Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: DuneDevil on September 20, 2011, 07:20:05 PM

Title: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: DuneDevil on September 20, 2011, 07:20:05 PM
Was wondering if anyone has had their bike engage a gear as you were starting it.

Last night as I was getting off work, standing next to the bike. I reached over as usual and tried to start the bike. It turned over once and then grabbed a gear ??? Well, the next thing I know I am trying to catch a 600 pound bike going down :-[ Not fun! I only had a scratch on mirror, but still, if this is a problem, them mabe they need to look at the transmission at the indent for neutral. Or, it could be all my fault for not having it fully in neutral..... I am just checking

DuneDevil
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on September 20, 2011, 07:33:04 PM
Sometimes when my bike is still cold I will go to shift from 1st to neutral (I always leave it in gear when parked) the gear indicator will go blank.  All I do is rock the bike a bit and try neutral again.  Just an annoyance that I have learned to live with.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: BackInTheSaddle on September 20, 2011, 07:34:55 PM
Never had the problem on my C14 or the old C10.  I have always been fearful of something like that, or bumping the shifer getting on, or whatever - so I have always made it my policy to never start the engine unless I am saddled up first with my helmet and gloves on.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Y0ssarian on September 20, 2011, 08:13:14 PM
   I've never started my bike without being in the saddle with both hands on the grips and the clutch pulled in.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: maxtog on September 20, 2011, 08:30:53 PM
   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.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Jaxter on September 20, 2011, 08:54:13 PM
I too am in the camp of always being in the saddle with the clutch in before trying to fire it up.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Son of Pappy on September 20, 2011, 09:03:55 PM
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.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: ZG on September 20, 2011, 09:12:06 PM
I always start my bikes when not on them, gives them a chance to warm up while I put on my lid and gloves...
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: DenverC-14 on September 20, 2011, 09:14:16 PM
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.
Still have to with Triumphs, regardless if in neutral or not. I typically will start in neutral with clutch in as well, then slowly release. I've had the "blank" neutral before too, kinda a pain.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: JetJock on September 21, 2011, 03:57:31 AM
Cold clutch plates will drag and it sounds like what happened to you. Or the gearbox wasn't totally in neutral.

When I start up, I'm ready to grab the clutch if necessary, but then I just let it idle while I finish gearing up. Never had the Connie jump into gear on its own.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Tim on September 21, 2011, 04:06:13 AM
Don't feel too bad, I watched a guy on HD do the same thing.  :)
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: lolife on September 21, 2011, 04:41:03 AM
Cold clutch plates will drag and it sounds like what happened to you. Or the gearbox wasn't totally in neutral.

+1

When mine is cold & I start it sometimes the bike will "surge" forward a couple inches b/c of the clutch brakes dragging.  Its definitely enough to pull if off the side stand.  I always hold the front brake when I start & then let the bike run a minute while I put on my gloves. 
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 21, 2011, 04:43:42 AM
Was wondering if anyone has had their bike engage a gear as you were starting it.


No, as I always start it with the clutch lever held in...
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: roadie on September 21, 2011, 05:05:44 AM
+1 ... clutch in.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2011, 05:18:06 AM
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.

That's what I do and I've never had a problem. I start 'er and get my gear on while she warms up a bit.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Cold Streak on September 21, 2011, 07:30:43 AM
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.   ;D
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: martin_14 on September 21, 2011, 07:40:54 AM
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.   ;D

I would never allow you to sidetrack this thread, no sir. But, would you mind telling the dog in your avatar to move a tiny bit to the left?  ;)
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: stevewfl on September 21, 2011, 08:09:28 AM
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/eek.gif)

I've never sat on the saddle and started my bike on this or any of the bikes I've owned - except the rare times it may be already warmed up.  No issues to report.

If i ever have any brand/type bike jump itself into gear I need to scrap that POS and ride something else anyway!
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: koval68 on September 21, 2011, 08:12:24 AM
I'm ballsy, it would be a rare time I'm mounted when I start up. 
I too, like to idle my bike for at least 30 sec. before riding off, but always check gear indicator for neutral! If gear indicator is blank, I start my bike with with clutch in, then slowly release it.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: So Cal Joe on September 21, 2011, 08:21:23 AM
When I park my bike its always on the center stand so I have never had that problem.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: jonathan on September 21, 2011, 08:46:00 AM
I park my bike in gear, so when I go to start it I turn on the key, grab the front brake and clutch, shift to neutral and continuing to hold the clutch and brake start the bike. Once it is running I keep holding the brake while slowly releasing the clutch. When you feel it is safe to do so, release the brake and continue gearing up.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: ManWorkinghere on September 21, 2011, 08:50:53 AM
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.

This also the time I leave the kickstand down so the bike shuts off in case it jumps into gear.

That's my story and I am sticking to it.  :)
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Son of Pappy on September 21, 2011, 08:56:42 AM
Some people sh!t, shower, and shave.  Some shave, sh!t and shower.  But I have never heard of someone showering, sh!ting, and shaving.  Some things just dont sound right, eh ;)
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2011, 08:58:33 AM
Some people sh!t, shower, and shave.  Some shave, sh!t and shower.  But I have never heard of someone showering, sh!ting, and shaving.  Some things just dont sound right, eh ;)

I shave in the shower, as for the other, that's where I draw the line.    :o 
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: EpicBadass on September 21, 2011, 09:11:31 AM
Sometimes when my bike is still cold I will go to shift from 1st to neutral (I always leave it in gear when parked) the gear indicator will go blank.  All I do is rock the bike a bit and try neutral again.  Just an annoyance that I have learned to live with.

I get the same thing on mine as well.... generally it just takes it a second or two for it to register it seems as I have tried slowly releasing the clutch and its always in neutral.... so far!  8)
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: ZedHed on September 21, 2011, 09:16:47 AM
If you want to start your C14 with you off the bike, just put it on the CENTER stand and then it doesn't matter if it is in gear -- the rear wheel is off the ground.....Hello?
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: MrPepsi on September 21, 2011, 09:21:17 AM
I had a 1986 Ninja 600, my first street bike. It was probably five years old at the time. I was in a Safeway parking lot getting ready to go inside or whatever. Key was in the ignition, bike was in gear, probably because we were on a slope. As I sat waiting wth my hands on the handlebars, I accidentally bumped the starter button. Unfortunately the gear safety was disabled by the PO. The bike lurched forward, and pulled my right shoulder righth out of the socket. I think I might have rode the bike to my brothers house, but maybe not. Took THREE HOURS from dislocation, to my shot of Vicodin or whatever it was at the time. What a painful three hours, but the stupid ER insisted on an x-ray before they would give me meds.

I was about 19 at the time.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: ZG on September 21, 2011, 09:26:59 AM
I shave in the shower, as for the other, that's where I draw the line.    :o


 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: roadie on September 21, 2011, 10:44:55 AM
i just make sure its not in gear.  same difference.

If you want to start your C14 with you off the bike, just put it on the CENTER stand and then it doesn't matter if it is in gear -- the rear wheel is off the ground.....Hello?
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: roadie on September 21, 2011, 10:47:12 AM
haha!!! The worst is when your sh$t doesn't announce itself until five minutes after you shower.

Some people sh!t, shower, and shave.  Some shave, sh!t and shower.  But I have never heard of someone showering, sh!ting, and shaving.  Some things just dont sound right, eh ;)
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: jjsC6 on September 21, 2011, 12:08:13 PM
If you want to start your C14 with you off the bike, just put it on the CENTER stand and then it doesn't matter if it is in gear -- the rear wheel is off the ground.....Hello?

Several of you are ignoring the fact that all bikes today have a starter lockout that does not allow the bike to be started when the side stand is down and the bike is in gear.  Yeah, I realize that there are people who plan for everything that could ever not work as it should on a bike.  But the reality is that you cannot blame the operator if a safety feature on the bike fails - you have to blame the bike for malfunctioning.  I could turn your response around and ask what would happen if the centerstand broke as you started the bike and it fell over as a result of the centerstand failing.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on September 21, 2011, 12:10:25 PM
haha!!! The worst is when your sh$t doesn't announce itself until five minutes after you shower.

And that sir, is why God gave us baby wipes.   ;D
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2011, 01:29:42 PM
haha!!! The worst is when your sh$t doesn't announce itself until five minutes after you shower.

Nope, half way to work is far worse than that.  :o
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: roadie on September 21, 2011, 01:31:31 PM
I don't leave home without them.

And that sir, is why God gave us baby wipes.   ;D
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: koval68 on September 21, 2011, 01:33:07 PM
I don't leave home without them.
Yup!I always have some in my tank bag! :thumbs:
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: B.D.F. on September 21, 2011, 02:41:08 PM
OFFTOPIC:

I heard a story one time that wet wipes are virtually indistinguishable from Clorox wipes in a dim bathroom. Unfortunately it seems that indistinguishable does not mean the same thing as interchangeable. Fortunately I did not get to see the results but I understand that like a great concert, mixing those two up will keep you on your feet for a while....   :o  I wonder how the wet wipes clean up the counter after a spill?

Brian



And that sir, is why God gave us baby wipes.   ;D
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: maxtog on September 21, 2011, 04:37:06 PM
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.   ;D

Actually, seems relevant to the thread if you ask me.  I will bite...

I was always taught that it is "better" for an internal combustion engine to have been running a bit before any load is placed on it.  This gives time for oil to saturate all the moving parts and things to be more thermally "ready" for use.   I am not sure if this is a big deal or not, especially with modern engines, but it seems to have face validity.

Other reasons might include wanting your GPS to finish booting, warming clothes/bars/seats or other devices that should not really be on unless the engine is running (lest you drain your battery), helping the battery to recover from the start (you are at more risk of it cutting off and having to restart it when you start to use it), checking headlight, better driveability when warm.  I am sure there are other valid reasons.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 21, 2011, 04:44:35 PM
It takes me awhile to put in my ear plugs.....
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Sea Level on September 21, 2011, 06:04:59 PM
Actually, seems relevant to the thread if you ask me.  I will bite...

I was always taught that it is "better" for an internal combustion engine to have been running a bit before any load is placed on it.  This gives time for oil to saturate all the moving parts and things to be more thermally "ready" for use.   I am not sure if this is a big deal or not, especially with modern engines, but it seems to have face validity.

Other reasons might include wanting your GPS to finish booting, warming clothes/bars/seats or other devices that should not really be on unless the engine is running (lest you drain your battery), helping the battery to recover from the start (you are at more risk of it cutting off and having to restart it when you start to use it), checking headlight, better driveability when warm.  I am sure there are other valid reasons.

I'll have to search for it, but I'm pretty sure that somewhere in the 2011 Owners Manual there is a paragraph that recommends letting the engine idle for a brief period of time before riding off, to allow the oil to warm up and coat the internal surfaces.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Flathead on September 21, 2011, 06:08:48 PM
I'll have to search for it, but I'm pretty sure that somewhere in the 2011 Owners Manual there is a paragraph that recommends letting the engine idle for a brief period of time before riding off, to allow the oil to warm up and coat the internal surfaces.

Page 135 of the 2010 manual...

Quote
Do not start moving or race the engine immediately after starting it, even if the
engine is already warm. Run the engine for two or three minutes at idle speed to
give the oil a chance to work up into all the engine parts.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Khrome on September 21, 2011, 07:27:50 PM
I don't leave home without them.

Absolutely  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Shadowofshoe on September 21, 2011, 09:06:24 PM
Sometimes when my bike is still cold I will go to shift from 1st to neutral (I always leave it in gear when parked) the gear indicator will go blank.  All I do is rock the bike a bit and try neutral again.  Just an annoyance that I have learned to live with.

  Very Sometimes, and sometimes while riding.. X 2

    Mike
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: roadie on September 22, 2011, 03:00:39 AM
That **** hurts. Been there done that.

OFFTOPIC:

I heard a story one time that wet wipes are virtually indistinguishable from Clorox wipes in a dim bathroom. Unfortunately it seems that indistinguishable does not mean the same thing as interchangeable. Fortunately I did not get to see the results but I understand that like a great concert, mixing those two up will keep you on your feet for a while....   :o  I wonder how the wet wipes clean up the counter after a spill?

Brian



Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: roadie on September 22, 2011, 03:04:05 AM
Bike will start with kick stand down, in first gear, if you disengage clutch and then punch the starter.  Not that we make a habit of doing that. Just saying. 

Several of you are ignoring the fact that all bikes today have a starter lockout that does not allow the bike to be started when the side stand is down and the bike is in gear.  Yeah, I realize that there are people who plan for everything that could ever not work as it should on a bike.  But the reality is that you cannot blame the operator if a safety feature on the bike fails - you have to blame the bike for malfunctioning.  I could turn your response around and ask what would happen if the centerstand broke as you started the bike and it fell over as a result of the centerstand failing.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Gearhead82 on September 22, 2011, 06:45:18 AM
Bike will start with kick stand down, in first gear, if you disengage clutch and then punch the starter.  Not that we make a habit of doing that. Just saying. 


I don't think that's true.  It will start in 1st with the clutch pulled in as long as the side stand is UP.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: roadie on September 22, 2011, 06:48:31 AM
Now u got me doubting myself. Think ur right.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Gearhead82 on September 22, 2011, 06:54:34 AM
Now u got me doubting myself. Think ur right.

I only know because I've lost count of the times I've left the bike in 1st while filling it with gas.  I finish filling, pull in the clutch, turn on the ignition and for 2 seconds I can't figure out why it won't start until I realize the side stand is down.  Lol
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: stevewfl on September 22, 2011, 07:09:50 AM
We have some great bikes if this topic warranted 4 pages (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/badteeth.gif)
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: jjsC6 on September 22, 2011, 07:23:26 AM
Bike will start with kick stand down, in first gear, if you disengage clutch and then punch the starter.  Not that we make a habit of doing that. Just saying.

Mine won't.  I didn't think that was right, so I just went out an tried it - won't start.  Neither will my Goldwing.  My Goldwing happened to be up on the centerstand so I tried that - it will start when on the centerstand.  But as soon as I put the side stand down it would not start in gear regardless of whether the clutch was pulled in or not.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: stevewfl on September 22, 2011, 07:47:12 AM
something bad wrong with your bike. My bikes starts no prob in 1st with kickstand down and clutch in.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Cold Streak on September 22, 2011, 08:05:10 AM
Quote
Do not start moving or race the engine immediately after starting it, even if the
engine is already warm. Run the engine for two or three minutes at idle speed to
give the oil a chance to work up into all the engine parts.

Just to be clear, I stated "as long as you're not going to drag race it right away".  I do start the bike and let it run while I put on my gloves, sunglasses, turn on radar detector, etc.  But if you've had your bike for any length of time, the internal parts are already coated with oil.  The oil pump returns oil to every area almost immediately.  As long as there's oil, no problem.  If you ride off at a moderate pace nothing bad will ever happen to your bike.  If you red line it on the way out of the parking lot, all bets are off.  The internal fits on engines these days are very precise.  There is a certain amount of warm up when everything cozies up to each other the way it's supposed to do, but at moderate loads and speeds, no problem. 

I never start the bike without being on it, unless it's after an oil change or something when the bike is on the center stand. 
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Conrad on September 22, 2011, 08:13:46 AM
Bike will start with kick stand down, in first gear, if you disengage clutch and then punch the starter.  Not that we make a habit of doing that. Just saying.

No, it will not. At least mine won't.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Conrad on September 22, 2011, 08:16:18 AM
something bad wrong with your bike. My bikes starts no prob in 1st with kickstand down and clutch in.

Actually, I think that the problem must be with your bike Steve.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 22, 2011, 08:38:54 AM
Kickstand down, clutch in, neutral.........bike starts.  Kickstand down, clutch in, 1st....bike won't start.  I just tried it.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Son of Pappy on September 22, 2011, 01:02:17 PM
Kickstand down, clutch in, neutral.........bike starts.  Kickstand down, clutch in, 1st....bike won't start.  I just tried it.
Added note, the red warning light also comes on while depressing the starter button.  I even tried it with the clutch out :o  Wouldnt start, must be a faulty KiPASS on Steves bike :P
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: stevewfl on September 22, 2011, 01:18:02 PM
Its not the problem with Steve's bike, Steve is an airhead and answered wrong. See what happens when I go a few days without the KiPass in my pocket!?

Apologies for my response above.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Son of Pappy on September 22, 2011, 01:40:16 PM
Its not the problem with Steve's bike, Steve is an airhead and answered wrong. See what happens when I go a few days without the KiPass in my pocket!?

Apologies for my response above.
This is the internet, you, kind sir, are not allowed to apologize, you are required to beat the dead horse, even after the buzzards have arrived.  Recant sinner!!!  Dern kids anyway, always screwing things up :-*
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Conrad on September 22, 2011, 01:41:20 PM
Its not the problem with Steve's bike, Steve is an airhead and answered wrong. See what happens when I go a few days without the KiPass in my pocket!?

Apologies for my response above.

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EtSbZlb0Cgs/SQ4vykNq4QI/AAAAAAAAAWw/h51BtEL1SCc/s320/i-lold-11.jpg)
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: m919 on September 23, 2011, 02:16:37 AM
I would also say I always start while I am on the bike with the clutch pulled in.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: GVmerle on September 23, 2011, 05:07:55 PM
I always start my bikes when not on them, gives them a chance to warm up while I put on my lid and gloves...

Same here.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Shoe on September 23, 2011, 08:39:12 PM
Was wondering if anyone has had their bike engage a gear as you were starting it.
.................

Not exactly. I had something similar happen on my C10. I completed a valve adjustment on the bike. I started it and backed out the garage. The bike was in neutral all the time. I grabbed the brake and clutch as I normally do and as I put the bike in gear it suddenly lurched forward and my right hand lost its grip on the brake. The next thing I knew the bike had hit the garage door frame and me and the bike were on the ground.  >:(

The only thing I can figure was the clutch didn't want to let go when I squeezed it. Ever since then I always work the clutch and brake a couple of times before I start the bike.   
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: Z71 on September 24, 2011, 07:46:43 PM
   I've never started my bike without being in the saddle with both hands on the grips and the clutch pulled in.

That's the safest way to do it.
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: texrider on September 24, 2011, 10:37:30 PM
If not on it, at least hold the front brake while pushing the start button... 8)
Title: Re: Starting in gear.....Bike ended up on its side
Post by: booger on September 25, 2011, 07:43:14 AM
I'll start her and let her warm up while I am putting on the gear, but have the habit of pulling in the clutch while I am mounting the bike.

Never even noticed me clutching it while mounting until I read this thread. ???