I always park in 1st, back out in 1st and start the bike in 1st. I also have a steep driveway and back out with the engine off and the clutch pulled. It's harder to back out this way (not in neutral), but it gives me more control of the bike. Once I'm at the bottom of the driveway, I pull the clutch and start. I have not noticed the bike lurching forward.

When I took the MSF class, we always started in neutral. But, I didn't really understand why and have since changed to always parking, backing and starting in 1st with the clutch pulled.

Is there a better way? Why?

Thanks!

 

Not sure of your model but my OM states to park in neutral. I did start in 1st, once, without holding the clutch in. Luckily nothing was in my way! Tim

 

Starting your bike in neutral will bite you in the *** someday when someone has sat on your bike or you just plain forget and you think it's in neutral and it's not.

Since I "always" park my bike in 1st gear I have developed the habit of starting my bike in first gear which means I always pull in the clutch. Also, My bike isn't going to roll when I park it. The only exception to this is when I park my bike in my garage where the floor is level and I know it won't be tampered with. There I do park in neutral. Still hold the clutch when I start it.

 

if mine is in gear you have to pull the clutch to start

 

Right, he meant that if you normally start it in neutral but it somehow is in gear without your knowledge, and you try to start it without pulling the clutch, hope nothing is in front of you.

If Reno has any level ground, I haven't found it and I certainly haven't parked on it. I always park in gear.

 

I park it in first, Roll out of the garage in neutral (steep driveway, too). Then start while still in neutral. The few times I started in first (clutch pulled) there is a slight surge while the clutch is trying to slip free

 

I park in 1st and start in nuetral, of course I check the light as well as roll it to make sure.

 

I back out of the garage in nuetral, then start. But Ive started it in garage in gear and notice no difference.

 

i meant mine has a switch that won't let it start in gear without pulling the clutch

 

Same here Keith, My 07 will not start in gear unless the clutch is pulled. Older models would start in gear without the clutch being pulled.