,147
From: Louisiana
You can put it in gear by accident.
For instance, you are cleaning your bike. When you clean the shifter linkage, your accidentally shift to first or second gear and you do not realize it. Several days later you go to start up your bike. Since you always leave it in neutral, you just start it up. OOPS!
For instance, you are cleaning your bike. When you clean the shifter linkage, your accidentally shift to first or second gear and you do not realize it. Several days later you go to start up your bike. Since you always leave it in neutral, you just start it up. OOPS!