Starting in gear?

[Sir Tragen]

Question for the experienced Buellers...

On my Blast, as well as both bikes I rode while taking my motorcycle safety course, I could pull my clutch and start the engine regardless of what gear the bike is in.

I have an '06 Lightning that I have been riding for about nine months. On the Lightning, I need to have the transmission set in neutral to start the engine. If I try in any gear, with the kick stand up or down, I get nothing when I press the start button. It doesn't turn over, create a voltage drop... nothing.

Is this normal? As it is an '06, I know it does not have a kick stand sensor (and I have tested this out, intentionally )

Thoughts, anyone?

 

[Zeroflat24]

I will tell you that this doesn't sound right. My 05 will start in any gear 1-5 or neutral. Im sure someone can chime in with thoughts on what can cause this

 

[06xbss]

Strange, my '06 has no trouble starting in gear. Any idea on the modifications the PO might have done?? Clutch adjustment??

 

[stensg]

Possibly a bad clutch switch? So when its pulled in the bike didn't know? Un plug it jump the wires and try to start in gear but make sure your pulling the clutch in

 

[Sir Tragen]

Stensg,
You got it spot on. I just unplugged the wire, jumped it and the bike started like a champ in gear.
It looked like there was some kind of grease on the leads inside the jack on the clutch, which also got on the wire. I wiped it off, but still no go with the wire plugged in.
But now I know that the problem is with the switch and I will tackle that this weekend.
Thank you for your help.

I have to say that I have been reading this forum for quite a while, but have never really posted much. I look forward to becoming an active member of this resource.

Buellxb.com, you guys rock!
[up]

 

[DasKingtiger]

I am having the same issue.. I have an XB12ss 07.. i could start it in any gear (with clutch pulled) and in nutrual without engaging the clutch..

now out of nowhere the only way it will start is if i engage the clutch lever.. Why is that?

 

[DiRTeNtwisted]

I have an 04 xb12s. And I always park it in neutral. But have never had to pull in the clutch to start it. Idk maybe just my year. And I do have a sensor on the clutch lever, none on the kickstand.

 

[rpatt1]

DasKingtiger.

I would check the neutral switch wiring - and switch itself - it is under the sprocket cover :