It is normal. Nothing wrong with your bike. The loud clunk going into first gear is also normal.

 

Put the damn bike in neutral before you start it. Are you just trying to find a problem or what? Most bikes do this. If this is your only problem you are in good shape.

 

ANY lurch while starting in gear is a sign of needing the clutch adjusted.

 

it's a Harley thing. They all do it to my knowledge.

 

Sorry, you are wrong they all don't do it. A properly adjusted clutch should not lurch when started in gear. Sheesh people, get over the saying "that's normal". Get a manual and learn how to work on your bikes.

 

Take a new bike for a test drive. They all do it. Doesn't matter where the bike comes from. Maybe yours is excessive and a clutch adjustment is in order but to some degree it should be considered normal..

SmokinDave is correct in his last sentence.
TGIF

 

Mine does it a little but only when cold. Every harley i've ever owned or been around has done it when cold with the exception of 1. My 05 EG doesnt but it doesnt have the stock clutch. I generally never start in gear. Allow for some warmup time and the clunk will be greatly diminished.

 

It's an HD thing. :-)

 

Probably a TSB on it being normal somewhere... Mine does it, always has no matter how I adjust the clutch. Just start in neutral with clutch pulled in to get the load off the starter. Like has been stated "It's a Harley thing."

 

Mine does it too. I have tried clutch adjustments with different amounts of turn outs, tried ATF type F in the primary (supposed to eliminate clutch plates from sticking together) and also expeimented with different fluids in the primary. It does the lurch ALL the time when starting it completely cold. I just chalk it up to it's a Harley thing.

My Honda's did not do this but my wife's Suzuki does the same thing. We just start them in neutral. when they are warmed up the learch goes away.