Quick Answer
Yes, a motorcycle can be started in 1st gear as long as the clutch is pulled in fully. When starting the bike, the clutch lever should be squeezed to disconnect the engine from the rear wheel. This allows the engine to turn over without moving the motorcycle. Once the bike has started, slowly release the clutch lever to engage the gear.
Explaining How to Start a Motorcycle in Gear
Starting a motorcycle when it is already in 1st gear is very similar to starting it in neutral. The key steps are:
1. Turn the Key to Ignition
– Insert the key and turn it to the ignition position to power on the bike’s electrical system. The dashboard lights and gauges should illuminate.
2. Pull in the Clutch Lever
– Fully pull in the clutch lever located on the left handlebar. This disengages the transmission from the rear wheel.
3. Press the Start Button
– Press and hold the start button, usually located near the right handgrip, to turn over the engine.
4. Kickstart or Hit the Starter
– If the bike has a kickstarter, sharply press down on the starter pedal instead of using an electric start button. Or press the start button if electric start.
5. Release the Start Button Once Running
– Once the engine has ignited and is running, let go of the start button.
6. Slowly Release the Clutch Lever
– As you release the clutch lever, the transmission will engage with the rear wheel in 1st gear.
7. Open the Throttle and Ride Off
– Twist the right grip throttle as you fully release the clutch lever to pull away smoothly.
As long as the clutch is disengaged, the gear selection does not matter when starting the bike. The clutch isolates the transmission from the drive wheel during ignition.
Why It’s Okay to Start in Gear with Clutch In
There are a few reasons why it is fine to start a motorcycle in 1st gear as long as you pull the clutch in:
No Load on Drive Train
– The clutch disconnects the engine crankshaft from the transmission input shaft. This prevents torque load during ignition.
No Engine Stalling
– When starting in neutral without the clutch pulled, the engine can stall as it connects to the drivetrain. Holding the clutch in prevents stalling.
No Lurching Forward
– With the clutch engaged, the bike may lurch forward as the engine starts. Pulling the clutch prevents unexpected vehicle movement.
Gear Already Engaged
– If already stopped in 1st gear, no need to shift back to neutral. Just pull clutch and start as normal.
So in summary, pulling the clutch in gives a load-free rotation for ignition, prevents the engine from stalling, and stops any sudden vehicle movement if in gear. It’s fine for the transmission to be in gear during start up.
When is it Necessary to Start in Neutral?
Here are a few cases where it would be better to start the motorcycle in neutral rather than 1st gear:
If the Clutch is Sticking
– A clutch not fully disengaging will make starting difficult and hazardous. Start in neutral if clutch problems exist.
When On a Center or Side Stand
– Bikes use neutral on stands so they don’t lurch if accidentally started.
If Uphill On an Incline
– Use neutral and the rear brake when starting on a hill to prevent rolling backward.
With a Passenger Onboard
– Safer to begin in neutral with a passenger to prevent sudden take-offs.
Learning to Ride for First Time
– New riders should practice finding neutral and starting from there.
So for new riders, clutch problems, on a stand, or on a slope, starting in neutral may be the best approach. Otherwise, it’s fine to start in 1st with clutch in.
Tips for Starting on a Hill with Clutch In
Beginning riders often stall when trying to start uphill from a stop in 1st gear. Here are some tips to start on a hill smoothly:
– Check that the bike is in 1st gear before releasing the brakes.
– Keep the clutch pulled all the way to the handlebar grip when starting.
– Use the rear brake to hold position on the slope during start up.
– Increase the throttle slightly higher than normal before releasing clutch.
– Release the clutch lever slowly to prevent stalling.
– Let go of the rear brake as you fully release the clutch lever.
It takes practice to coordinate the clutch, throttle, and rear brake when starting uphill. Go slow with smooth clutch release and throttle added to get going.
How to Start If Stalled Already in Gear
If you stall with the motorcycle already in gear, here is the proper restart procedure:
1. Pull the Clutch Back In
Fully pull the clutch lever back to the handlebar and hold it.
2. Shift to Neutral
Tap down on the gear shift lever to engage the transmission into neutral.
3. Press the Start Button
Push the start button to turn over the engine, just like normal starting.
4. Shift Back to 1st Gear
After the engine has ignited, use the gear shift lever to drop back into 1st gear.
5. Release the Clutch and Go
Let the clutch back out while opening the throttle to move forward in 1st gear as normal.
This sequence lets you restart a stalled bike that is still in gear safely. Just shift to neutral, restart, shift back to 1st, then ease out the clutch.
What Happens When Starting in Gear Without Clutch?
If you mistakenly try starting a motorcycle in gear without pulling in the clutch, here is what will occur:
– The bike will lurch forward unexpectedly as the starter spins the rear wheel. This could cause you to lose control or crash if not prepared.
– The engine will immediately stall as soon as it starts since there is no clutch disconnect.
– Violent gear clashes and grinding may occur from drivetrain components forcing engagement.
– Significant damage can happen to the starter motor as it struggles against the locked transmission.
So starting in gear with the clutch still out is a big mistake. The bike will jerk, stall, and potentially damage parts. Always use the clutch!
Conclusion
To summarize, motorcycles are designed to be started in gear as long as the clutch lever is pulled in fully. This separates the engine from drivetrain allowing smooth ignition.
Neutral starts are recommended for new riders, clutch problems, using stands, on hills, or with passengers. But otherwise, starting in 1st gear with a pulled clutch is fine and normal.
Make sure to pull the clutch, shift to neutral if stalled, and ease it out smoothly. With practice, starting in 1st gear even on hills becomes second nature. Just remember to always use that clutch!