It this a clutch issue?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Duluth GA
Ok, maybe this sounds a little stupid, but all those years ago when I first started riding, I was told to ALWAYS start the bike in Neutral. Been doing it ever since, and have never had a problem with any bike "lurching".
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Central NJ near the Seashore
Agreed. But sometimes we forget. Clutch should keep you out of trouble.
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From: Eastern Washington
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I've always started in neutral, and with the clutch pulled in...it especially helps in cold weather....anything you can do to reduce startup friction reduces load on battery and allows the engine to crank over better.
Metric bikes usually have kickstand switches, and you won't be accidently starting in gear anyway, but the kickstand switches create their own set of problems....down there in the road grime they can fail, and you have to 'hot wire' to get the ignition circuit to think the stand is down. I've even seen metric bikes suddenly stop running when a loose stand goes slightly groundward....the engine is instantly shutdown....which can be interesting with the bike moving at 60 mph....
Metric bikes usually have kickstand switches, and you won't be accidently starting in gear anyway, but the kickstand switches create their own set of problems....down there in the road grime they can fail, and you have to 'hot wire' to get the ignition circuit to think the stand is down. I've even seen metric bikes suddenly stop running when a loose stand goes slightly groundward....the engine is instantly shutdown....which can be interesting with the bike moving at 60 mph....
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From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
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From: Michigan
As for the OP, a foot, that's quite a leap! I'd adjust the clutch AND start in nuetral
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Las Vegas NV
Just sayin...The bigger problem is starting it without riding it. If you are not going to ride it, don't start it. Only riding gets it to operating temps, which boils the moisture out. Starting it just makes warm, which collects moisture and rust. Many threads on this subject.
If I missed something, sorry.
If I missed something, sorry.
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Good advice on the starting the bike in the cold temps, if you start it, be prepared to ride for a least a half hour. Here in Michigan, I pull the clutch in a few times before starting in neutral, this will allow the clutch pack to seperate and allow the thick oil to drain from the clutch plates. Then prior to putting the bike in gear after starting I hold the clutch in for about 30 seconds, helps with the clunk.
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