Any down side to starting in gear

[Guest Nevada Max]

Any down side to starting up in first gear assuming you have the clutch in.

 

Thanks

 

From Mexico

Nevada Max

[Guest tx2sturgis]

Any down side to starting up in first gear assuming you have the clutch in.

 

 

Slightly more clutch and starter drag, and a bit more battery drain. But sometimes its hard to find neutral with the engine not running, and especially on a slight grade, even rocking the bike forward and back its STILL hard to find neutral. So in those cases, I dont worry about it too much. Normally, I try to find neutral before starting, if it was left in gear, as a 'parking brake'.

[Guest Nevada Max]

You're right about finding neutral esp in sand. I need to keep it in gear as a brake. Thanks

 

From safe, very tranquillo Mexico

 

Max

[Midrsv]

The only problem I find when starting in gear is in the winter when the bike is cold and I start it for the first time in the morning it will lurch forward even with the clutch pulled in. I guess the cold oil has enough drag that when it initially cranks it moves the gears somewhat. So I make it a habit of starting a cold bike in the winter in neutral. I don't worry about it any other time.

 

DT

[Guest tx2sturgis]

The only problem I find when starting in gear is in the winter when the bike is cold and I start it for the first time in the morning it will lurch forward even with the clutch pulled in. I guess the cold oil has enough drag that when it initially cranks it moves the gears somewhat. So I make it a habit of starting a cold bike in the winter in neutral. I don't worry about it any other time.

 

DT

 

Since he's in Mexico, I didnt bother with mentioning that. But for others in more northern climes, its a good point. If the engine is REALLY cold, say, below about 45f or so, its best to start it in neutral.

[Nighthawk II]

I have found that when I need to park mine in gear, If I pull in the clutch and hold a little front brake and just bump the starter, then most of the time neutral is easier to find. Evidently that lets the pressure off of the gear box. I rarely rock mine back and forth.