Clutch switch?

[snelly]

Hi, I purchased a new clutch lever that did not have the flat piece for the clutch switch. The clutch switch no longer does anything (you can engage the starter in 1st gear.

Any problems that could arise from this?

[alantf]

You can start in gear with the side stand up, as designed, but it's a safety feature that you should not be able to start with the side stand down, so that you can't ride off with the stand still down.

[Axeman88]

Originally Posted by snelly

Hi, I purchased a new clutch lever that did not have the flat piece for the clutch switch. The clutch switch no longer does anything (you can engage the starter in 1st gear.

Any problems that could arise from this?

Can lead to embarrassment. The starter motor has quite a bit of torque. One might hit the start button while in gear and the bike lurches forward, hitting something or someone, or causing you to fall. This can lead to damage to you, or the machine. If you are holding the brake on, you can prevent the lurching forward, but then you'll be putting massive additional load on the starting system, and might break some internal component.

Be religious about making sure the Neutral light is shining, and you won't have a problem.