. You know, we've all done it when we were kids in an old car. Make it go by turning the key in gear.
bypassing clutch start switch??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 1,754
From: New Bern NC
Call me stupid, go ahead its OK, but what would be gained from disabling the starter lock out switch on the clutch? I can't think of a single time I've ever needed to start in gear 
What advantage am I missing? It seems to me as was stated in an earlier post "if you weren't about to screw up how would you even know that switch existed?"
What advantage am I missing? It seems to me as was stated in an earlier post "if you weren't about to screw up how would you even know that switch existed?"
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
His friends bike is a cop bike that has that feature.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: League City, TX
I've been wrenching hogs and customs since the age of 12 and I'm approaching 60 now, so I'll share from the side of experience that a clutch or neutral-safety should not be over-ridden. This is particularly true of any newer big twin with a high-amp capacity starter under warm engine conditions. Even brief engagement can on rare occasion actually cause enough momentum to produce an engine run that can put you rubber side up pretty quick, not to mention giving anyone standing in front of you an instant fairing ride. It's surprising how much torque a high-amp starter can produce under in-gear circumstances.
Yeah, you can bridge the safety feature, but there's no practical reason to do so.
Scooter "T" (refined, yet delightfully tacky)
Yeah, you can bridge the safety feature, but there's no practical reason to do so.
Scooter "T" (refined, yet delightfully tacky)
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 8
From: Aurora, IL
This is all kinda funny cause as I read this, I couldnt tell you if I have it or not! I guess what I am trying to say is if you leave it alone, eventually it will be second nature and you wont even think about it.
I would leave it alone. I have bumped the starter many times on my 03WG with it in gear.....Not fun!
I would leave it alone. I have bumped the starter many times on my 03WG with it in gear.....Not fun!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: Ct.
Im missing something.
Does this function make it so that you need to pull the clutch in even in Neutral,,, if so, that is a little hincky.
But serioiusly. Why would you want that feature disabled on any other gear?
Does this function make it so that you need to pull the clutch in even in Neutral,,, if so, that is a little hincky.
But serioiusly. Why would you want that feature disabled on any other gear?
Stage II
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
clutch bypass
i have an 07 ultra stripped down to a wannabe street glide. When I installed my ape hangers with new switches and wiring the harness didn't come with a clutch switch. I was told to just connect the 2 wires together and since the bike has been done the key fob alarm light stays on constantly showing a b1154 code which is clutch switch shorted to ground. The bike runs fine but will only start in neutral no matter what and light never goes out. any suggestions on how to fix this code without having to install a clutch switch? The bike is for sale and no one including myself would by it with the light on.
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
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 2,858
From: Oklahoma
Every switch in a start circuit is one more chance for a "no start" when (not "if") it fails. With good habits, the switch is unnecessary. Obviously the owner accepts responsibility for his own brain farts, should he have one. I know the OP also requested "thoughts" but if the guy wants to do it, save the insults and criticisms.
I have disabled the equivalent switches in every manual shift vehicle I have had specifically so I can move the vehicle using the starter in an emergency, an option those with automatics don't have.
I would suspect there is a plug in the headlight nacelle for the clutch safety switch and unplugging the safety switch and putting a jumper across the plug will get the job done.
I have disabled the equivalent switches in every manual shift vehicle I have had specifically so I can move the vehicle using the starter in an emergency, an option those with automatics don't have.
I would suspect there is a plug in the headlight nacelle for the clutch safety switch and unplugging the safety switch and putting a jumper across the plug will get the job done.