Start in gear, or not
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,459
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
I've hit the starter many times on my bike in gear. Nothing happened, but stalling. I have heard some people say otherwise, but I can't imagine how.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 24
From: virginia
I still want to look at the B&M fluid thought....might help stop the sticking....in fact, also thought, maybe build a clip to hold the clutch lever back while parked...yes, some argument about spring relax that I think is a bit exagerated. Just thinking. Also, the larger ball thing is a great thought. I have looked at the ramp change kits for my former 88 heritage....but larger *****....hmmm. I am fanatic about maintenance and good products. After trading my heritage on this 15 FB, I went thru things...dealer had changed fluids. I wanted to check brake fluids and all the rest. Also found the clutch rod to be almost tight, very little play, added just over 1/2 turn, not quite 3/4. And, maybe 1/8 on the handle. All good thoughts here though....has got me doing more work.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,898
Likes: 11,334
From: NE Ohio
"funny and misfortune" starting in neutral?!?!?
what the hell are you talking about??
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I park in gear and start in neutral.
Rarely ever start in gear
(same for manual trans trucks 'n cars I've owned)
As far as the first gear "clunk" It's a Harley. ....they all do that
what I have noticed, the longer I hold the clutch in before kicking into gear, the "bang" isn't as loud
But I've accepted it as just part of life, and it doesn't appear Harley's transmissions fail very often....so I don't much worry about it
've hit the starter many times on my bike in gear. Nothing happened,
Some bikes are one revolution start.(mine is often and it's rare mine is ever more than two)
Depending on the stroke the cylinder is at, half a rev will fire up.
Which my guess is how the Sportster came to life
keep your finger on the starter button and your bike will chug along and start (if you're not holding the brake on)
,,KTF
Last edited by Cap77; Jan 3, 2025 at 07:48 AM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,420
From: USA
I usually prefer to start in neutral on any of my bikes, or cars for that matter, but it's not critical. I do also normally have the clutch held disengaged as well, and gradually let it out, just in case, because every once in a while....
Starting in gear is normally no big deal either. But in cold weather, with thick oil, the starter drag can be rather significant, and on some vehicles, the pull forward can be pretty real as well. Sure, I can handle it, but if I don't have to, I prefer to simply avoid it.
Starting in gear is normally no big deal either. But in cold weather, with thick oil, the starter drag can be rather significant, and on some vehicles, the pull forward can be pretty real as well. Sure, I can handle it, but if I don't have to, I prefer to simply avoid it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 1,488
From: Black Hills of SD
I have not tried it, but have read several times here on the site that people swear Redline oil with what is called Shock-proof something, to be the end of the "Clunk".
It's pretty pricy oil for a chance it might work.
It's pretty pricy oil for a chance it might work.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,159
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
When I first started riding in the 70's, I saw numerous "incidents" from guys starting their bikes in gear... most just lurched and stalled, a couple fell over, and one actually started. I had to smile at the stunned look my friend's face as he watched his bike start, drive itself about 15 yards across a parking lot (yes, it was a bar), only to wedge itself and stall, between two parked cars... 
So since my early days of riding, I always start my bikes in neutral, with the clutch pulled in, anytime I start them. It's automatic, muscle memory for me... I also then cautiously, slowly let out the clutch.. especially if standing next to the bike.
The only exception is if I stall the bike in traffic (hey, it happens once in awhile, not very often). Even then, I have to make a conscious effort to just leave it in gear, pull the clutch, start it, and ride away..
I suspect my starting habits have saved me an embarrassing moment or two over the years....
So since my early days of riding, I always start my bikes in neutral, with the clutch pulled in, anytime I start them. It's automatic, muscle memory for me... I also then cautiously, slowly let out the clutch.. especially if standing next to the bike.
The only exception is if I stall the bike in traffic (hey, it happens once in awhile, not very often). Even then, I have to make a conscious effort to just leave it in gear, pull the clutch, start it, and ride away..
I suspect my starting habits have saved me an embarrassing moment or two over the years....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
This is not the case with my bike. It clunks with Redline, and it clunks no matter what oil is used in the trans or primary. The only oil I haven't tried is the Amsoil Kool-Aid. They clunk, always have and always will.