Neutral Safety Switch
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
that's funny...the movement startled me and I immediately released the starter button. It was a few months ago, but I recall the scrape along the pavement as six inches or so.
My experience with metrics are that they are designed to not start if in gear. I assumed HD had this feature as well.
My experience with metrics are that they are designed to not start if in gear. I assumed HD had this feature as well.
Oooppps-- memo in back of mind,,, never-ever ASSUME,
if not 100% sure then find out beforehand.
.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
I always park and start in neutral. If I have to park on a slope I park the bike with the front pointing up. When a bike is cold and you start in gear with the clutch in it causes extra drag on the starter. The plates are not fully separated; that's why the bike wants to move forward a little, even with the clutch in.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
Likes: 394
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
My 2007 Roadster has to be either in neutral or have the clutch pulled in to start, my jiffy stand has no switch.
I had a 1977 Honda years ago and I know for sure it had a neutral/clutch safety system, I know because I had to by-pass it when it stopped working.
I had a 1977 Honda years ago and I know for sure it had a neutral/clutch safety system, I know because I had to by-pass it when it stopped working.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 145
Likes: 7
From: Houston
mine won't start in gear, which I found out when I changed my bars and apparently broke the switch in the clutch that would allow it to do so.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 335
Likes: 89
From: Reno, NV
I know it's an older thread, but since it came up, is there an easy way to bypass this switch? ('09 Street Bob). I did a search and there are a lot of threads on it all with varying options and opinions.
Not to get into a long story, but a little starter bump in gear would have been very helpful.
Not to get into a long story, but a little starter bump in gear would have been very helpful.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 915
Likes: 29
From: SE FL & Black Hills SD
My 15 Roadie has it. Won't crank unless in neutral. IT SUCKS! If Harleys were easier to get into neutral I wouldn't mind, but I never had one that was easy to find neutral...
Should you F up at a light and stall, you (and everyone behind you) could be sitting there until the next light... Wish I knew how to disable it, I would. If anyone has a link to post with a how to, I would really appreciate it.
Should you F up at a light and stall, you (and everyone behind you) could be sitting there until the next light... Wish I knew how to disable it, I would. If anyone has a link to post with a how to, I would really appreciate it.