Bike only starts if the clutch is on?

[KirkyJack]

I was away for 6 weeks and so my bike was just in the garage, on its centre stand, and probably getting a bit cold.

However, when I came home and tried to start the bike, I switched the ignition on, which worked, I.e. the lights came on, etc., but there was an additional noise I heard during this process.

I pressed the starter button but the bike wouldn’t start.

I checked that the kill switch wasn’t on, that the side stand was up and that the bike wasn’t in gear. All OK, but it wasn’t until I pulled on the clutch and retried the starter button, that the engine started.

Anybody had the same thing and/or knows what the problem is?

[Rusty Nuts]

That's normal and fine. It's a safety feature.

[Fat Rat]

That isn't a problem 

[Asmith61]

It’s a Suzuki thing not a problem 👍

[Upt North]

Jack...
You've obviously had far too much fun in that 6 weeks.

[Brockett]

I think it's a stupid idea pretending to be safe.
Imagine.
You're standing next to the bike on it's side stand
The bike is in gear.
You pull on the clutch lever and thumb the starter
As soon as it fires you let go the clutch lever
and bike drives of without you or just off it's stand and falls on the deck.
Sod's law dictates that if a thing 'can' happen it 'will' happen and in the worst possible circumstances.

[Dave the rave]

 

[The Doctor 46]

Dave, if you read the handbook all will be revealed. The clutch has to be pulled in, just like on most twist and go scooters when you have to have the hand brakes applied before it will start. It's a good thing. 

[Robotstar5]

Starting safely doesn't appear to be a recent thing, on my 1950 "little grey fergie" tractor you have to push the gear lever right & forward to engage the starter, which is easy when you're aboard.
You can just about make out the 'S' cast into the gearbox at the base of the gear stick.

[nigel s]

Used to have a Fergie 35 as a yard tractor,eventually replaced with a 35X.
The 35x had a foot throttle as well as stick,the luxury.
We also had  a Field Marshall (not working) that started with a shotgun shell !!!.
An option for the '25 stroms ?  Bit noisy at the bike park though.

[KirkyJack]

I’m OK if it’s just a Suzuki safety feature, and it doesn’t cause me any hassle, but it wasn’t like this before I went away. 🤷‍♂️

[Rixington43]

Could be a dicky clutch switch, easy to remove, clean and refit if the behaviour becomes erratic or if the bike becomes resistant to starting at all.

[purplebikeunicorn]

Dicky clutch switch causing your bike to start without the clutch all that time!!! :D

[Pete O Tube]

Which model/year is it?
Certain models have the Suzuki Easy Start and don't require the clutch to be pulled in......except if the battery capacity is low, in which case the clutch needs to be pulled in.

[Valzdl650]

I have the k5 and I took out the clutch switch and put it in the in position and I have it cable tied underneath , I never engage the clutch to start

[KirkyJack]

My bike is a DL1000 XT, 2019 model.

[Pete O Tube]

@KirkyJack with that model it'll be as I described.