Iclick,

Thanks for the great write-up. I have the factory manual at home and will look it over tonight. From what I'm hearing is many Harleys have this problem and just to start it in neutral and let it warm up (problem though its hard to get into neutral!). I immediately stopped after the bike lurched forward when I tried starting it yesterday. Never had a car/motorcycle do this before so it was cause of concern.

I'll change the fluid and give it a try.

 

harleys go into neutral from 1st, not from second.

also primary chain tension can affect this.

mike

 

Start the bike in neutral when cold, or the first start of the day. After its warmed up you can start it in gear (which I always do) but it still may move just a little. It is no problem and is normal since the clutch is spinning in oil which causes a bit of friction to the plates next to each other, even though they are disengaged.

Just use the H-D primary oil, or 20W50 Screamin Eagle SYN3 or aftermarket primary lube. It really does not matter all that much and you don't need to replace any clutch plates (unless worn or that rivet problem the other poster spoke of) due to different lubes.

 

iclick,

Yes, my bike as the spring plate in the middle of the clutch pack. I just heard from the wife of the original owner, the bike has always had this "problem". They just always made sure it was in neutral before starting it.

Thank you eveyone for all the information. It has been a learning experience.