Dropped Bike

[tjung]

While riding in Colorado a few weeks ago, I reached over (without getting on the bike) to start it up and let run a sec while I donned my helmet and gloves.  The bike jumped forward about a foot and came off the kickstand.  Thankfully I was able to lay it down gently and avoid any major damage.

I was really baffled by what happened.  If the bike is not in Neutral, I should not be allowed to start it with the kickstand down.  If it is in neutral then it shouldn't engage the rear wheel when starting.  Either way, I had the clutch in, so the bike shouldn't move.

The only thing I can think of is that sometimes when trying to find neutral, the gear indicator just goes blank.  No big deal since I can normally just shift up and back down and get the "N" to show up.  I must not have noticed when I left the bike on this occasion.  Anyone ever have this happen?

[Conrad]

The only thing I can think of is that sometimes when trying to find neutral, the gear indicator just goes blank.  No big deal since I can normally just shift up and back down and get the "N" to show up.  I must not have noticed when I left the bike on this occasion.  Anyone ever have this happen?

I have had the indicator go blank like you mentioned but it's never caused the bike to get dropped, thank goodness!

[tjung]

I can't remember precisely whether I had the clutch in or not.  My last bike had a lockout switch that didn't allow you to start the bike without the clutch, so I am in the habit of squeezing it while starting.  But maybe I didn't this time.  Either way I was very embarassed and a little confused to say the least.

[ZG]

 

[RBX QB]

... sometimes when trying to find neutral, the gear indicator just goes blank.  No big deal since I can normally just shift up and back down and get the "N" to show up. ...

I have had the indicator go blank like you mentioned but it's never caused the bike to get dropped, thank goodness!

+1... Because of this, I started making a habit of pulling the clutch while starting the bike (even when I'm not ON the bike), and releasing the clutch slowly. I fear the same thing that happened to you.

[maxtog]

+1... Because of this, I started making a habit of pulling the clutch while starting the bike (even when I'm not ON the bike), and releasing the clutch slowly. I fear the same thing that happened to you.

+2... I always do the exact same thing.

First check for green light, then clutch and start, then SLOWLY release clutch.  It is just automatic.

[RBX QB]

+2... I always do the exact same thing.

First check for green light, then clutch and start, then SLOWLY release clutch.  It is just automatic.

I forgot to mention checking for the green light first...

[clogan]

Clutch plates often stick together after bikes sit for a while. Then when starter is engaged, bike can often "jump" forward, regardless of gear position, or clutch engagment.

My KLR is notorious for this. It jumps at least a foot forward whenever I start it. I always have to make sure I have the rear brake depressed when starting, or it will jump right thru the garage wall.

Perhaps this affects your C14 as well.

[stevewfl]

Clutch plates often stick together after bikes sit for a while. Then when starter is engaged, bike can often "jump" forward, regardless of gear position, or clutch engagment.

My KLR is notorious for this. It jumps at least a foot forward whenever I start it. I always have to make sure I have the rear brake depressed when starting, or it will jump right thru the garage wall.

Perhaps this affects your C14 as well.

where does it get power to do that?  perhaps I need to keep my FOB in my pocket when I ride my KLR!   

[Son of Pappy]

Sounds like a faulty gear position indicator (GPI) switch.  If a bike is in neutral there is no gear engagement and no sudden lurch, regardless of sticky plates.  Just isn't possible.  My one and only warranty repair was the GPI, read all kinds of wonky numbers.  My KLR was bad enough that I always mounted, verified neutral, started, clutched, brake and shifted to first as I KNEW it would lurch.  KTM is almost as bad and it doesn't have any of the safety switches.
As I always park in first (my brake of sorts) it is just routine to shift into neutral and hit the magic button.

[jonathan]

When I start the bike on the side stand I check for the green light, hold the clutch and the front brake and then start up. Once it is running I slowly release the clutch while still holding the brake and then when I'm sure it's OK I release the brake.

[Daytona_Mike]

I have a funny habit of not starting a bike up  unless I am on it.
I do not now know when or why I started  but I think it is a good practice.

[Bourne2Ride]

I have a funny habit of not starting a bike up  unless I am on it.
I do not now know when or why I started  but I think it is a good practice.

I thought only Harley riders started their bikes before they got on. I was told they need the warm up time while they get their gloves and helmet on. 

[Conniesaki]

Center stand?

[VirginiaJim]

Very rarely on this bike.  The center stand has a tendency to sink into hot asphalt.  I'd only use that option on concrete.

[maxtog]

I thought only Harley riders started their bikes before they got on. I was told they need the warm up time while they get their gloves and helmet on. 

I almost always start my bike when not on it.  My GPS takes "forever" to get fully booted and ready to go (the music part is what it has to "think" about forever).  Besides, being warmer before moving is better.

[RBX QB]

I almost always start my bike when not on it.  My GPS takes "forever" to get fully booted and ready to go (the music part is what it has to "think" about forever).  Besides, being warmer before moving is better.

I'm almost always warmer before I start moving.

[McJunkie]

My bike does this as well since I use the center stand to shut the bike of in gear. I put it in neutral before starting it and pull the clutch and hold the brake when starting or the bike will jump. The clutch plates stick together as stated before.

[Gsun]

You should take it in under warranty. I would think the clutch plates would not stick together since it is a wet clutch. Sounds like a faulty switch. They should pay for any damage as well. I say, should, they probably won't.

[clogan]

Sounds like a faulty gear position indicator (GPI) switch.  If a bike is in neutral there is no gear engagement and no sudden lurch, regardless of sticky plates.  Just isn't possible...

Maybe it's just me, then. But my KLR jumps when I engage the starter, regardless of gear position, and regardless of clutch position...my C14 jumps...the Rocket III that I had would jump...the Busa I had would jump. This is a very common trait in my experience (riding since 1970), but like I say...maybe it's just me.

Anybody else out there have a bike that "jumps" forward slightly (or sometimes more than slightly) when you hit the starter? Perhaps it's the oil I'm using - Suzuki brand 10w40 motorcycle oil. Perhaps it's something else I'm doing. Silverdammit is a pretty smart guy, so when he says it's just not possible, I've gotta pay attention. But then again, in my experience, it's not only possible, it's the norm.

Edit: after further thought, maybe all my "jumping" happens when my bikes are parked with 1st gear engaged- not in neutral. I need to do some more checking and report back. Like I say, Silverdamit is a pretty smart guy, so it's gotta be something I'm doing (or not doing).