neutral at red light
Banned
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Delaware
/sarcasm_on/ I usually leave mine in 3rd at lights, that way if I am rear ended, I don't get that dreaded sudden engine braking that can mess the crank up, and I can just roll into the throttle and get going...just like having J.A.T.O. /sarcasm_off/
I am in gear mostly, with an eye in the mirrors. Won't say i'm looking wildly like a bobble head or anything. But I do go to N on occasion to stretch, but only if situation behind me warrants.
I am in gear mostly, with an eye in the mirrors. Won't say i'm looking wildly like a bobble head or anything. But I do go to N on occasion to stretch, but only if situation behind me warrants.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
Hooray! I finally found neutral
Harley specs one half to one full turn of clutch adjustment and many, including me, spit the difference at 3/4 of a turn. I adjusted it to a full turn this morning and it is much easier to find neutral.
There should be a Service Bulletin on this for late model bikes that are hard to find neutral. I have adjusted it to 3/4 on my '03 & '05 and never had a problem.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
I know you are "supposed" to stay in gear but I never do. I flash my taillights when someone is approaching from the rear when I am stopped. Funny, but recently I was at a stop sign in my neighborhood at about 0630 and had just stopped when I heard a screech behind me - some idiot failed to see my giant a$$ Ultra with lights all over it...I dumped the clutch and hauled away - maybe that should be a lesson to me....
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
In gear, period ! I have been the victim of a JA that was texting while driving who didn't see me OR the U-Haul truck in front of me stopped at the red light... thank god I was off to the side enough to avoid being squished between JA and the U-Haul Truck ! Messed me up good still, 2 years in rehab, walked with a crutch/cane for 4 years and STILL have to use one at times, 12 years later. For that reason alone, NEVER NEVER take it out of gear at a light!
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
I took a long hiatus from motorcycling during my child-rearing years. When I came back to it, I found one of the things that had changed was conventional wisdom on what to do at a stoplight.
Thirty-nine years ago, the training books I read said neutral at stop lights because your clutch cable might break. Now, everything says to stay in gear. Go figure.
My choice is to stay in gear. I did an evasive maneuver once to avoid getting rear-ended at a stop light. The guy that had been behind me hit the car that was in front of me. That little incident made me a believer in being in gear with eyes on the mirror.
Thirty-nine years ago, the training books I read said neutral at stop lights because your clutch cable might break. Now, everything says to stay in gear. Go figure.
My choice is to stay in gear. I did an evasive maneuver once to avoid getting rear-ended at a stop light. The guy that had been behind me hit the car that was in front of me. That little incident made me a believer in being in gear with eyes on the mirror.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 717
Likes: 3
From: Cincinnati
There are so many different scenarios it's hard to have one answer. If the light has been red when I pull up, maybe I'll leave it in gear. If I pull up to a long light (I know) I'll put it in neutral. Mostly I put it in neutral, but always I know what what is going on around me, period. It only takes a second to move even if in neutral if you know what is going on around you.
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the metal
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Mar 14, 2008 12:22 PM
