LUC’S TIPS MAY 2013: OFF TO AN EASY START
Last Updated: April 25th, 2024
Starting a motorcycle is our gateway to having fun. Sometimes, we don’t always get the result we’re looking to obtain. Ever have a scenario where the motorcycle starts with slightly more difficulty when you’re in gear?
Well, you’re not alone. I’ll explore why the bike may be harder to start in gear even if the clutch is pulled in.
YEAH, YEAH, FINE-C
We all remember the FINE-C start up procedure from the Basic RiderCourse don’t we? We use this acronym to help us with our starting process much like an airplane pilot goes through their checklist before take-off. It is good to build the habit early so that we prevent missing any critical steps. To refresh your memory, FINE-C is:
- FUEL- turn your fuel on if you have a fuel petcock (if you have one)
- IGNITION- turn your key to the on position
- NEUTRAL- place your bike in neutral (we always park our bikes in 1st gear to prevent the bike from rolling)
- ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCH- place the switch into the on or “run” position
- CLUTCH /CHOKE- if choke is necessary, turn it on; always start the motorcycle with the clutch squeezed in
Notice anything about the above list? Yep, NEUTRAL is highlighted in red for a reason. It may be the key to you enjoying easy, stress free motorcycle start ups.
WHAT A DRAG
When we start a motorcycle in gear, the clutch, engine crank, and transmission are engaged, thus preventing the engine from spinning freely and separately from the clutch. The clutch on most modern-day motorcycles are bathed in oil. The oil creates a bond between clutch plates that are spaced very closely together. This bond created between the oil and clutch plates can cause an additional load for your motorcycle’s starting system to overcome and can place slightly more cranking requirements upon the tiny motorcycle battery. Starting the motorcycle in gear also creates slightly more work for the starter. The end result leaves you with the impression that the battery is getting weaker or turning over slower than when starting the motorcycle in neutral. This may be more noticeable when the oil is cold as it may be thicker and the bond between clutch plates may be even more challenging to break.
In the extreme, if you’re finding the motorcycle is GREATLY easier to start in neutral versus first, or you find the bike creeping forward when you’re in first gear and the clutch lever is squeezed in completely, then there may be other considerations at play. There could be a need for clutch cable adjustment, clutch fluid replacement, or for a clutch inspection from your local dealership or repair shop.
The simple solution? Follow FINE-C.
So now that your motorcycle is starting easily and more cheerfully, where will you go on your next adventure?
Safe riding,
-LUC
DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS COLUMN ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF ANY MANUFACTURER. THE CONTENT PROVIDED IS MERELY EDUCATIONAL AND NOT INTENDED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL REPAIR. TEAM ARIZONA, ITS STAFF, AND ITS RIDERCOACHES ARE UNAVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE MOTORCYCLE REPAIR; WE RECOMMEND SEEING YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP OR REPAIR SHOP.
