I am not sure if this is my imagination or a problem. When I go to start my bike, the first crank over is very slow, like it struggles to make it, then it seems to fire right up. I don't know if this is a battery or starter issue or maybe its a non issue. Anyone else come across something like this? My battery is 4 years old, thought maybe its losing its cranking amps.

 

I'd think it's definitely time for a new battery at 4 years old. Even if it's just for peace of mind.

 

My first battery started going after about 3 years. Some have gotten way more that 5 years, but usually they go after 4.

 

It probably is just the battery. Before you replace it, clean your battery connections and check that they're tight, then load test it. That may be all it is.

 

Check your battery cable connection at the starter. Then check your connections at the battery. If everything is very tight and it still does it drive to the store and buy a new battery. Auto parts stores will check your battery output for free or you can check it yourself. Make sure you a buy a replacement battery that has as many or more cca'a then the original. Skimp here and you'll be buying a new one sooner

 

Riding on a 4 year old battery (if that's the case) is just asking to be left on the roadside with no more juice. This just sounds like it's time for a new battery. They get slow like that before they give it up. Do yourself a favor and just buy a new one before it leaves you stranded.

 

Exactly.

 

All reply's to the original post are correct and I know from experience cause mine started doing that after 3 yrs. and the more CCA you get the better. But it will cost more so don't go cheap.

 

I have a '14 Street Bob and it always cranks slow on the first couple cranks when I go to start it.

I've never been fond of the factory batteries either.

Had a MotoBatt battery in my old Honda and that thing was great, but /i don't think they make them for the '14's yet.

Let us know which battery you decided on, if you replace it

 

My 2011 Street Bob's original battery is starting to go. I will be getting a new one soon. It's most likely your battery does not have enough Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). There is another thing that could cause engine turn over issues though. If you made engine modifications like a high-lift cam upgrade without a compression release. Too much compression can make it hard to turn over a motor.