Starter Problems Or is it Just Me

LordVngr · #1 19th February 2006

I wanted to discuss a situation I Think I have but dont know for sure. I saw another post like this awhile ago but didnt see to many replies to it so I wanted to broch the subject again. In short I wonder if I have a Starter Issue with my 05 1200R.

You see my bike starts cold fine Every Time and starts fine about 80-90% of the time after it's been warmed up too. But every once in a while I will go to hit the starter switch and it will seem to Hang. Kind of like its on the compression stroke and cant follow thru. Or once in a while it will actually Clang like the starter bendix and ring gear are Not Meshing and Hitting each other.

Once I let go of the starter button and press it again the bike will start fine at that point. Or if I hit the switch for just a sec to Clear it and then try to start it then it starts fine too. I Start the bike with the neutral light On and the clutch lever pulled in. Part of me has thought that this is " Just the Way Harley's Are ". But now I'm Really Wondering. You know it's freaking embarassing when your at a steeler on a saturday or bike rally and you go to start your bike and it pulls that crap on you.

Anybody else have this happen to them. Is this Normal or do I need to talk to my dealer about it. Your thought comments please. Thanks......

LV

cantolina · #2 19th February 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordVngr

I wanted to discuss a situation I Think I have but dont know for sure. I saw another post like this awhile ago but didnt see to many replies to it so I wanted to broch the subject again. In short I wonder if I have a Starter Issue with my 05 1200R.

You see my bike starts cold fine Every Time and starts fine about 80-90% of the time after it's been warmed up too. But every once in a while I will go to hit the starter switch and it will seem to Hang. Kind of like its on the compression stroke and cant follow thru. Or once in a while it will actually Clang like the starter bendix and ring gear are Not Meshing and Hitting each other.

Once I let go of the starter button and press it again the bike will start fine at that point. Or if I hit the switch for just a sec to Clear it and then try to start it then it starts fine too. I Start the bike with the neutral light On and the clutch lever pulled in. Part of me has thought that this is " Just the Way Harley's Are ". But now I'm Really Wondering. You know it's freaking embarassing when your at a steeler on a saturday or bike rally and you go to start your bike and it pulls that crap on you.

Anybody else have this happen to them. Is this Normal or do I need to talk to my dealer about it. Your thought comments please. Thanks......

I've had that happen....more often after the conversion, I believe (higher compression), but even with this bike....

dave · #3 19th February 2006

Having the starter "hang" happens to me as well - not very often though. And just as you say, the next "hit" on the starter works. This happens even less now that I always put Lilybeth on a battery tender when she's in the garage.

semjpm · #4 19th February 2006

Same thing happens to my 05/1200C. Never when cold, only occasionally when hot. Next hit on the starter button and it cranks right over and starts. I've checked everything I can think of - battery, cables, starer current draw, starter reley - all check out good. I think it is just a result of the higher compression motor and the amount of fuel in the cylinders.

SEMJPM

stevo · #5 19th February 2006

Check battery condition..... and ALL connections as SEM has done... that means REMOVE, clean and refit..... mot just wiggle to check they are on

but it's not really a major problem ....

Ya should try Twinkies with a 95+" kit and more compression ... they chew thru starter clutches

semjpm · #6 19th February 2006

Even put internal tooth lock washers on battery cables (both ends), starter to battery cable and starter to ground. Same result, but not a big issue.

SEMJPM

Bow6 · #7 20th February 2006

Reminds me of a weak (bad) cell in the battery acting up...

jettech777 · #8 20th February 2006

Same thing with my 05 1200c, just once in a while. I think Ill just live with it.

rider1951 · #9 20th February 2006

Mine does the same thing. I had a 76 R90/6 BMW that would do the same thing. So far it hasn't been a big deal.

DaleG · #10 20th February 2006

I believe I was the one that started a thread about that over a year ago. I have a 2004 1200C. It still occasionally seems to hang, but it always starts. I asked the dealer, and he said it was probably compression.