I just noticed that if I start the bike in first gear (clutch in) it will move forward a bit as it starts. It doesn't lurch forward or stall, but it seems like that pulling in the lever doesn't disengage the clutch fully. Is this normal or should I fix this ASAP?

If so, how should I fix it?

I can upload a video later if required.

I've noticed my bike does this too. I think it's because the oil is cold and thicker? Or your clutch could need to be readjusted. I readjusted my clutch cable tension and that helped.

That is normal.  Some of the more techy folk can provide the insight as to why. But it does have to do with the clutch plates partially engaged I believe... which is normal, even with a properly adjusted clutch.

However, I will provide some good daily practice for your bike routine 
Always park your bike in first.  Always start your bike in neutral.  Parking in first gives you a sort of 'parking brake' and can prevent the bike from folding the kickstand and falling over from a small bump or hill.  Starting your bike in neutral guarantees that your bike won't lurch or move forward when starting (which will fold up the kickstand if it does it hard enough)... and if your clutch safety switch fails, is bypassed, etc... and you don't pull in the clutch, the bike will take definitely take off on ya.

On another note, it takes more power to start the bike while in gear... a weak battery will have much more difficulty turning the bike over while in gear.



- Bboy

It's from the clutch plates sticking. Common thing if the bike sits overnight. Mine would do that in the morning, but after a ride it wouldn't because the plates all unstuck. If you've ever put your bike up on a stand, even in neutral, the rear wheel still spins on it's own.

Quote from: BockinBboy on September 19, 2013, 06:32:32 AM
That is normal.  Some of the more techy folk can provide the insight as to why. But it does have to do with the clutch plates partially engaged I believe... which is normal, even with a properly adjusted clutch.

However, I will provide some good daily practice for your bike routine 
Always park your bike in first.  Always start your bike in neutral.  Parking in first gives you a sort of 'parking brake' and can prevent the bike from folding the kickstand and falling over from a small bump or hill.  Starting your bike in neutral guarantees that your bike won't lurch or move forward when starting (which will fold up the kickstand if it does it hard enough)... and if your clutch safety switch fails, is bypassed, etc... and you don't pull in the clutch, the bike will take definitely take off on ya.

On another note, it takes more power to start the bike while in gear... a weak battery will have much more difficulty turning the bike over while in gear.



- Bboy

Hmm, I always leave my car and bike parked in gear! Never had any unfortunate incidents but know of others who have left it in neutral. I always start my bike and car in neutral too, but this once I just did it in first hence why I noticed.

I did not know why or that it uses more battery power if you do it in first, so good tip!

It's basically due to motorcycles having a wet clutch (immersed in oil).  When the oil is cool it is more viscous (less runny) and will allow power to be transferred between the clutch discs.

A simple example of this would be if you take a small piece of wood and set it on a table; if you put some oil on it then rest your finger in the oil, when you move your finger it will glide easily.  If you now use molasses instead of the oil, you'll feel more resistance and may drag the wood along.

Plus there is always a tiny amount of drag anyway, but when the oil is cold it can have a bit more bite.  I still do it a lot.  I imagine many people start their bike in gear.

Quote from: mustangGT90210 on September 19, 2013, 07:11:22 AM
It's from the clutch plates sticking. Common thing if the bike sits overnight. Mine would do that in the morning, but after a ride it wouldn't because the plates all unstuck. If you've ever put your bike up on a stand, even in neutral, the rear wheel still spins on it's own.

all five of mine did this. lol. i never worried about it. it was minor so i never worried bout it

Quote from: john on September 19, 2013, 08:16:30 PM
Plus there is always a tiny amount of drag anyway, but when the oil is cold it can have a bit more bite.  I still do it a lot.  I imagine many people start their bike in gear.

I generally suggest people don't start their bike in gear because it's much harder on the starter motor.

I start my bike in neutral when first starting it for the day in the garage.  After that it is never in neutral again until back in the garage.  Stops during the ride are made with bike in 1st gear, engine is killed by putting side stand down leaving bike parked in gear.  To restart I stand up the bike, pull clutch, and start ready to go in 1st gear.  Works for me.

Quote from: gsJack on September 20, 2013, 12:37:03 PM
I start my bike in neutral when first starting it for the day in the garage.  After that it is never in neutral again until back in the garage.  Stops during the ride are made with bike in 1st gear, engine is killed by putting side stand down leaving bike parked in gear.  To restart I stand up the bike, pull clutch, and start ready to go in 1st gear.  Works for me.

I'm lazy so I typically start my bike without me being on the bike.

If I started it in first I'd put it in a wall