[mickier]

I have noticed that on my 07 softail, that when the engine is cold, when I start the engine - and then pull in the clutch - and then shift into first, it usually "clunks"

Once the engine is warm, when I start the bike, it will usually shift to first gear without a clunk at all.

I have checked my clutch adjustment, and it's set right.

I notice if I pull in the clutch (neutral) before starting the bike, I can shift into first gear without a clunk...

I've begun always pulling in the clutch before starting the bike - I <hope> will actually end up reducing wear on the 1st gear syncros and gear teeth...

any thoughts?

 

[baggerboy]

Clunk is like a harley trademark... But you prob notice it because primary fluid is not warm yet. As it heats up it gets thinner and smoother.

 

[Old Coot]

My 06RK won't start unless the clutch is pulled in.

 

[mickier]

Clunk is like a harley trademark... But you prob notice it because primary fluid is not warm yet. As it heats up it gets thinner and smoother.

yes exactly, but isn't it better on the transmission (less wear) to try and avoid the clunk?

I have always had "the clunk" even on my old metrics... but they didn't usually warm up/thin out fluid or the clutch didn't release enough to ever avoid the clunk.

 

[mickier]

My 06RK won't start unless the clutch is pulled in.

even in neutral?

 

[baggerboy]

I have never had a harley that didn't have the clunk.. No matter what the engine/primary temps were. I don't think you'll ave any problems.

 

[baggerboy]

My 06RK won't start unless the clutch is pulled in.

Do you usually start the bike in gear? The newer bikes won't start in gear unless you have the clutch lever pulled in. Keeps you from hitting the start button and the bike jumping on ya!

 

[TmikeX]

Normal operation.


Sent from Motorcycle.com Free App

 

[mickier]

Do you usually start the bike in gear? The newer bikes won't start in gear unless you have the clutch lever pulled in. Keeps you from hitting the start button and the bike jumping on ya!

Nope, I keep it in neutral to start.

 

[dub]

sounds normal to me. viscosity changes with temp

 

[Dan89flstc]

yes exactly, but isn't it better on the transmission (less wear) to try and avoid the clunk?

Take apart a transmission that has been clunking for 100 thousand miles, it will look fine. Don`t worry about the clunk.

 

[Kainam]

I've begun always pulling in the clutch before starting the bike - I <hope> will actually end up reducing wear on the 1st gear syncros and gear teeth...

any thoughts?

What synchros? :think

 

[Old Coot]

even in neutral?

Yea, it's got some kind of lock out device on it. It's an x cop bike if that matters.

 

[Old Coot]

Do you usually start the bike in gear? The newer bikes won't start in gear unless you have the clutch lever pulled in. Keeps you from hitting the start button and the bike jumping on ya!

I usually start in neutral. But it makes no difference. No clutch, it will not spin over. My straight drive car and truck is the same way.

 

[webco2]

I usually start in neutral. But it makes no difference. No clutch, it will not spin over. My straight drive car and truck is the same way.

I can fix that for you .

 

[fatcat]

Yea, it's got some kind of lock out device on it. It's an x cop bike if that matters.

Somewhere I heard that the bikes that are sent overseas also have that.

 

[Chief Illiniwek]

I don't think you're hurting it either way.

 

[SoftailBilly]

Start mine in neutral, let it run while putting helmet & gloves on. Disengage clutch, roll out to curb, rev engine up a little. Returns to idle speed, just falls into gear no clunk.