I always pull in the clutch - just from habit. However, it should not be a problem at all. If the bike is lurching, I would check the primary fluid level and then adjust the clutch.

 

If the bike is in neutral, why would the clutch have any reason the be engaged? How could the clutch be involved in this minor "jump" when starting in neutral?

 

I would never dream of just hitting the starter without the clutch engaged. If one attends the MSF course it is drilled into to not trust indicator lights and allways engage the clutch. But do as you wish and you will probably be okay 99 out of 100 times. But it would only take the one time when your prize possesion lurches and takes a dive towards the pavement. Pulling in the clutch is just a small price to pay for ensuring your bike stays nice and shiny

 

Mine sure goes easy into 1st from neutral, if I start it with the clutch pulled in.

 

There is an interlock (safety) which prevents the bike from activating the starter when the bike is in any gear. Try it for yourself...the bike will not start. You can start in neutral (clutch in/out) or in gear (clutch in). That's it.

 

Since your bike is an '08, it won't start when it's in gear with the clutch out. Meaning it can't lurch forward because of an interlock. So even of the neutral light failed and the bike was in 1st gear, the starter wouldn't even fire. Tried and confirmed it for myself on my '08. Still you make a very good point. We should all try to follow good habits.

 

I always put it in neutral, but pull the clutch just in case ...
It prob wouldn't even start in gear without the clutch engaged, but it would be that 1 time when I didn't that the bike would lurch forward. Dont want that to happen. Need no help whatsoever looking stupid, I can do that all by myself.

 

A slight lurch could happen just from the oil between the plates causing a tiny amount of friction after sitting a while. Pulling the clutch in when starting is just a good habit.

 

Ever had one of those interlocks fail?

I have.

I sit on the bike, pull the clutch in, and have it in neutral when starting.

 

Im pretty sure I have read somewhere that a cold started bike WILL lurch just a little bit in neutral when starting without the clutch pulled. I also know every HD I've had does it on a cold start.

So I would NOT run out and start adjusting your clutch.