Ignition vs kill switch
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
Clutch drag is worse when the engine and primary case oil are cold. Why would you start a cold motorcycle,in gear?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
I know you guys won't care, because you are all old school rebels. 
But from the HD manual:
*To shut the engine off, push the top of the OFF/RUN switch to the OFF position.
*See Ignition Switch. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to turn the electric power completely OFF.
Now, when you want to start your bike again:
*Put the engine OFF/RUN switch (6) in the RUN position and the transmission in neutral. Neutral (green) indicator lamp should be illuminated.
*See Ignition Switch. Turn the ignition switch to IGN and push the START switch to operate starter motor.
Seems simple to me to go by the book. But whatevs.
But from the HD manual:*To shut the engine off, push the top of the OFF/RUN switch to the OFF position.
*See Ignition Switch. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to turn the electric power completely OFF.
Now, when you want to start your bike again:
*Put the engine OFF/RUN switch (6) in the RUN position and the transmission in neutral. Neutral (green) indicator lamp should be illuminated.
*See Ignition Switch. Turn the ignition switch to IGN and push the START switch to operate starter motor.
Seems simple to me to go by the book. But whatevs.
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6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: Springville, Al
Been riding for years and want to protect my engine. Always go to neutral on a cold start and then put on helmet and gloves. Gives the bike about one minute to warm before heading out. Guess you get in a habit on startup and it's always seemed to work well for me. But an individual should do what he or she wants with their bike. So I guess it sort of is a process on cold start for me. Does take a little longer to start the ride.
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