I am wondering if anyone else has this issue...

On my 2015 FLHXS, regardless of my battery situation (I keep it on a tender), it sounds like the starter is really struggling to turn over the bike. It sounds like a piece of **** to be honest. It always starts, but the starter just seems like the motor oil is concrete.

Just wondering if this is normal. You would think that you'd press the starter button and it would crank very easily. It almost sounds like the the starter is for a little Honda 250 or something...LOL

 

was any tuning done? if so make sure the compression releases are enabled.

 

There are quite few bad batteries out there in 14 and 15 bikes may be have it checked by the shop to pin point the problem.

 

Don't sweat it. They all do that. It's a Harley thing. The first turn always sounds or feel like it's not going to turn over but it always does. High compression is a wonderful thing.

 

Nope... It's stock except for the mufflers.

 

That is basically it. Sounds like it needs a compression release button.

Didn't they actually put that into some of the motors recently?

 

If your's is a high output, and I'm reasonable certain it is (if it's a 103, it is) it has compression releases already.

 

Yep... It's a 103.

Maybe it takes a second for the compression releases to activate once you hit the starter and that is why the start sounds so bad.

 

Not to start an oil thread, but 20w50? What temps?

Might I suggest a good 10W60 like this...

About $40 delivered from Amazon.

 

I had the same issue as you untill I installed one of these: 500 Cold Cranking Amps vs around 385 for the stock HD battery.