Check yer starter plug....
So, I took a short ride running errands this weekend. Stopped at my bank about 10 minutes from the house, went in, did my business, came out, hopped on the bike and went to fire it up., cranked once, sounded weird, so I let off the starter. Hit the starter again after a second or two and NADA. Tried a few more times, still nothing.
So I take her apart, run across the street, and borrow a jump pack from the mechanic there. After 15 minutes, still nothing, but it is buzzing, radio playing, and when I hit the starter button I get that startup buzz... HMMM. Either starter has died or electrical issue.
Call for a tow (everyone at work that I can get a trailer from and hell, I got a free one anyway), since it's a little to long to push. Checked fuses, all okay., Tow is 2 hours out, UGGH.
Push it into the back parking lot behind the bank (church overflow), Put things back together, and starting going over all the wires. Reach under the rear jug, happen to graze the damn plug into the starter and the thing pops off the starter. Plug it back in, Bike fires right up. Call tow company, cancel tow, ride on home to ensure I don't get fooled again. Fires up alright multiple times, head out to finish my errands.
TL;DR The damn plug going into the starter motor doesn't lock in very well, make a habit of checking it, and if you have power, but not cranking, start there.
So I take her apart, run across the street, and borrow a jump pack from the mechanic there. After 15 minutes, still nothing, but it is buzzing, radio playing, and when I hit the starter button I get that startup buzz... HMMM. Either starter has died or electrical issue.
Call for a tow (everyone at work that I can get a trailer from and hell, I got a free one anyway), since it's a little to long to push. Checked fuses, all okay., Tow is 2 hours out, UGGH.
Push it into the back parking lot behind the bank (church overflow), Put things back together, and starting going over all the wires. Reach under the rear jug, happen to graze the damn plug into the starter and the thing pops off the starter. Plug it back in, Bike fires right up. Call tow company, cancel tow, ride on home to ensure I don't get fooled again. Fires up alright multiple times, head out to finish my errands.
TL;DR The damn plug going into the starter motor doesn't lock in very well, make a habit of checking it, and if you have power, but not cranking, start there.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 99
From: P.E.I. Canada
Thanks! Always great to read a post like this. I'll forget this in a few days, lol, but I know it will come back to me someday that I'm standing over my bike cursing at it because it wont start.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 157
That heavy wire is the positive battery cable. That better be tight. The plug in connector (white) goes to the solenoid. If it helps, the vent hose for the trans is right near it.
Got it now! It was drawing a blank to me when it was called a plug. Thanks for the picture. .
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post