Starting in 2nd?

[Rebel0007]

My 550 is a bit of a dog in first gear. As a result, I often have to shift into second halfway through making a left turn from a stop. Should I just start in second to avoid the hassle of shifting mid-turn? From what I've read on here, it's basically impossible to mess up a motorcycle clutch, so why not? I've (accidentally) done it before, and the engine didn't seem like it was struggling.

[jmillheiser]

what is wrong with shifting mid turn. I did it all the time with my CX500 even though I didn't need to.

[niterider]

To me half the fun of riding a bike is the use of the gears. I had a 454 ltd vulcan with 6 gear selections, I sure enjoyed going through all the gears. The only thing I see in not useing 1st gear is that you will not have a wear pattern from 1st to 2nd as the gears wear.

[Rebel0007]

Wear pattern?

Also:

-Shifting isn't amazingly smooth on the bike, so yeah.
-Not shifting gives you better traction, or something.

[buddhacide]

Wouldnt you run the risk of stalling? If I start out in anything other than first my bike stalls.

[blues2cruise]

It's not recommended to shift in a turn because of the possibility of missing a shift, or shifting up and landing in neutral.

However, I'd guess most of us shift in a turn....especially the big wide intersections.

Usually the problem with starting in second is that the engine may lug.

[jonnythan]

On sharp turns, like taking a turn at off a red light or stop sign, I'll just stay in first through the turn and shift up to second when I start straightening out. If it's a wide turn and I'm not leaning too hard, I have no issues with shifting mid-turn.

[TechTMW]

Usually the problem with starting in second is that the engine may lug.

Bingo!

If you are starting in second from a dead stop, you may be lugging your engine which will wear out pistons and rings and cylinders in a hurry. ARE you lugging your engine from a stop in second on YOUR bike? Dunno. But if you are, you need to use first gear.

[Rebel0007]

The bike doesn't stall, and I don't know if I'm lugging it.

[Lion_Lady]

My 550 is a bit of a dog in first gear. As a result, I often have to shift into second halfway through making a left turn from a stop. . .

That this happens only in LEFT turns says to me there's something else going on. Heck, why not just 'wind it up' in first and shift up after you're straightned out.

P