Well, haven't been able to ride for almost a month due to work, weather and a few medical issues, finally last night, backed the bike out of the trailer and when I hit the starter I heard the most awful grind I have every heard, almost sounded like the damn starter blew apart, metal on metal grind. Just wasn't meant to be I guess, off to the shop in the morning.

 

Good luck. My 07 made a similar noise intermittently, turned out to be the compensating sprocket assembly. Replaced with screaming eagle unit and works fine now. Let us know what they find. Compensator's somewhat common on our bikes.

 

Did you try and start it again? Mine will do that once in a while and I believe it is the compensator also. Sounds horrible.

I should have added compression releases when I built the motor but took a chance that I wouldn't need them, so I believe that to be a problem also.

 

Dropped it off, it was still making the same noise. Mechanic said it sounds like the starter, possible just the starter clutch. He noticed something I did not notice and that is the engine light and speedo light were not coming on when the key was turned or fuel pump engaged, he said probably "not" likely but could be the battery voltage? going to check that first. I will post the final findings.

 

Well, the news hasn't been good. The mechanic called today, he said the starter and the clutch basket ring gear are both missing several teeth, he said it looks like one of them froze up causing them to basically break up. He said he has never seen anything like it. So far it looks like a new starter and ring gear. I am having the inner primary powdered while it is off so I guess that is the up side if there is one.

 

I have learned, as you have, that Murphy has a special law just for Harley Davidsons

 

Yep, well I guess this will put a stop to add ons and nice to look at stuff for a little while.

 

Look to the aftermarket for a ring gear,you may not have to buy a new basket.
Compufire,rivera

 

Well, the news just gets better every day, turns out the clutch hub is also cracked. By the time it is fixed I may not have money for gas, lol

 

Do you have comp releases? Sound's like an occasional kickback has just cost you...been there done that. Now run S&S E-Z start cams in my bike and my brother's bike; may even put a set in the wifes Stg1 96" this winter