Same here. I just can't take that abrupt smack the primary & tranny take when a bike is put in 1st gear the 1st time when cold. I tried starting it in 1st & in neutral on several occations when I 1st got it & there's almost no diff in how the starter cranks it over. I can't remember the last time my bike was in neutral.
Just my take on my bike.

 

Scenario: suddenly you hear squeeling brakes behind you and in a split second maybe you can avoid being rear ended by pulling next to the car in front of you or perhaps in front of the car next to you but - - damn, got to shift into gear first.

Good advice would be to keep your bike in gear and at least one of your eyes on your mirrors. This is not an uncommon happening. I'm speaking from 32 years experienceinvestigating accidents along with being a former MSF instructor.

 

Mine stays in 1st gear when I'm stopped for any reason. Can't remember the last time it was in neutral.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1638/8211D09624FB4E5B910DC4B0652B893D.jpg[/IMG]

 

neutral, always

 

Neutral, with clutch pulled in.

 

Neutral unless I'm having a bad day and can't find it.

 

Kicker hurts like hell,,,,when its in gear....unless I two step it in secound...

 

Always in neutral. Anything else will ruin your starter or at least wear it to hell alot quicker. This is due to the clutch plates dragging upon initial start-up.

Alot of people want to start their bikes in 1st so that they will not hear the loud clunk when shifting into 1st gear, " It is normal"! Start your bike in neutral!