Do not shift when engine off?
To the OP, it was always my understanding you could shift with the bike off as long as you rocked it to keep the gears from mashing (as it looks like many have heard that)
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Toledo, OH
As a part of my winterizing, I pull the plugs to spray in some fogging oil. Then I shift up through the gears to sixth and then push the bike around a little to get the pistons moving and distribute the fogging oil. After shifting up to the next gear I have to very slightly rock the bike back or forward. I hear a click in the trans and then can very easily shift to the next highest gear. Shift back down to neutral with the same procedure. Probably ruined my bike, right?
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
As a part of my winterizing, I pull the plugs to spray in some fogging oil. Then I shift up through the gears to sixth and then push the bike around a little to get the pistons moving and distribute the fogging oil. After shifting up to the next gear I have to very slightly rock the bike back or forward. I hear a click in the trans and then can very easily shift to the next highest gear. Shift back down to neutral with the same procedure. Probably ruined my bike, right?
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 365
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, Az.
I leave it in gear if theres a chance of rolling (slight incline). But I made the Mistake "ONCE" of not looking at the neutral indicater on the dash and started it while standing along side the bike. IT ALMOST LEFT WITHOUT ME. Scared me to death, now I always look to be sure. That may be a reason why they don't want you leaving it in gear, cause she'll start in gear.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 955
Likes: 2
From: Missouri
Was wondering if I could get some insight on why the owners manual recommends not shifting the gears when then engine is turned off? "Shift to neutral before stopping engine. Shifting mechanism can be damaged by shifting gears while engine is stopped." I know some like to leave bike in gear (self included,) when shutting down to prevent rolling etc when parked. Is there really any harm rocking the bike back in forth w/ clutch pulled in when shut off to find neutral before hitting the starter??
Road King seems to be prone to surging forward if started in gear w/ clutch pulled in, so unless you are going to always leave in neutral, there may be issues over time.
Let me know your thoughts...
Road King seems to be prone to surging forward if started in gear w/ clutch pulled in, so unless you are going to always leave in neutral, there may be issues over time.
Let me know your thoughts...
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
Always leave it in gear when sutting engine off. Usually put it in neutral prior to starting, never saw that statement in the manual. I don't see that being a problem as long as you use some common sense and don't force it into neutral.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
After riding Harleys for several decades I decided to join a good internet forum and learn about all the things that I should have learned years ago. I never realized just how fragile a Harley is. They always seemed so solid and damn near indestructible to me.
To make a long story short, I confess that I have been doing things wrong sometimes and right sometimes but I have never damaged an HD engine or tranny, or clutch for that matter. In my earlier days I would park and start the scoot in neutral (always with the kickstart gal). Occasionally, I would forget and leave it in gear and have it scare the hell out of me when it jumped forward under the power of the starter. Now I leave it in gear, usually start it in gear with the clutch pulled in and many times shift gears with the engine not running. I may go to hell for mistreating my Harley but, dang, it sure seems tough and trouble free.
I never realized just how fragile a Harley is. They always seemed so solid and damn near indestructible to me. To make a long story short, I confess that I have been doing things wrong sometimes and right sometimes but I have never damaged an HD engine or tranny, or clutch for that matter. In my earlier days I would park and start the scoot in neutral (always with the kickstart gal). Occasionally, I would forget and leave it in gear and have it scare the hell out of me when it jumped forward under the power of the starter. Now I leave it in gear, usually start it in gear with the clutch pulled in and many times shift gears with the engine not running. I may go to hell for mistreating my Harley but, dang, it sure seems tough and trouble free.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 10
From: Shreveport,La
I have always parked mine in neutral. I prefer not to load the starter anymore than I have to when I start the bike. I even shut it off a lot of times before I shift to neutral and I have been riding for 38 years without any tranny troubles. Common sense should tell you not to force the shift. Unloading the tranny is just too easy before you put the side stand down.
Now I have jinxed myself and it will brake the next time I do it.....LOL.
Now I have jinxed myself and it will brake the next time I do it.....LOL.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 929
Likes: 1
From: Blue Springs, MO
txfxstrider 
Outstanding HDF Member
To make a long story short, I confess that I have been doing things wrong sometimes and right sometimes but I have never damaged an HD engine or tranny, or clutch for that matter. In my earlier days I would park and start the scoot in neutral (always with the kickstart gal). Occasionally, I would forget and leave it in gear and have it scare the hell out of me when it jumped forward under the power of the starter. Now I leave it in gear, usually start it in gear with the clutch pulled in and many times shift gears with the engine not running. I may go to hell for mistreating my Harley but, dang, it sure seems tough and trouble free.
Outstanding HDF Member
To make a long story short, I confess that I have been doing things wrong sometimes and right sometimes but I have never damaged an HD engine or tranny, or clutch for that matter. In my earlier days I would park and start the scoot in neutral (always with the kickstart gal). Occasionally, I would forget and leave it in gear and have it scare the hell out of me when it jumped forward under the power of the starter. Now I leave it in gear, usually start it in gear with the clutch pulled in and many times shift gears with the engine not running. I may go to hell for mistreating my Harley but, dang, it sure seems tough and trouble free.
Boy for a min there this thread scared me........LMAO