got a buddy who has a 2004 superglide. The bike starts up as soon as you put your off/run switch to run without touching the start button then it stays engaged like it does not want to stop starting. Would this be a start relay gone bad? Any help, he could use it. Thanks


STONEMAN

 

This sounds like a short in the wiring for the on/off switch and the start button. Has your friend did any changes in that area.

 

Stoneman,

I had a 1990 FLHS that did the same thing.
As it turned out, for me it was the unbelieveable amount of rain that hit Laconia bike Week in 1991. My start switch OD'ed on H2O. It also would engage the starter when I switched on the power before I touched the start switch and it was shorting out randomly as I went down the road. It sounded like my tranny was going to rip apart.
I fixed the problem with a VERY generous spray of WD 40. That displaced all the unwanted water. All Better. Luckily there was no damage done to anything. I was worried about my started gear and the ring gear. All was good.

chappy

 

My 98 once did the same after washing it. Started fine after the wash but a couple miles down the road I heard the starter grind. Thought I was stranded...no keys...no wallet. Ended up turning on the ignition, letting the bike start and quickly pulling the starter lead. The next morning it was fine. Now I don't spray very much around the switch housings when I bathe 'er.

I'd start with the starter button / circuit.

 

Thanks everyone after reading all your comments i called him to ask when he last washed the bike he said he washedthe day before. I do believe that was his problem. Thanks again

STONEMAN

 

I hope that's it. Would make for a very easy fix.

 

Had the exact same problem. I took the start switch apart and found out that the two metal pieces inside the switches for the run button and the start button were sparking across to each other or something and had fused the gap with a burr.

Everytime you switched the bike to run, it was just like hitting the start switch. I just knocked the burr off with my fingernail. I'm guessing this was due to the switches being dry so I took care of that and it hasn't done it since.

 

After crying for two days he finally had it dryed out and the bikes up and running. Thanks

STONEMAN