It looks like it either has to be in neutral 'OR' the clutch lever must be held to the handlebar (Disengaged) AND the brake must be applied. This is according to the 2017 Trike owners manual that can be found at HD's website.




Rolling the throttle before starting the motorcycle is unnecessary.
Starting
WARNING
Shift transmission to neutral before starting engine to prevent accidental movement, which could result in death or serious injury. (00044a)

1. Turn ignition switch to IGNITION position. Do not roll the throttle.
2. See Figure 1. With security fob present, set the OFF/RUN switch to RUN.
   NOTE
   The check engine lamp will light when the ignition is turned on. You will hear the fuel pump run for a short time as it pressurizes the fuel system.
3. Raise the jiffy stand (required on international models).
4. Squeeze the clutch lever in against the hand grip. Shift transmission to neutral.
   NOTE
   To activate the starting system, the clutch interlock circuitry requires that the clutch be disengaged. The clutch lever must be pulled in against the left handlebar grip and/or the transmission must be shifted to the neutral position (with the green neutral lamp lit). Apply the brake to prevent movement of the motorcycle.
5. Press the starter button to start the motorcycle.
   NOTE
   To allow enhanced lubrication of the engine before start, the engine will crank a number of turns before starting.
6. When the engine has started, you can operate your motorcycle as you normally would after raising the jiffy stand.

NOTE
The ABS indicator lamp will remain on until vehicle is moving approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).

1Engine off/run switch2Engine start switch
Figure 1. Right Hand Control

 

No ABS on trikes

 

 

The info in both of my post comes from the HD Service Info Portal

 

It's only what's posted in the owners manual. HD also mentioned a 'jiffy stand' which the trike certainly does not have.

 

I found that out the hard way and can't say I am happy about the need of applying the brake and the clutch with the 17s in order for it to start while in gear. Pulling in the clutch that's okay, but the brake also. Not good when trying to restart while rolling. Hopefully a simple mod can take care of that.
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yep, having to hit the brakes just sucks. stupid idea to say the least.

 

Whew! Glad I'm still riding my 2009 with 74,000+ on it.

 

my 17 is the same way,i pull front brake a little mine will start without being in neutral

 

I have 20K on my 15 Freewheeler. Putting it into neutral to start has never been an issue to me or leaving it in gear with the brake and clutch pulled in. Also if one hits the kill switch while riding who wouldn't know to just switch it back on. No need to stop or put it in neutral. Seems to be a skill set from somewhere just past when one gets a license at 16. I have done that a couple of time winter riding with big gloves on. It takes what a fraction of a second?

It seems like some over think or react to tiny tiny meaningless issues.