starting

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bloodsucker_023

New member
yesterday I layed down my Ducati 848. When I started it it was in gear so it jumped but I was able to hold it but was forced to gently lay it down. I have a habit of starting my bike when I'm not on it so it allows me to gear up while it warms up. I have a question for all of you. Do you guys get on the bike when you start it? If I've done this I would have prevented this fall. Bike is all fixed now with very minimal scratches lucky me you can't even tell
 
Either mounted so to speak when I start it or with the clutch in just in case. Too many horror stories like the above not to.
 
I don't routinely pull the clutch in. But I also store mine on a PitBull almost 100% of the time......just don't let the light fool you.....
 
I still would not trust it, even if you roll it in neutral!! When I first got the bike, I rolled it out of the garage ( in neutral) before starting and it still rolled forward when I hit the starter!! I did not drop it, luckily!! I always hold the clutch in when starting and then let it out slowly to ensure it is not in gear. Better safe then sorry!!
 
yes....you have to get in the habit of either holding the front brake or clutch,,, clutch is better...I was dragged across a parking lot when my bike fired and starting rolling while I was not on it, and the neutral light was on the whole time... Luckily I was able to hold on and kill it...
 
Get on your bike before starting. This is one sure way to avoid damage from false neutrals or jumping into gear. I've never had any problems, but why take the chance.
 
I always hold in both the brake and the clutch whenever I start my bike. And usually I'm on it as well. Shouldn't the front brake keep it from moving?
 
ALWAYS on the bike with the clutch in when starting. No exceptions for me for exactly the reasons you stated above.

Thankfully I have never had any false neutrals, but I can see how it could easily happen.
 
For every bike I've ever owned (long before getting a Ducati), I always:
1.) Sit on bike
2.) Make sure in neutral
3.) Pull in clutch
4.) Start bike

Might take longer, but never had any problems doing this.
 
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