Do all Harleys start in gear???
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 968
Likes: 11
From: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
RE: Do all Harleys start in gear???
ORIGINAL: txfxstrider
CSI, I would not be surprised if 50% of those on this forum have never driven a car with a manual transmission.
CSI, I would not be surprised if 50% of those on this forum have never driven a car with a manual transmission.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
RE: Do all Harleys start in gear???
HD is the last bike made that allows the starter to spin without the clutch pulled in or the N light on.
I know the P spec bikes (cop bikes) have a clutch interlock, at least they did in 03, I had to disable mine when I put the Magura hydraulic clutch in because there was no provision for it.
I know the P spec bikes (cop bikes) have a clutch interlock, at least they did in 03, I had to disable mine when I put the Magura hydraulic clutch in because there was no provision for it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,945
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Do all Harleys start in gear???
Ah've gotta agree - about the only thing the "safety interlocks" do is drive up costs, complexity - and dumb us down. \\; I do NOT need something to "save" me from what SHOULD be a standard thing ah do - pull in clutch, grasp brake, hit starter. \\; How freakin' hard is that?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
RE: Do all Harleys start in gear???
1. Never trust the neutral light
2. Always pull in clutch
3. Hold brake lever in
4. Start bike
5. Release clutch slowly
6. Ride (after releasing brake and putting the bike in Gear)
 \\;
Reminds me of the old army jeep, starter was on a switch under the clutch pedal, had to push the clutch all the way in to hit the start switch.
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
2. Always pull in clutch
3. Hold brake lever in
4. Start bike
5. Release clutch slowly
6. Ride (after releasing brake and putting the bike in Gear)
 \\;
Reminds me of the old army jeep, starter was on a switch under the clutch pedal, had to push the clutch all the way in to hit the start switch.
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 75
From: Goldsboro, NC
RE: Do all Harleys start in gear???
I also don't think it was an "Ignorant" question in the least. I have had tons of jap bikes, been riding since I was 18 yrs old on the road, and 9 yrs old on dirt bikes. I ADMIT I WAS SURPRISED when I bumped the starter the first time in gear, (Absentmindely) and it jumped...
I always thought it wasn't the manufacturer that wanted that, I FIGURED it was the USGvt...protecting the morons from their stupidity. (Someone starts the bike, then sues the company,,because they could do it, and got hurt)
You know the scenerio.....
So it was VERY surprising to me that HD hadn't yet,,,, But I am just more aware now,,,(Always a good thing)
I always thought it wasn't the manufacturer that wanted that, I FIGURED it was the USGvt...protecting the morons from their stupidity. (Someone starts the bike, then sues the company,,because they could do it, and got hurt)
You know the scenerio.....
So it was VERY surprising to me that HD hadn't yet,,,, But I am just more aware now,,,(Always a good thing)
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 616
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Do all Harleys start in gear???
I have been riding for 25 years and know how to drive a stick shift car, I drag race one. \\; I think it would be a great idea if the bike wouldn't start in gear.
 \\;
Yes I can read and I did read my manual. \\;
 \\;
I absentmindedly hit the starter button one time and the bike lurched forward. \\; In that case nobody would have gotten hurt but I could have dropped the bike which would have pi$$ed me off. \\; You guys can say what you want about how dumb I was yadda yadda yadda, but let me follow you around for a few days and we'll see how perfect you are!
 \\;
Great question, let's treat the guy with some respect.
 \\;
Yes I can read and I did read my manual. \\;
 \\;
I absentmindedly hit the starter button one time and the bike lurched forward. \\; In that case nobody would have gotten hurt but I could have dropped the bike which would have pi$$ed me off. \\; You guys can say what you want about how dumb I was yadda yadda yadda, but let me follow you around for a few days and we'll see how perfect you are!
 \\;
Great question, let's treat the guy with some respect.
