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[Glenncarp]

I start in neutral also.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

My '04 did not have the safety switch so one could start the bike in gear. Nice to see HD took a clue from the Japanese and added the safety feature in my '11. If the bike is in gear and the clutch is not pulled in, the bike will not turn over.

Now if the Japanese would take clue from HD and adapt the automatic turn signal shut off, I would see less of their bike making a left turn around the world!!! 

[Trapperdog]

Now if the Japanese would take clue from HD and adapt the automatic turn signal shut off, I would see less of their bike making a left turn around the world!!! 

Ha, that would be me.

[grayghost731]

Start in neutral, clutch in. Park it in gear.

That's what I do ! 

[2018_FLTRXSE]

Ditto, X2

First day I got my FLHXSE3, the dealer got it all cleaned up and pulled it out for everyone to look at.   The guy that pulled it up left the bike in neutral about 10 minutes later this 12 yr old kid leaned on the bike and my brand new bike fell over on the show room floor.  Luckily nothing was hurt, but after that I always park locked in first gear.

For starting: neutral, brakes on, clutch in everytime.

Cowboy

AS the jiffy stand locks into a notch, it sounds like the guy that set the bike in its place did not assure the stand was all the way forward before setting the bike on the stand.

[Para Bellum]

So what's the difference in your opinion?

Good Socratic technique.  I'll pick up the ball and run with it.  No big deal on flat and level, but on inclines:  Car has parking brake and, if auto trans, parking pawl in P(ark) position; also can turn wheels to curb.  Bike has none of those three, but can put in gear like manual trans car. Sure, bike has jiffy stand, and if it's on the peg, there's some measure of safety/stability...and no one ever had incomplete engagement of stand, or HD equipment failure, or kids playing on bike when you're not there, or earthquakes.   

I rather not risk my expensive paint job, tins, levers, grips, etc. by relying on just one method.  So yes, I park in gear anytime I'm not in the garage.

To the original discussion, however, I start in neutral, with clutch in, unless I stall in traffic or am in an unstable position where safety considerations override the benefits of less stress on starter and battery...and I always engage a brake when hitting the starter.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

I always start in neutral (less stress on bike).  And, I always have the clutch pulled in (old habit).  SJ Ron

X2 here.  MC in neutral and clutch pulled in.

[lowflight]

Same here.  I just don't trust a light. 

I'm surprised so many are starting their bike in gear.  The only time I don't park in neutral is if I'm on an incline.  Then, and only then, will I start it in gear.

What would be other reasons for shutting the bike off in gear?

X2

[porthole]

AS the jiffy stand locks into a notch, it sounds like the guy that set the bike in its place did not assure the stand was all the way forward before setting the bike on the stand.

They still move, even in the notch

Since the HD's have a locking kickstand they are not likely to roll forward even on a moderate slope.

Mine has always rolled forward a bit on anything but an uphill surface.

Same here.  I just don't trust a light. 

I'm surprised so many are starting their bike in gear.  The only time I don't park in neutral is if I'm on an incline.  Then, and only then, will I start it in gear.

What would be other reasons for shutting the bike off in gear?

Don't trust my light, although they have have been right "most" of the time.

I have an aftermarket kick stand and it allows more of a roll then then the stock stand. So, I always park in gear, always start in neutral with the clutch pulled.

I can feel the extra drag starting the bike in gear, clutch pulled.

[CVOSE]

I don't understand the discussion. If you pull the clutch the gearbox is not connected to the engine. No shaft turning in the gearbox!
Pulling the clutch is more then enough, no matter which gear is selected.

[bbrown]

I don't understand the discussion. If you pull the clutch the gearbox is not connected to the engine. No shaft turning in the gearbox!
Pulling the clutch is more then enough, no matter which gear is selected.

GOOD POINT

[Fired00d]

I don't understand the discussion. If you pull the clutch the gearbox is not connected to the engine. No shaft turning in the gearbox!
Pulling the clutch is more then enough, no matter which gear is selected.

Try starting your bike both ways and see if you notice any difference.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[grc]

I don't understand the discussion. If you pull the clutch the gearbox is not connected to the engine. No shaft turning in the gearbox!
Pulling the clutch is more then enough, no matter which gear is selected.

Unfortunately that isn't the case, especially on a cold start, due to a phenomenon called clutch drag.

Jerry

[SBB]

Try starting your bike both ways and see if you notice any difference.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

X 2

[charles05663]

I don't understand the discussion. If you pull the clutch the gearbox is not connected to the engine. No shaft turning in the gearbox!
Pulling the clutch is more then enough, no matter which gear is selected.

I know that I am starting to experience the issue with my clutch not fully disengaging (I need to work on the clutch).  I have found that the few times I needed to start in gear my bike would want to move forward.

 

[Trapperdog]

They still move, even in the notch

Mine has always rolled forward a bit on anything but an uphill surface.

Don't trust my light, although they have have been right "most" of the time.

Yes they do move forward a bit, but once the stand locks they stay generally stay put. On bikes without the locking feature they continue forward until the stand folds and the bike falls on its side if not in gear.