Softail starting question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,110
From: Florida
Sorry, but I think that's a load of crappadoola. I have never EVER used the handlebar switch on any of my Harleys & never had a problem. Carbed, EFI,Evo, doesn't matter. Reason I don't use the switch is 'cause it's too easy to hit the starter button by mistake while the engine is running. Seen my friend & my GF do it after I warned 'em to forget that switch even exists;doesn't make a pretty sound! For all I know the handlebar switches on my bikes could be rusted in the "on" position;wouldn't make a bit of difference. Tank switch is the only one I use.
Club Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,815
Likes: 16
From: Virginia
I agree with dick. That shouldn't make any difference. I do however always use the kill switch on my bike since the key is in the neck and harder to reach to shut off the bike.
The little myth that I hear a lot about that you should wait till the diagnostic light goes out to start your bike is a load of bull too.
Sometimes in the summer after riding then shutting off the bike for a short time, mine is a little hesitant to start right away too. Doesn't do it often but it has happened. I attribute it to vapor lock.
The little myth that I hear a lot about that you should wait till the diagnostic light goes out to start your bike is a load of bull too.
Sometimes in the summer after riding then shutting off the bike for a short time, mine is a little hesitant to start right away too. Doesn't do it often but it has happened. I attribute it to vapor lock.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 304
Likes: 38
From: Port Orange, FL
Thanks dickey and PigInaBlanket for your input. My wife's and my 2010 Deluxes are identical. Same mileage, same serivice intervals, same riding style to the tee. We had '09 baggers that we started and stopped by the book. The Deluxes had about 5K on them when I deviated and started not using the handlebar switch. That's when the starting glitch happened. For the past two days I've changed nothing in terms of riding style, destinations, coffee stops, etc...the only thing I changed is I went back to the book procedure and it cleared the problem up. I ain't sayin' that the vapor lock or dirty fuel filter things don't exist...of course they do. I'm also not implying that an inadamite object like a motorcycle has a "heart" or "feelings", but I'm a firm believer in when you deviate from a procedure that you've used since break in, it could cause some glitch somewhere. I have never accidentally hit the start button as Dickey's friend did. I've seen it done, but my wife and I are so "brainwashed" in how our thumbs act at the throttle and handlebar switch, it has never been an issue. Anyway bro's, thanks again for the input. I'm gonna use the switch.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 6
From: North London, UK
I know you don't have to wait for the lights to extinguish, but why confuse the poor thing?
Every vehicle I've ever had, from the the '66 Land Rover I had to my '11 Road King, has a sequence that worked first time, every time. Not that the vehicle won't start any other way. But there was a way it liked to be done.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 304
Likes: 38
From: Port Orange, FL
I agree. The sequence I use is: Tank Ignition switch (wait for security light to go out) -- Handlebar switch (wait for engine management light to go out) -- Press Start -- giggle hysterically at the sound.
I know you don't have to wait for the lights to extinguish, but why confuse the poor thing?
Every vehicle I've ever had, from the the '66 Land Rover I had to my '11 Road King, has a sequence that worked first time, every time. Not that the vehicle won't start any other way. But there was a way it liked to be done.
I know you don't have to wait for the lights to extinguish, but why confuse the poor thing?
Every vehicle I've ever had, from the the '66 Land Rover I had to my '11 Road King, has a sequence that worked first time, every time. Not that the vehicle won't start any other way. But there was a way it liked to be done.
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