Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

2011 FLSTC: Neutral Safety Switch Issues...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 30, 2012 | 04:50 PM
  #1  
DiabloDoll's Avatar
DiabloDoll
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Manassas, VA
Question 2011 FLSTC: Neutral Safety Switch Issues...

Hi everyone! I'm new to the Forums here, looks like a great place for the exchange of info. I have a problem with my Heritage and thought I'd post my question here.

Last month, my switch housing died and had to be replaced (under warranty). Just a couple weeks after that, I noticed that my bike doesn't want to start in gear with the clutch pulled in. However, it fires right up on the first try when it's in neutral.

Is this a common problem with a bike so new? It just seems that I've had more problems with this, being a brand new bike and all, than most people have during the whole time they own their bikes!

Thanks...
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2012 | 05:29 PM
  #2  
ghostrider69's Avatar
ghostrider69
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
Default

This is not a common problem at all. 2011 Softail models was the first year that Harley implemented the conversion over to the new CANBUS electrical system. It could be a number of things causing this issue. Something as simple as a pinched wire to something harder to correct such as electrical noise interference. Study up on the new electrical system just to give yourself a better idea of how it functions. In the mean time I would take the bike to the dealer so that they can trace the problem.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2012 | 06:11 PM
  #3  
wildchild2's Avatar
wildchild2
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Seattle Wa.
Default 2011 FLSTC: Neutral Safety Switch Issues...

I had the same problem when I replaced the bars on my bike.. went nuts trying to figure out what went wrong..

BUT...as per the service manual. "when replacing the switch, clamp the clutch assy. first to the bars, do not tighten, just snug, then install the switch housing to the bars"..

BIG NOTE PER MANUAL: "Always tighten the lower switch housing bolt first so that any gap between the upper and lower housing is at the front of the switch."
then tighten the the clutch housing screws..

there is no over travel in the switch. it is set just so than when the clutch handle is pulled back to the rubber grip it just makes contact.
easy to check out before going to the dealer....
Ed
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2012 | 06:11 PM
  #4  
DiabloDoll's Avatar
DiabloDoll
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Manassas, VA
Default

Thanks for the quick reply, ghostrider! I'll do that - both study up and take it to the local dealer. They couldn't replicate the issue last week when I tried describing it to them, and it was only yesterday that my riding partner and I realized what it might be. This helps a lot! Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2012 | 06:12 PM
  #5  
DiabloDoll's Avatar
DiabloDoll
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Manassas, VA
Default

Thanks, Ed!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tn_popo
Touring Models
7
Apr 11, 2019 06:13 PM
Buster217
2018+ Softail Models
7
Feb 18, 2019 08:24 PM
fffffish
Softail Models
2
Apr 14, 2016 05:27 AM
ghost183
Screamin Eagle CVO Models
6
Jul 29, 2015 06:35 PM
clarkchriston
Touring Models
15
May 3, 2013 08:23 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:54 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE