Was wondering what's the average lifespan for a starter? I've got an '03 Fatboy and the starter just went out on me. I've had the bike for 5 years and 50,000 miles.

Thanks.

 

Many Many variables but it should go further than 5/50. One big killer can be weak battery or bad sparkplugs.......or someone like my wife grinding the f&%$#ng thing to death...

 

Did the starter go bad or were your solenoid contacts just worn out?

 

Good point! Lots of solenoids will crap out and the motor is fine. I don't know if one of the autoparts stores like Autozone or AAP will test it for you. But if you haven't replaced it yet I would have it tested.

 

I had it picked up by the local stealer. They did a diagnostic on it and tell me it's the starter motor and they need to replace it.

When I tried to start it, it gave off a vacuum-like, whirring sound.

 

If the starter was spinning, which is what gives off that sound, you do not need to replace the whole starter. You only need to replace the starter drive clutch.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370022435006

 

I've never had a starter go out, except a starter clutch on a '95 Dyna, but that was a common problem with that year model and some '96's. My last bike ('96 RK) now has 114k on it with the original starter, and no problems with the starter clutch either.

 

Bad starter clutch. Hope they didn't rip you off for a new starter.

 

They got me for a new starter....

When I put the bike in the shop, I asked them if it could be something other than the whole starter and they said they would do a diagnostic on it to see. They called me latter that day and saidthe starter would need to be replaced.

 

Ask them if you can have the old starter back. You're entitled to it. See what they say. Sure sounds like it was just the solenoid. Might even tell them you're going to test it or have someone check it out. If nothing else, they may adjust the price down. Good luck.