Triumphrat

LegendGirl

do you have to hold in your clutch lever? I always do, but I tried to start it this afternoon in neutral without holding in the clutch lever, and the starter button won't engage.

We've checked the clutch switch, the neutral switch, and the sidestand switch, and they're all working fine.

There are apparently some models of bikes that you can't start without holding the clutch lever in. I'm trying to find out if my Legend is one of them.

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My Legend

02redbird

I have a bad habit of turning on the fuel, turning off the kill switch , half choke, turn on the key and press the starter. all while standing next to the bike. No clutch. never thought it wouldn't start. 02 tbird classic.
Starch

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Eric
"You're going too fast young man. Me? fast? I only look fast."

Jodel

LG,

I've had three Tbirds from '95 to '04. All of them have started just fine with the clutch out and in neutral.

I'm not aware of any of the 'classics' requiring the clutch to be pulled before they'll start. I think this came in originally with the fuel injected 595 Daytonas.

Unless there are differences between UK and US models (in which case, your hubby's Trophy should be the same) it sounds like you have some kind of fault. You've checked all the things I would have so I can't offer much help. The clutch or sidestand switches would seem the most likely culprits to me.

i do not have to hold in the clutch, but it drives me frigging nuts when i stall it out in traffic, then have to kick it to neutral to restart...do they alll do this silly*****?

bborzell

I have found that patting the top of my helmet while rubbing my belly has no efect on getting my bike to start whether the clutch is in or out.

All seriousness aside, my TBS starts in gear with the clutch disengaged as long as the sidestand is up.

...Bob

bborzell

Hokay...

I just realized that I missed the point of the original question.

Nope, while I don't have an Adventurer nor is my bike a 2001 model, it starts in neutral with or without the clutch engaged.

My car OTOH wants to see the brake pedal depressed before being willing to get out of Park. At least we have not devolved that far with bikes.

...Bob

LegendGirl

Update on my Legend:

It turns out that the clutch lever switch (technically called the Starter Cut-Out Switch in the wiring diagram) was dirty. TrophyBoy cleaned it out with a little squirt of brake cleaner, and it's working just fine now.

And that is the lesson for today. :razz:

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My Legend

idahotb

On a side note, with my 98 TBS if I don't engage the clutch when I fire it up a lot of times the clutch plates stick together so when I do put it in gear it lurches forward. Starting it with the clutch lever pulled in breaks the clutch plates free so it doesn't buck. This used to really bu me until Gary Gavin gave me this tip!

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Speed is good. It is way better to be shot out of a cannon, than squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made motorcyles.
My album

Slinky

Holding the clutch in also lessens the load on the starter motor which is probably a good thing in the long run.

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98 Thunderbird, 03 Speed Master

02redbird

Aha, the wisdom of experience. That lurching first use of the clutch in the morning has been a mystery, but alas, no more.
Starch. :whoops:

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Eric
"You're going too fast young man. Me? fast? I only look fast."