Start in gear, or not
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 24
From: virginia
Start in gear, or not
Yes, a thousand times, we have talked.... and recently, a lot of differing opinions on various sites about how to start, to eliminate the horrible first clunk. Three or so options, rock the bike in gear first with clutch in to loosen. or, just start cold and maybe hit the throttle with clutch pulled and wait a bit. Third, is to just start in gear with clutch pulled, which works. So, whatttaya say is best. I have tried these three, and the third always works, but means more shifting and rocking to make it happen. So being lazy, I just normally start cold, pull clutch, hit it and wait, then clunk into gear. What do you think, better ideas?? There is little else I hate to do to a machine than this awful bang in the drivetrain. And, having had a ton of jap bikes, including some with power, none exhibit this nicety.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 894
Likes: 537
From: Central NY
I always start in neutral, I let it warm up a little bit, and I don't get that infamous 'thunk' when putting it in first gear on my 114's. It could be the oil that's in there or something, my older Harleys always did that.
Once in a while I'll pull in the clutch and start in gear but that's rare for me to do that.
Once in a while I'll pull in the clutch and start in gear but that's rare for me to do that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 2,134
From: W. Texas
It's been many years since I contended with putting the 3rd starter clutch in ???? one of my bikes yea it's been that long.
Guess I sounded like I was whining about it and an ol timer jumped my ***.
Well dumb *** start it neutral unless you learn to like changing them out. Squeeze the clutch 2-3 times then put in gear
WP
Guess I sounded like I was whining about it and an ol timer jumped my ***.
Well dumb *** start it neutral unless you learn to like changing them out. Squeeze the clutch 2-3 times then put in gear
WP
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 24
From: virginia
Good points. I have an old chrysler 383 that I am working on. When I wrench over the engine by hand, it always amazed me that these starters can even function. The plymouth starter is a gear drive, not direct drive like the harley. But, still, if you start in gear on the harley, it will take a lot to bust the friction of the clutch before turning.....so, mebee an issue. This is why I asked.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
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From: Beyond Fucital
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
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From: Idaho Panhandle
Normally, neutral. I live in Idaho, sometimes I have to park facing uphill. I leave it in first when parked. When I start it, on the hill, I pull the clutch in, hit the starter. Hand on front brake or foot on rear brake. This often happens when I have to back into a steep parking spot. Does bike lurch forward? No, I have a brake depressed. I also cycle the clutch a few times after dropping it into neutral and it often reduces the klunk.
Even when on the flat, in neutral, I pull in the clutch and have at least one brake depressed. I do it naturally. That means I don’t even think about it. So for me, it’s not a big deal. I don’t think you need to worry about it. Do what is safe and don’t worry about what people you don’t know. Oh, I’m one of them, but it’s snowing and I’m ready to pour myself a nice whisky. Hope you get you problem resolved.
Even when on the flat, in neutral, I pull in the clutch and have at least one brake depressed. I do it naturally. That means I don’t even think about it. So for me, it’s not a big deal. I don’t think you need to worry about it. Do what is safe and don’t worry about what people you don’t know. Oh, I’m one of them, but it’s snowing and I’m ready to pour myself a nice whisky. Hope you get you problem resolved.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Start it in gear. Little more load on starter but no biggie. My 04 when it tugs fwd a tad somehow confuses the idle speed reference.
It will idle about 200 fast after warmed up at the first stop.
It will idle about 200 fast after warmed up at the first stop.