neutral starting switch
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
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.
The OP's 2003 does not have a clutch interlock; if he hits the starter in gear (clutch not engaged) the bike will jump. It's also hard on the starter.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Jan 29, 2016 at 08:29 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Indeed a bad clutch interlock switch. A lot of times it's after the owner has changed levers and damaged the switch. Most don't know it's there.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,675
Likes: 8,401
From: Utah
This "lurching" guys are talking about....
Is it actually starting in gear, or does the bike just nudge forward a bit when the starter is hit?
Trying to nudge forward is caused by the clutch plates sticking a bit, and is different than "starting in gear"
Is it actually starting in gear, or does the bike just nudge forward a bit when the starter is hit?
Trying to nudge forward is caused by the clutch plates sticking a bit, and is different than "starting in gear"
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
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From: USA
My 04 has no clutch switch and no connection between the neutral light and the starter switch. Mine will, in oem correct form, spin the starter and the engine in gear or out, with the clutch pulled in or released. The entire burden of control is on the rider, there are no safeties.
My 04 will completely start in gear, with the clutch lever released. The bike will creep forward as the starter motor spins the engine. If the bike is facing downhill, it can spin it fast enough that the engine will start.
My 04 has no clutch switch and no connection between the neutral light and the starter switch. Mine will, in oem correct form, spin the starter and the engine in gear or out, with the clutch pulled in or released. The entire burden of control is on the rider, there are no safeties.
My 04 has no clutch switch and no connection between the neutral light and the starter switch. Mine will, in oem correct form, spin the starter and the engine in gear or out, with the clutch pulled in or released. The entire burden of control is on the rider, there are no safeties.
Sorry, I was referring to the newer bikes that mention lurch, but thank you for the response.
It has been established that 2007 was when the clutch switch was introduced.
Stage IV
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Wandering.......
I have a 2013 Heritage Softail, and sometimes it will crank in gear, with clutch pulled in. Sometimes it won't. There is a starter safety switch in the switch housing, behind the clutch lever. If you look in behind the lever, you can see a small domed button. The lever has a tab on the back that contacts the button when pulled back. My lever seems sloppy on its pivot pin. So I just ordered a new pair of chromed levers, and hope that with a better lever it will hit the button on the switch, and solve the problem. If that does not solve it, I will look at ways to improve the contact to that button.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 885
Likes: 14
From: SoCal
2003 bikes will start in gear clutch in or out. Don't know when the safety thing was introduced.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,487
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From: USA
From the 2007 Model Year Technical Forum
Clutch Interlock Switch
• Clutch interlock switch functions as an “or” function with the neutral switch
• Switch verifies if the motorcycle is in neutral and if not, the clutch lever must be disengaged (pulled in) before motorcycle will start
• Excellent feature for new riders
Clutch Interlock Switch
• Clutch interlock switch functions as an “or” function with the neutral switch
• Switch verifies if the motorcycle is in neutral and if not, the clutch lever must be disengaged (pulled in) before motorcycle will start
• Excellent feature for new riders
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