Park in N?

[twolanefun]

In N, I've been around a few years and I do that partly as an old habit from back when the engine cut off switch was not reliable. I would add that nowdays with the type of starters we have and safety switches to protect us from ourselves I still do it because I don't trust them. Older monsters will attempt to start in gear, new monsters won't, assuming everything works as designed, but..... I'm also amazed at how many people reach over and hit the starter button while standing on the right side of the bike, where they have less control. Obviously on a hill I leave it in gear if I can't back it into a curb. I back it in, whenever I can because I don't like trying to paddle out of a parking spot, not so much of a problem with the Monsters or the XR1200, but the Vics, ST3, and maybe the PASO could be a challenge. You have to have a standard routine that you do every time, that is the thing I try to drill into all new riders, so switching routines between bikes is just asking for trouble. Anyway that is my input. - Gene

[rideserotta]

I'm also amazed at how many people reach over and hit the starter button while standing on the right side of the bike, where they have less control.

I saw a guy do this in a parking lot and the bike lurched forward even though in N. He dumped it. I NEVER start the bike without being on it.

[derby]

I saw a guy do this in a parking lot and the bike lurched forward even though in N. He dumped it. I NEVER start the bike without being on it.

then it obviously wasn't in neutral.

[justinrhenry]

i start my bike without being on it all the time.  you can't stop me... i'm a wild man.   [moto]

[rideserotta]

then it obviously wasn't in neutral.

He 'thought' it was in neutral.

[KRJ]

   It's amazing how long this threads been going on, how long have You people been riding?, do You still forget to put Your kickstand down?, or up?,...Do You remember Your shift pattern?,..If You can't successfully mount or dismount Your ride, how do You ride?...come on,basic riding skills dictate this subject, GET A GRIP!...( OR AT LEAST GET IN TOUCH )

[rideserotta]

   It's amazing how long this threads been going on, how long have You people been riding?, do You still forget to put Your kickstand down?, or up?,...Do You remember Your shift pattern?,..If You can't successfully mount or dismount Your ride, how do You ride?...come on,basic riding skills dictate this subject, GET A GRIP!...( OR AT LEAST GET IN TOUCH )

It's amazing how people chime in to say how amazed they are at a topic that shouldn't amaze anyone. Why would you even waste your time reading this and commenting? Shouldn't you be curing cancer or something?

[Cloner]

KRJ already cured cancer.  Duh!!!!  He's currently working on the perpetual motion machine.  He has several working prototypes, but the cost is still a little higher than the average consumer is willing to pay.   

Preach on, Brother Keith.  Preach on.

[justinrhenry]

  do You still forget to put Your kickstand down?, or up

speaking of kickstand usage... do you guys put yours down when you park your bike or just delicately balance your bike like me?

[Jarvicious]

No matter whether or not I have it in gear, both clutch and brake get pulled.  Every now and then if I'm feeling saucy (and at home, alone, in the backyard where no one can see me make the beast with two backs up if my bike takes off ) I'll just thumb the starter before I'm on it, but that's usually after I've backed it in myself, in neutral, and no one else is allowed in my garage anyway. 

As far as trusting the little green light, don't do it.  If you can find a false neutral between 5 and 6 (well, mine can anyway) you can do the same between 1 and neutral.  Just because the switch is actuated doesn't mean it's out of gear. 

[Raux]

No matter whether or not I have it in gear, both clutch and brake get pulled.  Every now and then if I'm feeling saucy (and at home, alone, in the backyard where no one can see me make the beast with two backs up if my bike takes off ) I'll just thumb the starter before I'm on it, but that's usually after I've backed it in myself, in neutral, and no one else is allowed in my garage anyway. 

As far as trusting the little green light, don't do it.  If you can find a false neutral between 5 and 6 (well, mine can anyway) you can do the same between 1 and neutral.  Just because the switch is actuated doesn't mean it's out of gear. 

yep
false neutral dropped my 99 monster with the suicide stand.