Hi All! I have been starting my EG classic by turining on the ignition, letting it sit until all the pumps and stuff stop, and then hitting the start button while the bike is in neutral but I do not have the clutch pulled in. It always seems to lurch a little when I start it this way. Is it okay to start the bike in neutral without the clutch held in. Could I have caused any wear and tear on the clutch/starter. Any thoughts?

ADD'L INFO: The bike also makes a loud "clunk" at the same time!

Thanks
Conrad

 

Nope, that's the way I've always done it.

 

If it is lurching forward when you start it I think that would mean the clutch needs to be adjusted. Unless I'm on a hill I always leave it in neutral and check before I hit the starter.

 

I hope this is ok, it's how I always do it too. In fact, if it's in gear it won't even turn over, right??? I've never actually tried it.

 

I don't trust interlocks or indicator lights so I would recommend holding in the clutch when you start the bike then easing the clutch out to be SURE it ain't in gear. You'll think this might be tedious until the first time you hit the starter and it takes off on you.

 

Absolutely! Heck, my old 77 Kawasaki had the neutral safety..I don't understand why this was never a universal safety device.

 

I start mine all the time in nuetral without touching the clutch with no problem. And no, the 09 will not turn over while in gear without the clutch pulled in.

 

Good point! Guess I should re-evaluate my starting procedures. Heck, most of the time I'm not even on the bike when I start it, I normally start her up while I'm still standing to the side putting my helmet/gloves/etc on. Probably pretty stupid.

 

Have never pulled in the clutch on any bike I have owned while starting it. If it is lurching on you, you definitely need your clutch adjusted.

 

I start my 09 Ultra in nuetral while I'm putting on my gear. It has a little "lurch" but I think it's just settling on the kickstand a little because of torque and vibration. If it's in nuetral it shouldn't matter if the clutch is engaged or not-there is no power being transmitted to the rear wheel.

Just my thoughts. I could be completely wrong.