neutral starting switch
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
I think many of the non-HD brand bikes have a clutch safety switch. If the bike is in gear and the clutch is not pulled in, the bike will not start. The HD bikes do not have this, at least not in the US. Not sure why the MoCo doesn't have this feature, other than it's not mandated by the Feds.
for the touring bikes, the neutral safety switch was new for 2007 so restab, you've got an issue that needs looked at.
I think many of the non-HD brand bikes have a clutch safety switch. If the bike is in gear and the clutch is not pulled in, the bike will not start. The HD bikes do not have this, at least not in the US. Not sure why the MoCo doesn't have this feature, other than it's not mandated by the Feds.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,946
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by FXDXTSport
Have you tried starting your bike(s) when in gear with the clutch engaged? I don't think you can. I know I can't on my 2010.
However, my buddy's '11 SG did start while in gear, or at least lurched forward while trying to start it. We were on a CA - NC trip a couple summers ago and one morning getting ready to start our final leg into CA when this happened. He forgot it was in gear and just about pee'd his chaps. Needless to say, everything was okay with no mishaps. Could have been a malfunctioning switch, but led me to believe my bike was the same. Also saw this happen at my local HD, as well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
However, my buddy's '11 SG did start while in gear, or at least lurched forward while trying to start it. We were on a CA - NC trip a couple summers ago and one morning getting ready to start our final leg into CA when this happened. He forgot it was in gear and just about pee'd his chaps. Needless to say, everything was okay with no mishaps. Could have been a malfunctioning switch, but led me to believe my bike was the same. Also saw this happen at my local HD, as well.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 443
Likes: 21
From: Parrish FL
My 14 sgs and buddies 16 cvo sg must be in neutral to start. Can't just pull in clutch and start in gear.
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,675
Likes: 8,401
From: Utah
If they are still under warranty take them back to the dealer and get them fixed. Your clutch switch needs to be replaced, it means replacing the whole left hand switch pack.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
Not cool if it quits in the middle of a slow turn with traffic honking behind you. If it was mine I would repair it. Its not a cheap fix so if the 14 is off warranty your gonna be unhappy.