Ok, my buddy chastized me because I don't typically leave my bike in neutral when I park it. Dumb poll, but what's the consensus here? I got nothing from the search feature.

Edit: What a moron! Yes no? Doh! Moderators, please help me!

http://www.xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?threadid=32437

Almost always in first....but sometimes in reverse.

Do you leave your bike parked in first or neutral is kinda hard to answer with yes/no :D

yea always in neautral or first! dude you can't aNSWER THAT QUESTION PROPERLY WITH A YES OR NO!

I put it in neutral in the garage but I put it in 1st most of the time in case it wants to roll, kind of like a E brake

I always park in first, same with the car.

Hey it's midnight! Wish I could say I had more than only one beer. :doh

Er, I think I need a moderator.

yea always in neautral or first! dude you can't aNSWER THAT QUESTION PROPERLY WITH A YES OR NO!
That's what I was thinking:doh

I voted "no" errr "first" :roflblack

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/01/30/iraq_interim_narrowweb__200x343.jpg

Gazza

If I am parked on a hill or the parking lot is sloped I will put it into first . Flat ground the bike goes into netural.
Also for safety I allway pull in the clutch when I start it. Even if the green netural light is on

Neutral unless on a hill.

I'm wondering why people put it in neutral???

I like to put it in gear even on a flat lot in case some fatass comes along and leans on the back... it's too easy to roll off that kickstand.

Gazza

I'm wondering why people put it in neutral???

I like to put it in gear even on a flat lot in case some fatass comes along and leans on the back... it's too easy to roll off that kickstand.

Gazza


I did because I thought I was supposed to... I dunno. Sheep. I am gonna start putting it in 1st now, just to stick it to the man.






I gaurantee I do a rolling start from not pulling the clutch too...
:D

In 1st gear, always.....

If it's in my garage or a relatively safe, level parking lot at work, I keep the Hugger in neutral. However, if there is any incline to the pavement, I'll put it in first making sure the tranny grabs the gear and won't roll.

J.W.

I'm wondering why people put it in neutral???

I like to put it in gear even on a flat lot in case some fatass comes along and leans on the back... it's too easy to roll off that kickstand.

Gazza

unless there is something wrong with your kickstand, it shouldn't be easy to roll off of it. you would have had to wear down the metal tab that acts as a safety device....

to answer the question, on flat, i leave it in neutral, on an incline, i leave it in first. and i have developed the habit of ALWAYS pulling in the clutch before starting, just in case

I park mine in neutral always. I learned at the HD shop that lots of people (exactly 38%) park with their bike in gear (could be 2nd or 1st) so I would always check before starting one up to avoid unpleasant surprises.

--Chris

I put it in neutral in the garage but I put it in 1st most of the time in case it wants to roll, kind of like a E brake
Ditto for me.

I always put it on first especially when my clumsy wife is about. Yes it happened to my previous bike and she also maanaged to crash into my car when she was parked right beside it on the drive!!! Oh and she's blond, (wannabe fake blond).
:)

If I am parked on a hill or the parking lot is sloped I will put it into first . Flat ground the bike goes into netural.
Also for safety I allway pull in the clutch when I start it. Even if the green netural light is on



Ditto......

I always leave mine in first so theres no chance of someone bumping into it and rolling it forward.And I always pull the clutch in before I start it.And while were on the starting and stopping procedure I also always shut off the petcock

Neutral always. With the stock, short 05 kick stand, it ain't rolling anywhere.

In the garage Neutral, In parking lots..Etc. First gear.

Nothing worse than hitting the start button and the bike lurch forward....Well I can think of worse....but....my answer is:
I always park in neutral.

Neutral on the flats, first on any slope and clutch in on any start up, eases my mind don't trust idiot lights

Nothing worse than hitting the start button and the bike lurch forward....Well I can think of worse....but....my answer is:
I always park in neutral.

yes...has happened to me didn't drop it fortunately but did bang up my mirror. Have seen others do it too. Seen a guy at the dealer do it with a RK taking some other bikes out in the process. That's also why I put it in neutral.

Has anyone ever heard of a bike not just lurching forward, but actually starting as a result of this blunder? I believe I've only heard one such story.

Btw, I mostly leave mine in first because I just don't take the time to put it in neutral. Clutch in on start-up and all is well.

Lastly, thanks to whoever fixed my poll goof-up!

yes...has happened to me didn't drop it fortunately but did bang up my mirror. Have seen others do it to. Seen a guy at the dealer do it with a RK taking some other bikes out in the process. That's also why I put it in neutral.

good example of how some people just NEVER get it.
Do we leave our cars in neutral then..NO? Of course not...but a motorcycle? Yes? Weird thinking it sounds like. But I suppose for those that just can't learn to use the clutch before they start their bike..then neutral for their own safety. As I stated--good example of how some people just Never get it....scary.:doh

I guess most folks don't know that Harleys have a safety device to prevent rolling while on jiffy stand. Just try to push the bike while the weight is on the stand, you cannot do it. Also, it will only take one time for you to hit the starter in gear and you'll be always leaving it in neutral

Now as for my non-harleys, I will leave it in gear on a slope as they don't have the safety device. Most of them do have an interlock to prevent starts in gear unless the clutch is released however.

good example of how some people just NEVER get it.
Do we leave our cars in neutral then..NO? Of course not...but a motorcycle? Yes? Weird thinking it sounds like. But I suppose for those that just can't learn to use the clutch before they start their bike..then neutral for their own safety. As I stated--good example of how some people just Never get it....scary.:doh

yup, but we also don't start up our cars from the outside letting it warm up while we put on gear...

I guess most folks don't know that Harleys have a safety device to prevent rolling while on jiffy stand. Just try to push the bike while the weight is on the stand, you cannot do it. Also, it will only take one time for you to hit the starter in gear and you'll be always leaving it in neutral

Now as for my non-harleys, I will leave it in gear on a slope as they don't have the safety device. Most of them do have an interlock to prevent starts in gear unless the clutch is released however.

nope did not know that...really?

yup, but we also don't start up our cars from the outside letting it warm up while we put on gear...


My thoughts as well. If our bikes had a "Park" position, I would use it. Since they don't, neutral is it. I guess I never got it.

I used to park in first ALWAYS....but working in the shop has changed my habits....those bikes are ALWAYS left in neutral....

I have always parked in Neutral. If I'm on a hill with a curb, I back up to the curb and park in Neutral. I use 1st on hills/slopes where there is no curb to back up to.

flat neutral.
slope first

I put it in neutral in the garage but I put it in 1st most of the time in case it wants to roll, kind of like a E brake yeah same here

neutral on flat grounds....first on sloped grounds....And pulling the cluth at a start up is a great habit to form, then you have nothing to worry about.

My wife often leaves the Sporty in gear :frownthre but I'm usually smart enough to check for a neutral light and I grab the clutch as I start all my bikes JUST in case.

I guess most folks don't know that Harleys have a safety device to prevent rolling while on jiffy stand. Just try to push the bike while the weight is on the stand, you cannot do it. Also, it will only take one time for you to hit the starter in gear and you'll be always leaving it in neutral




Bingo, the Harley kickstand is one of those unique clever features.

When no weight is on it, the kickstand pivot is in a free position where it can retract (and will likely self-retract if you forget it and just barely touch it down when riding, thanks to the spring preload).

However, when you put the kickstand down AND lean the bike on it, the pivot slides up in the bracket to a point where a cam on the pivot locks into the bracket. You cannot retract the kickstand in this position, i.e. the bike cannot roll forward collasping the sidestand when weight it on it.

HOWEVER, do keep in mind that on a steep enough slope it CAN roll on the tires AND sidestand, which could cause of a problem.

That said, I RARELY park on THAT steep a slope and on the few occassions that I do, I will put it in gear.

The rest of the time Neutral.

Kev


PS, and the car analogy was way off. Besides, there are people who DO leave their cars in neutral (not that I think it is smart) and put their PARKING brake on. Either way, bikes don't have parking brakes and cars don't have kickstands.

always in neutral....as was earlier said, it would take a LOT to bump a bike over on the stand (especially with the safety feature Kev mentioned).

I left my car in neutral once at a gas station about 15 years ago. I went in for some smokes and while I was paying some guy came in and said "who owns the silver car that just rolled across the street? You hit someone parked in that lot over there." :doh

I've gotten into the habit of not only pulling in the clutch when I start, but also making sure the bike will roll backward before I pull the clutch in. But then again I never start the bike when I'm standing along side it. That just seems pretty dumb to me :rolleyes:

Gazza

Come to think of it, I grab the brake and the clutch when I start.

But I start along side it. Why? Well, because I check the signals/brake lights with EVERY start up (a habbit I got into thanks to the bulb-shaking capability of my 93 1200) and sometimes (depending upon the bike and the luggage and the light conditions) you can't always see the signals and lights.

So while I warm the bike up for 30 seconds or so I check the lights, then throw a leg over the saddle and go.

Kev

I don't check my lights everytime, but I do often and it's pretty easy to do sitting on the seat too.

Gazza

I don't check my lights everytime, but I do often and it's pretty easy to do sitting on the seat too.

Gazza


I'd say not checking lights everytime is pretty dumb :p ;)

I learned that the hard way when someone almost rear ended my sporty way back in the day... :doh


Anyway, as I said, depending upon luggage or whatnot, that's not always easy to do from the seat.

It USUALLY is on Jenn's Sporty, cause it's set up solo AND the turn signals are wired into the brake module so they come on too, but still when we're touring and there's a tail bag in place you usually can't see from the saddle too easily.

And on the Guzzi is it damn near impossible, ESPECIALLY in bright sunlight (cause of the LEDs, they're more directional and not as bright).

Kev

I used to park in first ALWAYS....but working in the shop has changed my habits....those bikes are ALWAYS left in neutral....
:iagree (except I never parked in first :) )

--Chris

The stand design might be pretty clever, but the name is GHEY!

Jiffy Stand??? Paleeze!

The stand design might be pretty clever, but the name is GHEY!

Jiffy Stand??? Paleeze!

:werd

:roflblack

The stand design might be pretty clever, but the name is GHEY!

Jiffy Stand??? Paleeze!

Harleys attempt to civilize us I suppose. Trying to get us all to say "Enrichment Knob" instead of Choke.... dam them. :wonderlan

Harleys attempt to civilize us I suppose. Trying to get us all to say "Enrichment Knob" instead of Choke.... dam them. :wonderlan


No, they're just being precise, since an ENRICHMENT circuit adds extra gas, while a CHOKE takes away air. :D

I know but dam it... I like Kick and Choke better.
:D

I know but dam it... I like Kick and Choke better.
:D


You're a violent and troubled man aren't you? :eek:

Must be all that time on Scooters :p ;) :laugh

I always park in first gear (the old roll away thing !). BUT, before starting I always find "N" ! Just a habit I developed that I am comfortable with. To each his own...that's why they make different flavors of ice cream !

You're a violent and troubled man aren't you? :eek:

Must be all that time on Scooters :p ;) :laugh

You know us moped riders is bad ass.... :gun ;)

Looks like choosy bikers choose neutral, 2 to 1. Interesting.

I park in first, even in my garage. Why would your friend scold you for that?? There are many situations (like slopes) where parking in gear is the only smart thing to do, and none that I can think of offhand where parking in neutral is somehow better or safer.

good example of how some people just NEVER get it.
Do we leave our cars in neutral then..NO? Of course not...but a motorcycle? Yes? Weird thinking it sounds like. But I suppose for those that just can't learn to use the clutch before they start their bike..then neutral for their own safety. As I stated--good example of how some people just Never get it....scary.:doh



I leave my truck in neutral, only put it in 1st if it's on a hill............

I park in first, even in my garage. Why would your friend scold you for that?? There are many situations (like slopes) where parking in gear is the only smart thing to do, and none that I can think of offhand where parking in neutral is somehow better or safer.

Unless, as previously posted, you bonehead and go to start it with the clutch out...

I took the Harley Riders Edge course and you always put the bike in gear when stopping. to start the bike you use FINE-C
Fuel
Ignition
Neutral
Engine cutoff to run
and
Clutch

If this your routine, you will never have any embarrasing moments!:doh

I park in first, even in my garage. Why would your friend scold you for that?? There are many situations (like slopes) where parking in gear is the only smart thing to do, and none that I can think of offhand where parking in neutral is somehow better or safer.
yep, i totally agree. i always park in gear, that way if i do a bonehead it will be a--- goooolly, i started it in neutral, dam! keep all my weapons loaded also, its the empty ones that kill people.

The stand design might be pretty clever, but the name is GHEY!

Jiffy Stand??? Paleeze!
i'm with you man. sounds like something on a wizzer. by the way whats with the triple tree stuff? do it look like a tree? all my life (quite long & almost done) its been a triple clamp.

Unless, as previously posted, you bonehead and go to start it with the clutch out...

Yet another good reason to always leave it in gear. I can't tell you how many people, including my own beloved, I've seen do that because they have the old habit (not sure why) of parking in neutral. They're used to assuming it's in neutral when they go to start it... and it USUALLY is... but it's quite a spectacle when they discover the painful way that it's in gear.

I'm surprised at the poll answers, but I'm wondering if the conflict between the posted answers and the poll answers might be that the original poll just said "Yes" or "No". (?)

Of people riding in to the dealership for service, I can tell you it was about 90% left in neutral and 10% parked in gear.

--Chris

The more I think about this the more screwed up it seems to leave it in neutral.

The only good reason (except Chucks) is so that folks don't accidently try to start in gear. To me that just seems half bass ackwards... by parking in neutral folks are trying to compensate for screwing up when they start the bike... it seems like those that park in neutral have a problem starting... so now they have to remember to leave it in neutral... so they've just moved the problem to another point in time. Leave the damn bike in gear and learn to start the thing safely and they'd all be better off (IMHO).

Besides if they are having problems remembering to hold the clutch while starting, it seems they'd also have problems remembering to leave it in neutral sometimes, so odds are that eventually someone is going to forget both at the same point in time and launch themselves.... best bet is to get in the habit of always checking before hitting the starter button and the best way to reinforce that habit is to never leave the bike in neutral.

Up top I said that Chuck's reason makes sense, but that's only because he's working at the dealer where he's riding other peoples bikes. If he didn't leave them in neutral, then they'd be having all those people that can't properly start their bikes launching themselves across the parking lot when they come to pick their bikes up.

Gazza

Harleys attempt to civilize us I suppose. Trying to get us all to say "Enrichment Knob" instead of Choke.... dam them. :wonderlan
Funny how the referred-to "enrichment knob" actually has "CHOKE" written on it...

Sporty: Park in neutral always; on an incline I back to a curb or uphill with a good "lean angle"...
Cage with auto tranny: Park in "Park", no e-brake...
Cage with manual trans: Park in neutral with e-brake...

Have done it that way as long as I can remember...

If it’s in the garage I usually put it in neutral. Out on the street or in a parking lot, I put it in first.

I put mine in park every time. It's safest that way. :roflblack

I always park with mine in gear.

first all the time. Keeps it from rolling away. Always always always pull the clutch in before you start. Those are just lights up there not gears.

Of people riding in to the dealership for service, I can tell you it was about 90% left in neutral and 10% parked in gear.

--Chris
People that take their bike to the dealership? What do THEY know? :roflblack

People that take their bike to the dealership? What do THEY know? :roflblack
I think that says something right THERE!

;)

--Chris

I think the reason I leave mine in neutral is different than most everyone else's: I don't have a handlebar mounted kill switch. So, when I stop, I put it in neutral, take my hand off the clutch lever, reach down under the battery tray with my left hand, and kill the bike with the switch there.

If I had a kill switch on the handlebar, I could keep the clutch lever pulled in, kill the ignition with my right hand, then park in gear. I think I am also taking my helmet off with two hands after I stop, maybe before I kill the ignition, which means I am not holding onto the clutch lever. I haven't been riding for a few weeks :redmad so I can't recall right now.

Also, how are you supposed to rev it up to 3K a few times before shutting it off with the thing in gear? :laugh

--Chris

Well I put mine in neutral because its an old habit.

Most of my bikes won't start in anything but neutral. Most of them are kick start and won't even turn over with the clutch pulled in. So they have to be back into Neutral or they are hard to get out of gear while the clutch drive is not spinning because the motor is not running. They have to be in Neutral to even get it running. You have to rock them back and forth to get them out of gear and into neutral if you did not do it while they were last running.

So... I just do it the same way all the time. The only thing I do different is to hold the clutch in on an electric start bike. Which I cannot do on a kick start bike. Same old habit same old routine otherwise.

I normaly am chosey about parking something. If its slightly downhill I will back it in. If its slightly uphill I will pull it in. If its too much slant I will not park a bike there.

With no neutral safety switch or sidestand switch,I just leave it nuetral.

The more I think about this the more screwed up it seems to leave it in neutral.

The only good reason (except Chucks) is so that folks don't accidently try to start in gear. To me that just seems half bass ackwards... by parking in neutral folks are trying to compensate for screwing up when they start the bike... it seems like those that park in neutral have a problem starting... so now they have to remember to leave it in neutral... so they've just moved the problem to another point in time. Leave the damn bike in gear and learn to start the thing safely and they'd all be better off (IMHO).

Besides if they are having problems remembering to hold the clutch while starting, it seems they'd also have problems remembering to leave it in neutral sometimes, so odds are that eventually someone is going to forget both at the same point in time and launch themselves.... best bet is to get in the habit of always checking before hitting the starter button and the best way to reinforce that habit is to never leave the bike in neutral.

Up top I said that Chuck's reason makes sense, but that's only because he's working at the dealer where he's riding other peoples bikes. If he didn't leave them in neutral, then they'd be having all those people that can't properly start their bikes launching themselves across the parking lot when they come to pick their bikes up.

Gazza

I guess it all just depends on your point of view.

You're saying the only reason to leave it in Neutral is to prevent a screw up if you forget to hit the clutch during start-up.

I'm saying the only reason to leave it in GEAR is IF you've parked in on a steep enough slope (and it has to be pretty steep) that you have to worry about it rolling ON the kickstand.

Both problems only occur if you've misjudged.

I've also stated that it is not possible to check the lights on all bikes from the saddle and IF you believe this is a worthwhile thing to do once you've started the bike it's a LOT more convenient to start the bike while you're standing next to it. SO, that's the pattern I've used and it's never been a problem.

Well, almost never, I DID lurch the Road King once... but it didn't fall over or anything.

And it's NOT a problem per se if someone DOESN'T leave it in Neutral, because I pretty much ALWAYS grab both the clutch and the brake when I start up and I figure out pretty quickly if the bike is in gear and then throw a leg over and SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL, so I can get back off and check the lights (if I have to, or I can at least take my hands off the left bar and turn around enough).

I always park in neutral. If you dont you can end up on the ground with the bike. I know because Ive done it though not on a Harley. Not a problem if your bike has a neutral cutoff switch. If you have to park on a slope put the rear wheel against the curb. I always check for neutral when I get on by trying to move the bike, someone may have put it in gear. Also remember a bike can slip into gear so I never start it without being in the seat.

I always park in first no matter where I am.

I never ever start my bike standing beside it. Get on ...clutch in....start it....put it in neutral....get off or sit there for a bit to let it warm up a minute. Come to a stop...clutch in.....turn it off.....kickstand down.....parked in first gear....always. Never any confusion.

Driven sticks for years before I got my bike. ALWAYS in 1st. Just transfered over to the bike.

wherever it ends up. :smoke

I generally park it in gear but always start it in neutral with the clutch in. She locks up less often when starting up in neutral. It sucks when someone is drooling over my bike and when I go to start it, it just clunks. The starter must be made by the same company that makes the brake pads.

You're saying the only reason to leave it in Neutral is to prevent a screw up if you forget to hit the clutch during start-up.Nope !!!

I'm saying that's the only reason given so far in this thread, besides Chucks good reason (which was mainly implied) and the reason that Chris just gave which is very particular to his bike.

I generally park it in gear but always start it in neutral with the clutch in. She locks up less often when starting up in neutral. It sucks when someone is drooling over my bike and when I go to start it, it just clunks. The starter must be made by the same company that makes the brake pads.
Ya see there is another fine example of how Uncledaddy and I always agree on everything ;)

Gazza

But then again I never start the bike when I'm standing along side it. That just seems pretty dumb to me :rolleyes:

Gazza

I don't know what is dumb about it. Neutral light on, clutch pulled in, brake pulled in, then depress the starter button. The bike is not going to go anywhere. Sometimes I am on it, sometimes I am not. Depends if I have a lot of gear to put on during warm up, or if the bike needs a little extra warm up time for some reason or another.

I took the Harley Riders Edge course and you always put the bike in gear when stopping. to start the bike you use FINE-C
Fuel
Ignition
Neutral
Engine cutoff to run
and
Clutch
If this your routine, you will never have any embarrasing moments!:doh

hhmmm...sounds like many here don't agree with that.

In reading through the comments on this subject, it seems that there are as many reasons for using neutral or in gear as there are way to customize the Sporty. Gotta love that!

Seems that freedom of choice is alive and well after all!!!:banana

I generally park it in gear but always start it in neutral with the clutch in. She locks up less often when starting up in neutral. It sucks when someone is drooling over my bike and when I go to start it, it just clunks. The starter must be made by the same company that makes the brake pads.

I will always put it in Neutral when starting, because I do believe that it takes less energy for the starter to do it's job when in Neutral. I had a couple of issues with starter drives on my 2004, and found that it started more consistently (with fewer clunk starts) when not in gear (clutch in regardless). I figured that it might be a way to prolong the life of Harley's questionable starters if I made this a routine. I don't give a lot of thought to it when I park it, because I always make sure that my start-up routine stays the same.

john

OK here is some related questions that lead out of this.... Because of the mention of FINE-C....

If you perscribe to that method... which many skip a step or two as its relative to thier bike. For instance Fuel... if your the type that leaves it on all the time. You skip that. And Choke is optional. If you need to verify Neutral, and you put yours in 1st gear as a practice, do you return to Neutral as your supposed to in FINE-C? Do you find it difficult to get to Neutral with the bike not running? You should because the clutch is not spinning. Or do you just go ahead and start it in gear? As with the Harley you can... but many other bikes you cannot.

Also... related to this... Do you even bother to use the kill switch? I don't. I use the key. Irritates FINE-C people to death. But I don't ever use the kill switch. I find it redundant and only of use for emergency purposes. I mean thats its origin.

I have a few old bikes with no key at all. Those you actualy ground the coil out to kill the bike. In those cases you have to use the button. But interestingly enough you have to push and hold the button because just a brief touch and the bike will spring back to life if the motor is still rotating.

So...

Do you go back to Neutral before starting?

Do you use the Kill switch as well as the key to kill the bike?

The kill switch used to get a lot of people at the dealership. We would often use it, but the customer would not, so when he was picking up his bike after service, a lot of times he could not figure out why it would not start and wouldn't even crank, and he never thought to check the kill switch because he never used it himself.

--Chris

In my driveway I leave it in neutral. Otherwise, what are y'all doing all that stopping for anyway? :roflblack

Also... related to this... Do you even bother to use the kill switch? I don't. I use the key. Irritates FINE-C people to death. Irritates the electronics in your bike even more.... you can buy new electronics though when the time comes :rolleyes:

Gazza

Irritates the electronics in your bike even more.... you can buy new electronics though when the time comes :rolleyes:

Gazza


I've HEARD tale of such.

But I've never witnessed it.

Not in over 200k of miles, at least HALF of that on EFI bikes and the rest ALL with electronic ignitions...

I read (I believe on this forum) that not using the kill switch can wreak havoc with speedo's and tachs, due to a "power surge" sort of thing due to everything starting (and stopping) at once. Don't know how true, but it seems possible, due to the computer electronics on board.

I read (I believe on this forum) that not using the kill switch can wreak havoc with speedo's and tachs, due to a "power surge" sort of thing due to everything starting (and stopping) at once. Don't know how true, but it seems possible, due to the computer electronics on board.


Not to degenerate this thread too (and I'm not following my own advice, cause I should go back and re-read those threads), but WHAT exactly does the kill switch do better than the keyswitch?

Kill switches typically ground the ignition circuit, leaving everything else intact (leaving a load on the battery for the lights).

Key switches cut the power to the electronics and everything else.

I am NOT very learned on electronics, so someone who is please enlighten me.

Are they saying the second method is preferred because there is no load in the ignition module at the time power is deined and because the ignition itself is allowed to discharge to ground with the kill switch? But if there WAS power in the coil, wouldn't it naturally discharge when the field is collapsed and power is cut anyway?

I dunno... help me out here, cause my experience tells me not to worry about such things.

K

Kill switches typically ground the ignition circuit, leaving everything else intact (leaving a load on the battery for the lights).

On the newer HDs (last 30 years or so) the kill switch is not like a dirt bike kill switch where it grounds the ignition: on HD it interrupts the power to the ignition module. It stops the 12v on the white wire.

I have never, ever, never, NEVER heard or seen a problem with wreaking havoc on the electronics on the bike using the run/stop switch. Killing the 12v to the module and coil with the run/stop switch and killing 12v to the bike with the key affects the ignition in exactly the same way. Not sure what the theory is there.

--Chris

On the newer HDs (last 30 years or so) the kill switch is not like a dirt bike kill switch where it grounds the ignition: on HD it interrupts the power to the ignition module. It stops the 12v on the white wire.

I have never, ever, never, NEVER heard or seen a problem with wreaking havoc on the electronics on the bike using the run/stop switch. Killing the 12v to the module and coil with the run/stop switch and killing 12v to the bike with the key affects the ignition in exactly the same way. Not sure what the theory is there.

--Chris

I guess if I'd gotten off my lazy arse and pulled a wiring diagram I could have figured that out. If both act on the circuit the same way, then what's the problem with using either method??? Methinks then, none... (that's what you are indeed saying yes?).

Kev

Yes - NEVER heard of a problem attributed to using or not using the run/stop switch. Wives tale? Like using your front brake will toss you over the handlebars?

--Chris

Yes - NEVER heard of a problem attributed to using or not using the run/stop switch. Wives tale? Like using your front brake will toss you over the handlebars?

--Chris

You mean I should use my front brake... :o :wonderlan

Using the kill switch disables power to just the coil and ignition module, which let's any transients from the coil die down before the positive side of the other electronics are disabled. Relative to the high frequency of any transients which the coil may produce, +12v is effectively a good ground. Therefore with the key still on you effectively have both sides of all the electronics grounded with respect to any high frequency high voltage noise. If the key switch is off, then you only have a ground path from the +12v side of those electronics through the electronics, therefore any transient noise coupled into the switched +12v power lines will go through the silicon on the way home to ground. It's not something that will happen everyday but it's kinda like playing russion roulette. Silicon is not forgiving.

Gazza

Only if you want to fly over the handlebars.

--Chris

Depends:
Parked on a flat surface= Neutral
Slope or grade= in Gear

Using the kill switch disables power to just the coil and ignition module, which let's any transients from the coil die down before the positive side of the other electronics are disabled. Relative to the high frequency of any transients which the coil may produce, +12v is effectively a good ground. Therefore with the key still on you effectively have both sides of all the electronics grounded with respect to any high frequency high voltage noise. If the key switch is off, then you only have a ground path from the +12v side of those electronics through the electronics, therefore any transient noise coupled into the switched +12v power lines will go through the silicon on the way home to ground. It's not something that will happen everyday but it's kinda like playing russion roulette. Silicon is not forgiving.

Gazza
So when and what does this hurt?

--Chris

Depends:
Parked on a flat surface= Neutral
Slope or grade= in Gear

Ditto, and I use the kill switch out of habit.

How about this...

On flat ground I use the key

On a hill or slope I use the kill swtich...

:D

Using the kill switch disables power to just the coil and ignition module, which let's any transients from the coil die down before the positive side of the other electronics are disabled. Relative to the high frequency of any transients which the coil may produce, +12v is effectively a good ground. Therefore with the key still on you effectively have both sides of all the electronics grounded with respect to any high frequency high voltage noise. If the key switch is off, then you only have a ground path from the +12v side of those electronics through the electronics, therefore any transient noise coupled into the switched +12v power lines will go through the silicon on the way home to ground. It's not something that will happen everyday but it's kinda like playing russion roulette. Silicon is not forgiving.

Gazza


I obviously have to take your word for it, cause you sound like you know your stuff.

I guess I can see what you're saying.

Why, if I may ask, is it not an issue on marine or automotive motors which use the keyswitch to shut off the ignition? Is it a case of wiring them differently than with bikes, just because the bikes have kill switches?

I know most marine engines DO ground the ignition circuit when you turn the key off. Automotive might be different though.

Thoughts?

Not to mention, do we actually know of any cases where this caused a problem, or is this theoretical speculation?

My bike has no neutral that I can find...So first.

My bike has no neutral that I can find...So first.
....Huh..!?

My bike has no neutral that I can find...So first.
If you can't find neutral, you might try looking between first and second ;)

Seriously though, if you can't find neutral, there's a problem.

--Chris

I use 1st as an E-Brake.

I use 1st as an E-Brake.
:roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack Done THAT a few times myself...!!

In my garage it's in neutral, on the street in first gear.

Ok I'm gunna post my comment.. LOL.. was that question in english? Neutral in garage. 1st on the street :)

If you can't find neutral, you might try looking between first and second ;)

Seriously though, if you can't find neutral, there's a problem.

--Chris

Really? No seriously. I know there is a problem. I checked the fluid to see if it was overfilled...nope. Then in trying adjust the clutch cable I stripped the screw in the cover. Now I have three screws out, one stripped, and enough fluid out that I don't want to run it until I get it replaced. Checking the archives for directions on how to drill out the screw.
It takes my left foot and my left hand to get it from first to second (other upshifts not so hard) and the neutral light doesn't even flash anymore as I pass by. Oh well, time for 5k service anyway.

You seemed so nonchalant about it when you mentioned you couldn't find neutral. I didn't realize the extent of the problem you had gotten yourself into.

To remove the stripped screws (assuming you stripped the heads not the threads) get a left handed drill bit of about 1/4" or just smaller, then drill (drill motor on reverse) until the head pops off. Remove the cover, twist out the screw threads by hand, then replace the screws.

Other methods are to hammer a little bit larger torx bit into the screw so it's tight (must not slip), then use a hand impact with a hammer. You can also use a very sharp cold chisel and try tapping the head of the screw to loosen it. Tap the chisel in the direction of loosening, CCW. The chisel is my least favorite since you generally ALWAYS slip and nick the cover. I very rarely use that method, but you can try it.

Hope you get it figured out.

--Chris

In the old days you always thought you had it in neutral when you knocked it off the kick stand trying to start it. So to help the situation I tried to put it in neutral before I got off the bike.

Just what IS an E brake?

Just what IS an E brake?


Seriously?

Emergency Brake (also known as the Parking Brake)

:wonderlan

Not to degenerate this thread too (and I'm not following my own advice, cause I should go back and re-read those threads), but WHAT exactly does the kill switch do better than the keyswitch?

Kill switches typically ground the ignition circuit, leaving everything else intact (leaving a load on the battery for the lights).

Key switches cut the power to the electronics and everything else.

I am NOT very learned on electronics, so someone who is please enlighten me.

Are they saying the second method is preferred because there is no load in the ignition module at the time power is deined and because the ignition itself is allowed to discharge to ground with the kill switch? But if there WAS power in the coil, wouldn't it naturally discharge when the field is collapsed and power is cut anyway?

I dunno... help me out here, cause my experience tells me not to worry about such things.

K


Yes, I think that is exactly what the belief is. It seems to make sense, knowing how sensitive computer chips are to power spikes, etc., though I am no electrical engineer. It was specifically mentioned as potentially effecting the speedo and tach "sensors" (causing jumping needles, etc), not blowing out the entire electronics of either.

Seriously?

Emergency Brake (also known as the Parking Brake)

:wonderlan
e- brake= electronic brake or virtual brake

Engine brake, i.e. Jake Brake?

--Chris

e- brake= electronic brake or virtual brake


Virtual brake?

Is that like when you walk away from the internet for a while?


Personally, I just use the optional parachute :wonderlan

E brake like "e" mail? Ok I get it. :wonderlan

I park it in first all the time. The reason for that is if anyone were to bump my bike it would not come off the kickstand and go over.

Bob

Neutral all the time!!!!:D

I park in neutral most of the time unless on an incline. Ever try pushing a 500 lb bike leaning on a kickstand? It would take an intentional hard push to knock it over. A casual lean or bump will not cause that bike to roll...unless you weigh more than that bike!

I always leave the bike in neutral. If I see where parking would be a problem, I'll change my parking position to accommodate.

Often, I'll start the bike before I get on and let it warm while I put on helmet/gloves and put items in the saddlebags or strap them to the rack.

In neutral 96 percent of the time and the other 4 percent would be on a downgrade or just forgot. Way less drag on the engine, when you start it in neutral too.


Ride to Live and Live to Ride

Reb

Considering a bike has no parking brake and most don't have an automatic transmission with a (P) for park, I leave my bikes parked in first gear and roll them out of the gear dwell. Now I have a bike with the closest thing to a (P) for park.....

Actually, it is recommended to leave the bike in First.

In my garage, it is usually in first, but in cold weather when I know I'm going to warm it longer, I may leave it in N to facilitate starting/warming before I am ready to sit on it.

Everywhere else, always in first.

"N"

Tom

I park it in first. Who wants the possibility of the bike rolling forward off the kick stand? "But you have to pull the clutch or put in nuetral when you start it." Well that's no too hard to remember, is it? Doesn't anyone have a car with a manual tranny? You have to clutch them to start, right? Does anyone ever forget?

Anyway, I know this is 'cause I make a habit of parking in gear, but I often forget when it's in nuetral. Like when I'm working on it. I might fire the enigine for whatever reason, let it run while I look and listen, and shut it off. Then I'll put a wrench on it and give something a turn and *Oh sh:censort!* it's in nuetral! Ha Ha!

Is there ANY reason NOT to leave it parked in first? I have been leaving mine first and just clutch when I start it or put it in neutral when I start it is there an actual correct way or is it all preference?

:D I'm wondering why people put it in neutral???

I like to put it in gear even on a flat lot in case some fatass comes along and leans on the back... it's too easy to roll off that kickstand.

Gazza


Ahh, Gary, I think he would have to be bigger than a fat ass to knock it off the kickstand. :D

I also leave my bike in neutral unless the grade of the pavement inclines me to do otherwise.

[QUOTE=Homarr]I park it in first. Who wants the possibility of the bike rolling forward off the kick stand? )

Very unlikely, especially with the jiffy stands that lock when down.

Is there ANY reason NOT to leave it parked in first? I have been leaving mine first and just clutch when I start it or put it in neutral when I start it is there an actual correct way or is it all preference?

I park in neutral because it's one more safety that helps prevent you, or somebody else, from accidently hitting the start without clutching or misreading the idiot light. It would cause the bike to jump, of course, or worse. We have all seen it happen or have had it happen. It is usually just an embarrassing moment. The cause is starting the bike in gear! Less likely to happen if you park in neutral.
You will see many more people on a bucking start in gear than a bike rolling down a hill. :D
Parking a car in gear is quite different.

neutral for the most part, 1st on a hill.. there isnt a parking brake on mine

I usually park in neutral, except when on an incline then first.

What jiffy stand locking? Mine doesn't and since I've ridden it 12,000 miles our first year together, If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Ride to Live and Live to Ride

Reb

What jiffy stand locking? Mine doesn't and since I've ridden it 12,000 miles our first year together, If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Ride to Live and Live to Ride

Reb

With the stand down and the bikes weight on it, you should be able to push the bike and the stand wont kick up.

Hi

I always park it in neutral unless I'm parked on a road with an inclination

Regards
Gard
My Sportster page (http://gardkarlsen.com/HDSportster/sportster_index.htm)

What jiffy stand locking? Mine doesn't

If it is still the original stand, and it's not broken, then it does lock. They have on Harleys for decades.

Watched my buddies sportster roll fwd., fold the stand, and fall. He was getting off with one leg in the air. He had enough time to say, well I'll bet you can figure the rest. I leave mine in gear.

Always park in neutral and pay attention when parking on unlevel ground to park pointed uphill. That way you don't look like a fool when you go to start it when you get on again!

Watched my buddies sportster roll fwd., fold the stand, and fall. He was getting off with one leg in the air. He had enough time to say, well I'll bet you can figure the rest. I leave mine in gear.

and his error (unless the kickstand was broken) was not putting all the weight on the stand BEFORE throwing a leg in the air.

I did this recently, but :doh turns out, I was just too stupid to remember the kickstand :o (don't ask, it was a REALLY early morning and I was STUPID tired) :frownthre

I tend to park the bike in neutral whenever I fell that it won't roll. I have had a few bad experiences starting the bike while it was in gear and the bike lurches forward on me, so I feel when it is neutral there is less of a chance for it to fall from lurching.

I always park in first. Then reach down with my left hand to pull back to nuetral whenever I leave.

and his error (unless the kickstand was broken) was not putting all the weight on the stand BEFORE throwing a leg in the air.

I did this recently, but :doh turns out, I was just too stupid to remember the kickstand :o (don't ask, it was a REALLY early morning and I was STUPID tired) :frownthre

Kev, I did that once on a trip with my prior BMW loaded like a pack mule. Had my mind on a lot of other things (first mistake), and pulled into a Sonic to get out of the rain for a while. Stepped off the bike and over she goes. I just stood there looking at it like it was a fkng Weeble and should have stood up by itself. Idiot.

I rolled up to a stop light once ... feeling all warm and fuzzy... Forgot to put my feet.

Kev, I did that once on a trip with my prior BMW loaded like a pack mule. Had my mind on a lot of other things (first mistake), and pulled into a Sonic to get out of the rain for a while. Stepped off the bike and over she goes. I just stood there looking at it like it was a fkng Weeble and should have stood up by itself. Idiot.


lol, shyte happens...

simply because of what the MSF course pounds in your head..if its not parked in my garage...its in first

simply because of what the MSF course pounds in your head..if its not parked in my garage...its in first

Bikes don't have a parking brake, a park selector on the shifter or any form of braking device (when parked) so it just seems logical to leave it parked in first gear because its the only way to create one....... Even in the garage......

i meant in a parking lot or somewhere. In the garage I know its a flat smooth surface and should not roll at all. but will consider popping it in first

I always park in first. Then reach down with my left hand to pull back to nuetral whenever I leave.

Why with your hand?

I always park in 1st gear ..

I always park in 1st....and pointing uphill

Ww

I usually park in neutral, just because I usually park on a flat spot, and I'll be the guy to start the bike in 1st.

I can't believe there are so many people worried about their bikes rolling down a slight grade. I have never seen that before, especally with wheel turned in and a Jiffy Stand that locks when down but I have seen plenty of starts in first with the clutch not in. :D If it's that steep of grade, I wouldn't park there. The exception is if ya live on a mountain side. :smoke

I read (I believe on this forum) that not using the kill switch can wreak havoc with speedo's and tachs, due to a "power surge" sort of thing due to everything starting (and stopping) at once. Don't know how true, but it seems possible, due to the computer electronics on board.

Smells fishy to me. How there be a power surge when shutting down . . . current decreases on shutdown.

Adding my 2p to the debate, I always park in neutral and I never park my car in gear either unless on a hill. I also never use the emergency cutoff switch when stopping nor do I ever use the fuel cutoff .. . . except when switching to reserve. ;)

Don't know about the US but in the UK they actively teach on the CBT and DAS to leave the bike in neutral when parking. I'm guessing this comes from the days when most bikes were kick start and neutral was the only way to go.

As for bikes rolling away cause they were in neutral, come on, how often does this really happen?

I always leave it in gear and I always use the clutch when starting. It just seems to make sense to me.

I always leave it in gear and I always use the clutch when starting. It just seems to make sense to me.

Have ya ever left your bike in gear, pulled in the clutch, and then tried to push it somewhere? There is quite a bit of resistance until the bike gets rolling. My opinion is that your starter motor encounters this same resistance when you start the bike. Maybe over a long period of time it might not be good for the starter. :frownone

But what do I know. I start it this way myself once in awhile.:o

Why with your hand?

I have seen people do this before because it's easier for them to feel where neutral is.

I had a problem finding neutral when I was a newbie rider. Everytime I tried to put the bike into neutral it would skip to second.

That was 14 years ago. I have it figured out now. ;)

I always leave it in gear....

Last week while I was on vacation, I re-took the MSF course for a refresher and to save some $$$ on my insurance.

They always emphasize at shutdown to "...keep it in first; that's your parking brake." And everybody complied, but some of us long-time riders asked about it. The instructors said it was just easier to ensure that the bikes didn't move slightly forward enough to knock the stand back up, ending with one of the bikes on its side.

What did surprise me with the brand new Honda "Nighthawk" we used for the course was that it's virturally impossible to get it into neutral when the engine is running. The instructors claim it's because the tranny is hammered all the time by the newbie students but I'm not sure.

I would search and search, just trying to find neutral while I was sitting on the course. When I killed the engine, it would go right into neutral... but start it up, and I couldn't find neutral.

Anybody found this to be the case with any of the other brands of two-wheeled fun-cycles?

- - - Ride safe... With fists in the wind.... :tour

J.W.

I leave all my bikes in 1st gear whenever they are turned off, even when just stopping to refuel.

I never leave them in 'neutral'...

The majority of the cars/trucks I own are also have manual transmissions, and I don't leave them in 'neutral' when parked either. ;)


http://dogsdoom.com/PI/1200-ame-13.jpg

Apparantly some instructors teach a bit different but the OMSC teach to always park your bike in neutral, for good reason.
Manual shift cars ya leave in gear when parking, bikes ya don't. Cars can roll Harleys don't. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. ;)

Apparantly some instructors teach a bit different but the OMSC teach to always park your bike in neutral, for good reason.
Manual shift cars ya leave in gear when parking, bikes ya don't. Cars can roll Harleys don't. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. ;)

That's what I was taught as well, but then I never park the car in gear either unless it's on a hill but I can't remember the last time that happened, oculd easily be 10+ years ago.

I'm surprised its such a close poll. I usually park in neutral. But sometimes, if I feel a little nutty, I park in first.

Lately I've just been leaving the bike in Reverse while parked.. ;)

I park in 1st and lock the fork, every time. I am a creature of habit and by now it is like ritual. Stop the bike, turn off the bike, take the key out of the ignition, lock the fork, click into 1st, put the kickstand down, then step off the bike.

It is the little things in life...:)

-Jay

Part of the reason I park in neutral is that it is easier to find neutral when the bike is still moving a little. I hate to have to look for neutral and feel awkward having to hit the shifter up and down.

I park in 1st and lock the fork, every time. I am a creature of habit and by now it is like ritual. Stop the bike, turn off the bike, take the key out of the ignition, lock the fork, click into 1st, put the kickstand down, then step off the bike.

It is the little things in life...:)

-Jay

Sound dangerous to me. I know you think you would never do it but if you or someone else hits that start without pulling in the clutch and the forks locked to boot.................yikes, you could do 2 doughnuts before ya know what hits ya. Hardly ever a reason to park a bike in gear.

I always stop in 1st nd always pull the clutch in to start it. Sometimes I put it in Netutral before I start it, but still hold the clutch in - the only thing the N light means is that the N light is on.

I know you think you would never do it but if you or someone else hits that start without pulling in the clutch and the forks locked to boo.

If someone else tries to start my bike, there's gonna be damage to something regardless of which gear it's in...

[QUOTE=Chuck]yikes, you could do 2 doughnuts before ya know what hits ya. QUOTE]
....nope..it dies first. At least every time Ive done it it died.... MAYby if yer holding the throttle wide open when ya hit the go button...:smoke

Ken Man,
Do this for me: park your bike in first and then get behind it with the bike on its jiffy stand and push your bike as hard as you can and you will notice it wont budge....Now then do this put it in neutral and place one knee against the rear tire or fender and give it a nudge and see how easily it will fall over and you will never park your bike in neutral again. This is why you always pull in the clutch when starting your bike.

put it in neutral and place one knee against the rear tire or fender and give it a nudge and see how easily it will fall over and you will never park your bike in neutral again. This is why you always pull in the clutch when starting your bike.

Sport-T, it's a safety issue. That is why the OMSC teach you to put your bike in neutral when parking. Safety first!
If there is a slim chance your bike might get pushed over or a better chance your bike might be started without fully engageing clutch while in gear, and bucking you, then it's safer to park in neutral. Not a real big deal but that's why most people park in neutral.

Sport-T, it's a safety issue. That is why the OMSC teach you to put your bike in neutral when parking. Safety first!
If there is a slim chance your bike might get pushed over or a better chance your bike might be started without fully engageing clutch while in gear, and bucking you, then it's safer to park in neutral. Not a real big deal but that's why most people park in neutral.

Sounds like some people need to pay more attention to their bikes before hitting the starter, safety issue or not.. :)

When I turn on the ignition it's not hard to look at the dash lights and see if the "green neutral light" is on.

Besides that, I never start a vehicle with a manual transmission without disengaging the clutch (either by foot or by hand). On many vehicles you can't start the engine without pushing in the clutch to bypass the safety switch.

But each to their own, although I never have, and never would leave a bike, car, truck or anything else in 'neutral' when parked...

http://dogsdoom.com/PI/roadkingsturgis3.jpg

Sounds like some people need to pay more attention to their bikes before hitting the starter, safety issue or not.. :)

When I turn on the ignition it's not hard to look at the dash lights and see if the "green neutral light" is on.

Besides that, I never start a vehicle with a manual transmission without disengaging the clutch (either by foot or by hand). On many vehicles you can't start the engine without pushing in the clutch to bypass the safety switch.
]

Oh I'm not saying don't pull the clutch in and trust the light. Park it in neutral and ALWAYS pull the clutch in when starting. That goes without saying. Never trust the N lamp.

Oh I'm not saying don't pull the clutch in and trust the light. Park it in neutral and ALWAYS pull the clutch in when starting. That goes without saying. Never trust the N lamp.

That's right....

Just park it in first, click it into neutral, and pull in the clutch....

Actually, everyone does things in different ways.. Some park in neutral (for whatever reason), others don't.

Parking Harley's in 1st gear has worked for me for over 30 years, so I don't see any reason to change. It's just a natural thing for me to do..

;)

http://dogsdoom.com/PI/1200-ame-13.jpg

Ken Man,
Do this for me: park your bike in first and then get behind it with the bike on its jiffy stand and push your bike as hard as you can and you will notice it wont budge....Now then do this put it in neutral and place one knee against the rear tire or fender and give it a nudge and see how easily it will fall over and you will never park your bike in neutral again. This is why you always pull in the clutch when starting your bike.

Ummm...have you tried this yet on your Sportster?

My 2001 has a jiffy stand that locks in place. It would require me breaking or bending some thick metal on the frame for the jiffy stand to retract while the bike is leaned on it. Did the design of the jiffy stand change for the rubbermounts?

I use first when I'm parked on a steep hill and I am worried that gravity is going to overcome the coefficent of friction between the jiffystand and the ground.

Ummm...have you tried this yet on your Sportster?

My 2001 has a jiffy stand that locks in place. It would require me breaking or bending some thick metal on the frame for the jiffy stand to retract while the bike is leaned on it. Did the design of the jiffy stand change for the rubbermounts?



Nope, it's the same on the rubbermounts, and it was the same on my 96 RK, and on my 93 XL 1200 and EVERY other Harley I've ever ridden.

My Jiffy stand does not lock and you can test this by starting to push the bike forward it automatically retracts.

As for parking in first or not the national MSF says park in first and always ingauge clutch when starting. Now if you want to find your bike on it's side thats your problem. I'm just saying that for a small step at startup you can save yourself a lot of heartache in not seeing your baby on it's side. Thats why it's taught and thats why I do it. To each their own.

My Jiffy stand does not lock and you can test this by starting to push the bike forward it automatically retracts.


Two questions for youl

Is this your first Harley?

&

When you "push the bike forward and it automatically retracts, are you SITTING ON IT and the bike is upright (past the locking cam on the sidestand) or is the weight still on the sidestand (I'm doubting this unless they made a VERY radical change after decades with a system that works very well)?

You see, the Harley LOCKING sidestand works so well because it only LOCKS when the weight of the bike is placed on it. Look at the sidestand, it pivots in relation to the frame, moving a lock cam into position.

This is Harley's clever way around the need for sidestand switches (which are only needed to keep dumb people from killing themselves, or the rest of us from killing ourselves in a moment of supremely stupid forgetfulness).

In this way the Harley stands will basically self-retract if accidently left down while starting out. But will NOT allow a bike to fall over if nudged when parked.

Kev

You see, the Harley LOCKING sidestand works so well because it only LOCKS when the weight of the bike is placed on it. Look at the sidestand, it pivots in relation to the frame, moving a lock cam into position. In this way the Harley stands will basically self-retract if accidently left down while starting out. But will NOT allow a bike to fall over if nudged when parked.
Kev

I guess you've never spent much time around a Dyna or been there when the poor guys bike just up and fell over. The Sporty stand is nice, the Dyna stand flat sucks and has for years. You wouldn't want to start a Dyna and leave it running on the stand. The Sporty would have no problem.

I guess you've never spent much time around a Dyna or been there when the poor guys bike just up and fell over. The Sporty stand is nice, the Dyna stand flat sucks and has for years. You wouldn't want to start a Dyna and leave it running on the stand. The Sporty would have no problem.

Sounds strange, are you talking late model Dynas? I have never heard of any HD not being able to idle on the stand without falling over.

Chuck, don't listen to KY, his frickin' initials are a sex-lube.



Originally Posted by Kev M

You see, the Harley LOCKING sidestand works so well because it only LOCKS when the weight of the bike is placed on it. Look at the sidestand, it pivots in relation to the frame, moving a lock cam into position. In this way the Harley stands will basically self-retract if accidently left down while starting out. But will NOT allow a bike to fall over if nudged when parked.
Kev

I guess you've never spent much time around a Dyna or been there when the poor guys bike just up and fell over. The Sporty stand is nice, the Dyna stand flat sucks and has for years. You wouldn't want to start a Dyna and leave it running on the stand. The Sporty would have no problem.

Dude, you REALLY oughta take your own advice about scientific method and stop guessing so much, it's getting embarrassing for you.

What's "much time"

How about storing and riding a bud's 99 FXD for a year. :rolleyes:

The kickstand has the SAME F'n basic locking mechanism.

Not that I leave ANY BIKE idling unattended.

But I start EVERY bike I've ever owned or ridden standing NEXT to it, so I can do a quick brake-light check.

I mostly attribute THAT to owning a paint-shaker solidmount in the early-90s and getting used to finding bulbs that were shaken apart.

Kev

First gear always, but I always pull in the clutch on every bike I ride regardless of if I know its in nuetral or not, and when I am at a stoplight and want to rest my hands, I put it in nuetral, and slowly disengage the clutch just to be sure the nuetral light isn't playing a joke on me.

neutral unless on a hill of course

in the MSF Class they say Always Park the bike in first gear and when starting Clutch and goto neutral then start the bike. But its all in your opinion what you do

In my garage it can go either way, although i usually seem to park her in first, i just feel more comfortable that way. Besides, its a good habit.

In my garage it's in neutral. Makes it easy for me to back it out in the morning. Anywhere else it's in 1st. I just throw a leg over and pull back the clutch and go, I don't drop it back to neutral to start it.

I usually park it in first, but I do park it in nuetral if I'm able to coast into the parking spot.

i almost always park in nuetral, and i try to find flat places to park, they are pretty easy to find where i live.

I park in neutral . If you park in gear , the potental for bending a shift fork exists by rolling the bike . It is rare but I've seen it happen . A dragracing buddie of mine transported his bike with it in 1st gear . The constant rocking bent a shift fork . If you worried about parking on a hill , just park with the wheel against the curb

I also always leave it in Reverse :D , No seriously i always leave my bike in Neutral no matter where i am!.

During the rider course I took last summer they taught us to always leave in neutral. For a newer rider that is probably the best advice. But now, I've rebelled. I leave it in first w/o even giving it a thought.

Neutral for me.
Clark

I tend to park in first and start 'r up in nutral.

Always in gear, both the Sportster and the dirt-bike. Just a habbit I think from always having the dirt-bike on a trailer to and from riding.

Neutral in the garage but on the street and on hills mostly 1st.

Just a note, two mornings ago found my truck against the bush behind my neighbor's parked car, the street is down hill towards the neighbor, and the mail box 4X4 knock out and broken, dumbfound! got in the car back it up to where I always park, no damage to any one's car or property except the mail box post. First time???? did not engage the transmission on gear.

Well I guess it was a cheap lesson. ALWAYS PARK THE THING ON GEAR.

Cameron, 2005 XL 883 SS (Standard Stock)

I live in the flat lands of Dallas, Texas. I always park in neutral. It seems like anytime I forget and leave it in gear I always end up hitting the starter button and making my bike lurch forward embarrassingly.

This really cuts down on the cool factor when pretty girls are looking.

neutral, never have to worrry about assuming it's in it if it's not an you hit that starter button and you aint ready for a lurch forward!!

For safety - ALWAYS park in gear. And, it's THE LAW!

During the rider course I took last summer they taught us to always leave in neutral. For a newer rider that is probably the best advice. But now, I've rebelled. I leave it in first w/o even giving it a thought.

That's a CERTAIN invitation to disaster on any substantial grade. All it takes is some kid to come wiggle a handlebar and the machine will be rolling right along. Why does MSF teach parking in neutral when it's NOT LEGAL IN CARS? Lack of consistency is OFTEN a cause of accidents, personal or industrial.

In neutral, always have, unless the front end is pointed down slope or there a chance the bike will slide or roll. My primary goal is to NOT have the bike end up on the ground unless there's a suitable rock nearby to crawl under. :D

Well I put mine in neutral because its an old habit.

Most of my bikes won't start in anything but neutral. Most of them are kick start and won't even turn over with the clutch pulled in. So they have to be back into Neutral or they are hard to get out of gear while the clutch drive is not spinning because the motor is not running. They have to be in Neutral to even get it running. You have to rock them back and forth to get them out of gear and into neutral if you did not do it while they were last running.

So... I just do it the same way all the time. The only thing I do different is to hold the clutch in on an electric start bike. Which I cannot do on a kick start bike. Same old habit same old routine otherwise.

cphilip - You got some old brain cells to fire! I took the poll before reading the thread. When I started to read I noticed people asking "why neutral"... I thought to myself, uh, hummm, something about kickstarters but I couldn't remember the details. Your post dusted the cobwebs off those memories. I guess for me its a very old habit for EXACTLY the reasons you posted. Ok, that makes me want to dig a little deeper into the data. Does a person's age effect the answer? I wonder if many or most of the "neutral crowd" grew up in the days of kick start only (B&W TV and dial telephones too)????:dunno :

I park in that gear what accidentally are left on...

Neutral, because I've hit the starter without checking or pulling in the clutch, and Sportys will start in gear. Luckily, I didn't drop her.

I always leave it in neutral, unless I'm on a hill

I park it in neutral now because I always forget and I have hit the starter when it was in first and she lurched forward....I know I should have had the clutch in but oh well......

neutral unless on a hill then 1st if pointing downhill OTherwise I let the bike roll back into the curb so it can't roll, gravity keeps it there..

I park in Neutral while in my locked garage and 1st Gear anywhere outdoors.

Outdoors to prevent accidental or intentional rolling/stealing. Plus 1-2 wheel locks. Someone else would have to pick it up & carry it off.

In locked garage with 2-3 wheel locks, I leave him in neutral for easier starting when I return.

Always in neutral. No wait, 1st - on hills just in case my bike decides to erect itself to disable the locked kickstand and roll a really long distance.

And wtf with all the car comparisons? A car that rolls unintentionally has tremendous disaster potential due to the fact that it's - hello - sitting on four wheels and will follow a gravitational path until outside forces (building, cliff, gravity, family of four ect..) stop it. If my bike, parked in neutral, begins to roll (how will that happen anyway? Earthquake? Some kid/adult sitting on it moving the handlebars?), how far is it going to go? Right on it's side that's where- the same place it would be if whatever force acted on it in neutral, or in gear.

Really, the only potentially dangerous situation I can think of is the before mentioned kid. The scenario being that the bike is parked downhill and rolls off it's locking sidestand through manipulation by said kid of the handlebars and suffering injury when the bike immediately falls over on him/her. If the child was unattended while this thing happened, then the sadness of this situation happened long before the kid even looked at the bike.

The bad thing is that I've come out of work on two occasions (I'm a grocery chain Butcher) to the parking lot to start my bike and there's actually a kid on my bike pretending to ride it, like it's a damn coin operated deal. And the SOB's parents are grinning and laughing like "yay little Jhonny, you're a motorcyclist - wee!" When they realize that I'm the owner - they continued letting the kid have his fun and began to tell me how much fun he was having. A long, deep breath and three colorful words on my part and the mother is threatening to go inside and complain to the corporate office about how rude I am and try to have me fired. Well, there were a few things at the time that I had been meaning to get fixed anyhow so I let her know that little Jhonny just did about $1500 worth of damage to my bike (which he didn't) and I'd have to call the police and file a report. Suddenly the parents saw the error of their ways and were very polite. BTW, my old Bandit that didn't make use of a locking stand was always parked in gear.

If I am parked on a hill or the parking lot is sloped I will put it into first . Flat ground the bike goes into netural.
Also for safety I allway pull in the clutch when I start it. Even if the green netural light is on

Same here, just to make sure

always Neutral.......

Always in first, It only takes once for the stand to not lock properly, besides, I have watched a buddies fzr600 fall over because he was in neutral and we were on a slight slope.

If I'm on a hill, I just dump the
bike over on it's left side so it
doesn't startle the little old ladys
walking by...

Your bike has a neutral?
What green light?

:-)
-W

I park mine in neutral always. I learned at the HD shop that lots of people (exactly 38%) park with their bike in gear (could be 2nd or 1st) so I would always check before starting one up to avoid unpleasant surprises.

--Chris



Starter rides are the best!

if the area I park isnt flat I put it in first.

I would have answered yes but someone changed the answers. Either 1st or Neutral always, never in 6th or reverse unless I have back up a really steep hill then I might leave it in reverse.

After learning the hard way years ago I now park both the Deuce and Sportster in PARK, never reverse or neutral

883rnh -

What, you don't like to be launched into the car in front of you?

Netural When I'm At The Bar. Come Out Of The Bar To Many Times And Hit The Starter Only To Have It Launch On Me.maybe To Many Beers.

If you had enough beers it wouldn't matter right?
Nothing hurts after enough beers.
1st always.

The bad thing is that I've come out of work on two occasions (I'm a grocery chain Butcher) to the parking lot to start my bike and there's actually a kid on my bike pretending to ride it, like it's a damn coin operated deal. And the SOB's parents are grinning and laughing like "yay little Jhonny, you're a motorcyclist - wee!" When they realize that I'm the owner - they continued letting the kid have his fun and began to tell me how much fun he was having. A long, deep breath and three colorful words on my part and the mother is threatening to go inside and complain to the corporate office about how rude I am and try to have me fired. Well, there were a few things at the time that I had been meaning to get fixed anyhow so I let her know that little Jhonny just did about $1500 worth of damage to my bike (which he didn't) and I'd have to call the police and file a report. Suddenly the parents saw the error of their ways and were very polite. BTW, my old Bandit that didn't make use of a locking stand was always parked in gear.

I've never happened upon anyone with the stones to touch my ride without asking, but if it were a regular occurrance I'd either park somewhere else or put a sign on my tank

"You don't touch my bike and I won't F@#$CK your wife"

I betcha the parents would keep the kids away.


Always in first, It only takes once for the stand to not lock properly, besides, I have watched a buddies fzr600 fall over because he was in neutral and we were on a slight slope.

If I'm not mistaken the FZR600 doens't have a locking kickstand.

And as for not "locking" properly on your Sporty, you'd have to be seriously not paying attention for that to happen. It's a simple cam mechanism. If the bike leans over fully on the stand IT'S LOCKED. If it isn't locked, it didn't lean over. I don't know how you could miss that.

Netural When I'm At The Bar. Come Out Of The Bar To Many Times And Hit The Starter Only To Have It Launch On Me.maybe To Many Beers.

Uh boy, where to start. Ohh, how about try riding to say SOMEPLACE OTHER THAN A F@#%#%# BAR! :frownthre

883rnh -

What, you don't like to be launched into the car in front of you?

Much perfer the one parked behind me.

I always leave it in first and roll it back a hair so the little kids at the park cant play around with the shifter, same when its in the garage but cocked in an angle and the fork lock on

I've never happened upon anyone with the stones to touch my ride without asking, but if it were a regular occurrance I'd either park somewhere else or put a sign on my tank

"You don't touch my bike and I won't F@#$CK your wife"

I betcha the parents would keep the kids away.




If I'm not mistaken the FZR600 doens't have a locking kickstand.

And as for not "locking" properly on your Sporty, you'd have to be seriously not paying attention for that to happen. It's a simple cam mechanism. If the bike leans over fully on the stand IT'S LOCKED. If it isn't locked, it didn't lean over. I don't know how you could miss that.



Uh boy, where to start. Ohh, how about try riding to say SOMEPLACE OTHER THAN A F@#%#%# BAR! :frownthre

I have had this happen several times at the bike shows. the kids or the little hottie and her boyfriend sitting on bikes and wanting there pic's taken and the parents in the back ground saying smile honey. I just walk up to them and tell them if they do any damage the bike is 50 grand today.

In 1st gear, always.....

ditto for me

Always in gear. No body can figure out how to shift mine let alone how to get it out it out of gear.

I start my bike in N so that is where I try to park it most of the time. It doesn't matter really to me because I 'always' pull the clutch while starting.
As for the kill switch, I don't use that as much as I should. The real reason to get in the habit of using it because in emergencies muscle memory and instinct will hit the cutoff switch when you need to kill the motor. The theory is if you always use that to shut off the engine, you will know exactly where it is when you need it in a hurry.

As for the kill switch, I don't use that as much as I should. The real reason to get in the habit of using it because in emergencies muscle memory and instinct will hit the cutoff switch when you need to kill the motor. The theory is if you always use that to shut off the engine, you will know exactly where it is when you need it in a hurry.

Damn good point... :clap

I'm wondering why people put it in neutral???

I like to put it in gear even on a flat lot in case some fatass comes along and leans on the back... it's too easy to roll off that kickstand.

Gazza

Im with Gary I have seen to many bikes fall over because some idiot thinks he has to lean on a bike.Always 1st gear!!!!

Im with Gary I have seen to many bikes fall over because some idiot thinks he has to lean on a bike.Always 1st gear!!!!

I've never seen a Harley fall over because some idiot leaned on it, when it would have been saved by being in first gear.

Bottom line, IT CANNOT ROLL when on the stand and cause the stand to collapse, not on it's own.

So on flat ground, it's a total non-issue.

Now if some jerkwad sits on it who shouldn't be sitting on it, well that's another issue, but as far as I know that's never happened to me.

K

I wish someone would've leaned on my bike (before I wrapped the drag pipes) and burnt the SHIT out of themselves.

Always leave it in first. Then again I always pull in the clutch when I start it.

In Australia (Stay Upright) they teach you to leave it in first.

I usually park my bike in my garage..........in 1st gear.:rolleyes:

I assume the question applies to public parking and I voted for 1st however in my garage I always park in neutral.

:chtwo

How about a response for "It depends on whether I'm parking on a hill or level ground"???

Yep, that's my answer and I'm stickin' to it...

Like many others i voted 1st gear but that is mainly out in public places or on hill or uneven ground, at night in the garage it's in neutral

Has anyone started their bike with the clutch pulled but had it in first gear. I did the other day, it sounded and felt horrible.

I usually pull the clutch in but I take it outta gear first.

Ww

Always in gear. It is too easy to be pushed off the jiffy stand in neutral.

In my garage is probably less of an issue; but I believe consistancy has value.

I alway know when I pickup my Glock 21 that is has a round in the chamber and a full mag and is totally ready to shoot. It is dangerous to have to determine such things in an emergency. I treat my bike the same way.

ive had those rough nights during bar crawls.....sometimes leaving your bike in neutral before you go into a dim lit establishment with high morale is a good idea..:chtwo

Always in gear. It is too easy to be pushed off the jiffy stand in neutral.

In my garage is probably less of an issue; but I believe consistancy has value.

I alway know when I pickup my Glock 21 that is has a round in the chamber and a full mag and is totally ready to shoot. It is dangerous to have to determine such things in an emergency. I treat my bike the same way.

Spoken by someone that has never crawled under his bike to see how the jiffy stand works, evidently. If the weight of the bike is on the jiffy stand, it ain't going down, unless the stand sinks into hot pavement.

Maybe your OTHER bikes didn't have a "locking" sidestand, but this one does.

I always park in first. I don't want the bike to move forward and take a chance of falling over.

I park in nuetral just as a precaution to keep me from hitting the starter button while the bike is still in gear.

I park in nuetral just as a precaution to keep me from hitting the starter button while the bike is still in gear.

Like he said

I always park in first since my 1500 Intruder rolled and laid down as i walked away from it. I always pull the clutch in before hitting the starter - the I put it in neutral if it needs to warm up - Pete

Always in gear.

Then if the kick stand flips up unexpectedly (1 time) on a slope I won't look like a complete idiot wrestling with a 560 lb bike as tries to circle around behind.

First of all if you set the parking/emergency brake it makes little difference what gear you are in...in park is best IMHO

I all ways leave it in first so it cant roll