Well,the switch lubing didn't seem to help. In fact, the first time I started it after I left the dealer I had the same problem. They told me to bring it back and they'd replace the switch. Did that and have purposely started it in gear ever since. No problems. Looks like the switch was the culprit the whole time.

Thanks to those that posted with suggestions...to the problems and finding neutral.

 

Glad you found the problem

I'm still breaking my 2012 48 in, approx. 600km, and finding neutral while at a stop is a bit of a challenge (many bikes I've had have this 'issue'), usually have to move slowly forward and it pops in no problem. Also, if I turn the bike off in 1st, and THEN click up to neutral, it's like butter.

Another reason I always start the bike with the clutch in, regardles of whether in neutral or (by mistake) first is that the idiot light can fail. You can think you're in neutral and be in first. Not saying this is an HD issue, but it has been known to happen.

Imagine being not on the bike, but beside it, seeing the idiot light and hitting the starter. Then imagine the look on your face as the bike drives off on you for a few feet...and falls over

Clutch in starts=good

 

It is much easier on the bike/starter etc to start the bike in neutral, less drag/friction.

To start the bike in gear you need to pull the clutch handle all the way back/down else the starter will not engage. I sometimes do not fully drop the handle and find myself having to pull it back farther.

 

Grats on the 48, Dafy. I've managed 1500+ miles since the end of Apr. There's no way in hell I'd try to start it without the clutch in, especially when I'm not sitting on it when I crank it up!

Oh, and I'm finding neutral a lot easier now. I still rock it back and forth sometimes, but it drops in much quicker now.

 

Thanks man, really enjoying it so far...especially getting used to it in the garage and trying to make it mine Now that the weather is consistently nice, I'll be putting more miles on for sure. Planning a trip to Bobcaygeon/The Kawarthas in July, hopefully a few clicks and pics and twisties

I'm usually off the bike when I start it, especially when I first get on it in the morning since I'm not going to sit on it for 2 minutes while it warms up lol.

I've heard that Sporties tend to get better, faster, more relaxed etc. as you work them in, so I'm sure neutral will be like butter in no time

 

I've also got a new 2012 1200c and found it difficult to get neutral the first few times I rode, but it's eased up since using the bike more. It also depends what boots I wear. I've always started my bikes in neutral, it's never occurred to me to start in gear!