Clutch in while starting in ( N ) ?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
Since this has been resurrected, it gives me a chance to observe a common preference in younger riders. The BLIND FAITH in safety switches amazes me as "I don't worry about it because it can't start in gear with the clutch not pulled in". Harley AND lots of after market sources sell RELACEMENTS for every switch on your bike. The reason? Every one of them has failed at one time or another on somebody's bike.
When starting, if the bike starts to roll, especially if you aren't on it, you get to pay for repairs to your bike AND to whatever it hits. With a wet clutch, chances are the input side of the transmission will be driven whether the clutch lever is pulled in or not, If the bike was left in gear that will result in a "jump" if the lever is pulled in but will result in a run away if the lever is out. As a side benefit, if the bike starts in gear with the lever pulled in, you have just tested whether it will crank in gear if it should die at a stop sign or traffic light. Do you want the odds with you or against you should a switch fail with no warning?
When starting, if the bike starts to roll, especially if you aren't on it, you get to pay for repairs to your bike AND to whatever it hits. With a wet clutch, chances are the input side of the transmission will be driven whether the clutch lever is pulled in or not, If the bike was left in gear that will result in a "jump" if the lever is pulled in but will result in a run away if the lever is out. As a side benefit, if the bike starts in gear with the lever pulled in, you have just tested whether it will crank in gear if it should die at a stop sign or traffic light. Do you want the odds with you or against you should a switch fail with no warning?
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 95
Likes: 12
From: london
Always do, just habit just in case! Would not want to find out the hard way when starting that it was not in N.
Last edited by adammarcos; Dec 16, 2023 at 11:20 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,474
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
Old thread, but I bet a debated topic,
Myself, I start in neutal, slightly less drag on starter, but I don't worry about pulling clutch in.
I tell OL to remind me, but you know how that goes,
Last edited by Rounders; Dec 16, 2023 at 01:13 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 924
Likes: 898
From: Upstate NY
My kid brother was just learning to ride. We pulled into a busy downtown bar. Two young studs on their bikes, an epic night was to be had! After a beer and admiring all the sun dresses out that evening, we go to leave. My brother just stood next to his bike and hit the starter button.....many of you know whats coming.....
His bike shot forward about 3 feet an then fell over. Now the poor kid has to walk over and upright his bike in front of the entire downtown crowd. Needless to say, that event alone made me always start my bike with the clutch in and me in the saddle.
His bike shot forward about 3 feet an then fell over. Now the poor kid has to walk over and upright his bike in front of the entire downtown crowd. Needless to say, that event alone made me always start my bike with the clutch in and me in the saddle.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
