If you put the trans in neutral, it will still be in a forward gear. The only way to to start it is to pull the clutch in. After releasing the clutch, it will go forward ( with the trans in neutral ) If you shift it into any other gear and release the clutch, it will shut the engine down. I've tried adjusting the clutch cable, but that doesn't help. I got this bike from my nephew, he said everything worked fine until he rode it home, shut it down, then tried to ride again. Thanks, LeRoy