Starting in Gear as Opposed to Setting in Neutral

[RTR]

In my MSF class, I was taught FINE-CC (Fuel Supply Valve, Ignition, NEUTRAL, Engine Cut-Off, Choke/Clutch). My question lies within the Neutral part. Apparently, I should set the bike to neutral prior to killing the engine instead of setting in first gear. So when I start up my bike, I am in the neutral gear. Why is this? Is there anything wrong with leaving in the first gear while parked? If it is required that I set the bike in neutral during parking, then wouldn't that set incentive for someone to roll off with my bike?

Thank you.

As for parking your bike in gear or neutral. Personally, I always will park my bike when in public in gear. When parked for the night in the garage, I will put the bike in neutral. That is my routine. You will devise a routine for yourself.

As for someone rolling off with your bike. You should consider some sort of theft deterent device. However, if the theif is determined, not many devices will stop them from taking it. With a helper or two and a pick-up or van not too hard to make off with a bike.

Good luck!

[Lion_Lady]

Umm. FINE-C applies to Starting UP. It is NOT part of shut down (and we don't KILL anything in the MSF course

Just a question of curiosity...

Does the MSF not teach FINE-C for start up. Then Reverse Fine-C for shut down?

Actually, shut down procedure is, "Thumb, Key, Valve" >Engine cut off switch, ignition key, fuel valve/petcock.

P

[IcyHound]

I turn off the bike in gear. I rarely start in gear simply because I rarely am facing out of an area. You can start it in gear if you want, won't hurt anything. I normally get on, flip to neutral, and position myself to get moving and then go.

You will find out what works for you. When I had a bike with a petcock I never ever used it. Just like driving a car you get into a series of habits that will take a few weeks/months to build.

[RhadamYgg]

I turn off the bike in gear. I rarely start in gear simply because I rarely am facing out of an area. You can start it in gear if you want, won't hurt anything. I normally get on, flip to neutral, and position myself to get moving and then go.

You will find out what works for you. When I had a bike with a petcock I never ever used it. Just like driving a car you get into a series of habits that will take a few weeks/months to build.

That's sooo funny. I keep wanting to post - about the fact that I can't seem to remember to turn my petcock off. I was beginning to think I was the only one stupid enough to leave this on all the time.

RhadamYgg

[Gunslinger]

You guys aren't the only ones who leave the petcock on all the time. My bike automatically turns off the fuel supply when I hit the kill switch. And even if the petcock had an off position I doubt I would use it, I guess I don't see the point unless you aren't going to be riding for awhile.

[viper15]

Why is it that you should be in neutral when you start-up your bike anyway? Is it harmful to the bike if you start-up in first gear? Just curious. Thanks!

[ChemicalTaste]

It doesn't harm the bike at all. Both are fine, its just personal preference. If you have to back the bike up, don't bother holding in the clutch, just make sure its in neutral. The bike is harder to move backward when in first. I make sure its in neutral when I get off since I usually have to back out of something when I plan on riding again.

[the_sandman_454]

Starting up in first gear will not harm your bike... At least it won't harm your bike until you forget it's in first and just release the clutch for whatever reason, then it'll harm your bike when it jerks forward and/or out from under you, you drop the bike, and your ride gets off to a bad start.

Note, I've never had that happen to me, but it is easily conceivable that it could happen. For example, you get in a hurry, start the bike in gear, suddenly realize you forgot to do the strap on your helmet. Oh gee I'll just reach up and do that, and then oops, it was in gear.

For the record it's also recommended you start any manual transmission vehicle in neutral, just in case there are clutch problems.

[HYPERR]

I always start in neutral and the clutch pulled in.

[ANDS!]

. I'm tired of sorting through posts and having to address incorrect answers from folks who think they know

Jesus.

who was told not to post????

AND please, don't post any more questions until you have.

It was a pretty tactless response.

As for start-up/shut-down; you will quickly come to realize that what you were taught and what you actually do will not always be the same. Certain things should not have any room for "personal preference" and others certainly do have that latitude. I put my bike in neutral only because if I didn't I know the day it doesn't start, I would waste 10 minute stressing about getting a jump, when I shouldve just put the kickstand up.