New Harley won't start? Try this first.

[Shifty]

Originally Posted by Phil260

Nevertheless, it's a really good tip. Anyone could presume they were in neutral and not notice the light wasn't on.

The light on mine (and I suspect most) doeesn't always come on in neutral and occasionally comes on when it's in gear.

Any neutral light is, at best, accurate 90% of the time, which is why any instructor worth his salt will tell you never to rely on it - roll the bike back and forth with the clutch out before starting and you'll never go wrong.

[Phil260]

Originally Posted by Shifty

roll the bike back and forth with the clutch out before starting and you'll never go wrong.

Not wanting to be picky, but that was Banquo's point. That you can roll the bike backwards and forwards, assume you're in neutral correctly and the bike still won't start. The neutral light has to be illuminated for the starter to work.

[Shifty]

Originally Posted by Phil260

. The neutral light has to be illuminated for the starter to work.

Is that just on the newer bikes then? My '99 will start whether it's lit or not which, given the fact that the light's so hit and miss, is a damn good thing.

[Phil260]

I presume so (It says New Harley). Mine doesn't have a light at all. Only oil pressure.

[Ultima Tony]

I had a similar experience when i went to start my Dyna Wide glide after coming off the ferry at the Hook of Holland.
The bike just would not start no matter what i did, i even tried bump starting it, until one of the guys helping me push it, to bump start it, noticed the engine was missing, no wonder it wouldn't start someone had nicked my engine.
So if your bike won't start straight away, always check to see if the engine is in the frame !

[Shifty]

Originally Posted by Ultima Tony

I had a similar experience when i went to start my Dyna Wide glide after coming off the ferry at the Hook of Holland.
The bike just would not start no matter what i did, i even tried bump starting it, until one of the guys helping me push it, to bump start it, noticed the engine was missing, no wonder it wouldn't start someone had nicked my engine.
So if your bike won't start straight away, always check to see if the engine is in the frame !

Love it...

[spakey]

Always started with the clutch in, got used to that now, don't even think 'bout it.