I've never started my bike without being in the saddle with both hands on the grips and the clutch pulled in.
I have, but I always have the clutch in. I think it is a leftover from one of my other bikes that would not start unless the clutch was in. Then I SLOWLY release it.... just in case.
Cold clutch plates will drag and it sounds like what happened to you. Or the gearbox wasn't totally in neutral.
Was wondering if anyone has had their bike engage a gear as you were starting it.
I'm ballsy, it would be a rare time I'm mounted when I start up. 51,000 plus miles, no issues. I start up, lid, plug in comms, gloves, mount, and ride. Part of the routine.
I suppose I could sidetrack this thread and state that's it not really necessary to "warm up" your bike unless you're going to drag race it right away. But I wouldn't do that.
I'm ballsy, it would be a rare time I'm mounted when I start up.