Weird starting issue

[darknight]

08 Nighster, Power Commander, SE intake, and "Straight Shots" exhaust...

Only 1300 miles, never ridden in bad weather.

Sometimes when I start, it'll start to crank, then just sit there and do nothing for a split-second or 2, and then start right up. It's like the starter motor is stalling (no clicking or anything like a dead battery, just a pause in the starter turning over it sounds like).

Any idea what could cause this? I've never had it not start, but it's a little disconcerting.

[KevinJ]

Charge the battery and check if that solves it.
I think it's "reaching the end of its usable life"...

(a few years ago, mine did that too. And even though I always connected it to a trickle charger, The problem was only solved when I put in a new battery)

[erbie07nightster]

Check the battery cables. Mine does it if the negative is a little loose.

[darknight]

Thanks, battery cables seems like a likely culprit, I was thinking that or relay.

Shouldn't a battery last more like 5 years??

[erbie07nightster]

Thanks, battery cables seems like a likely culprit, I was thinking that or relay.

Shouldn't a battery last more like 5 years??

It could be the relays going bad, too. I've heard of people keeping their battery for at least 6 years. It should last at least 4 or 5 as long as you don't repeatedly run it dead I would think.

[DG_Sportster]

As mentioned, relays are notorious on these bikes. Check my sig for part numbers.

[jharback]

Battery should last a good 3-5 years. It's probably a loose cable. Check both ends of the cables and don't just shake 'em with your hands, get a wrench on 'em. Sporty's are infamous for vibrating battery cables loose. If that's not it, it may be a relay.

[KevinJ]

My battery was 2years old when it went bad.
The bike had been standing still for over 3months while it was being converted to 1200, and there was no trickle charger attached. I guess that that's what killed it.

[darknight]

Ok, I'll try to get a spare relay (from other threads seems like a good thing to have anyway, though mine doesn't really get wet), and check the battery cables. If that doesn't take care of it, I'll just look for a new battery.

What kind of batteries do folks use?

[crospo]

So typical of the sportster.The starter is trying to overcome the point of most compression.The stock sportster starter motor is a tad too small.

[ddb123]

My '08 Nightster does this as well. 3200 miles. It doesn't ALWAYS do it, maybe half the time. The previous owner ran the battery dead once. I ride it every day so the battery should stay up. I need to check the cables like was suggested. Is the relay a hassle of expensive to replace?

[darknight]

So typical of the sportster.The starter is trying to overcome the point of most compression.The stock sportster starter motor is a tad too small.

You know, that's exactly what I'd been thinking it seemed like... but like the other poster said it doesn't *always* do it..

I'll check the easy stuff.

Question though.. is there a high torque starter that's better? Though as long as my bike still starts it's not a problem, but it would be nice to not have that moment of panic when the starter stalls.

[erbie07nightster]

My '08 Nightster does this as well. 3200 miles. It doesn't ALWAYS do it, maybe half the time. The previous owner ran the battery dead once. I ride it every day so the battery should stay up. I need to check the cables like was suggested. Is the relay a hassle of expensive to replace?

The relays are easy to replace and about $12 a piece. PN# HD31601-04
They're right in the fuse panel under the battery cover.

[darknight]

Is this something to get at the dealer, Napa, or online order? Just curious about the best source. I've got a NAPA right on my way home from work, so that would be ideal

[erbie07nightster]

Is this something to get at the dealer, Napa, or online order? Just curious about the best source. I've got a NAPA right on my way home from work, so that would be ideal

I'm not sure what the equivalent PN would be thru Napa. I only know the HD and Drag Specialties numbers, and the HD ones are cheaper.

Sorry. :dunno

[DG_Sportster]

Is this something to get at the dealer, Napa, or online order? Just curious about the best source. I've got a NAPA right on my way home from work, so that would be ideal
Like i said...CHECK MY SIG for part numbers. The auto parts store can cross the number over if need be.

Just in case your not seeing it for some reason ( IE-having sigs turned off ) here they are:
Borg Warner R3154
Gp Sorenson 41-5154
Niehoff RL 35381
I know the BW one can be had at Checkers for $8.

[darknight]

As mentioned, relays are notorious on these bikes. Check my sig for part numbers.

I did a cross reference search with Napa...
http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?R=ECHAR614_0252386137

Does this look right?
http://partimages.genpt.com/largeimages/97787.jpg

[erbie07nightster]

[QUOTE=darknight;2889604]I did a cross reference search with Napa...
http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?R=ECHAR614_0252386137

Does this look right?
QUOTE]

Looks right to me.

Sorry DG, I do have sigs turned off and forgot you had mentioned that earlier. :o

[1200 Custom]

Im betting it's the battery... Try charging it and see how it acts then...

[DG_Sportster]

Yep...that looks like it.

This is actually a pretty common relay, and you might be able to swipe one from your car if you want to test it and be sure. But..this is quite common, so even if it turns out to be something else, you will want a spare one or two, so id buy some just to be safe.

[darknight]

Im betting it's the battery... Try charging it and see how it acts then...

Yep...that looks like it.

This is actually a pretty common relay, and you might be able to swipe one from your car if you want to test it and be sure. But..this is quite common, so even if it turns out to be something else, you will want a spare one or two, so id buy some just to be safe.

Figure I'll just get a couple anyway... for $8 no reason not to. Keep one in the tool-bag just in case.

I might try charging the battery and checking the cables as well.