Hard Start
When the bike was new I use to lose the setting in the clock but it happened so infrequent that I didn't give it much thought and never want to bring my bike to the dealer for service.
17k and you have not adjusted clutch???? Adjust clutch and try again. May or may not help. I start in neutral.
Also what brand battery?
Curious, if you put charger on high does it start better?
The automatic compression release is interesting, my first bike with them. If you give bike quick start and then try again any better? I've done this to decompress bikes when hot.
My bike is meticulously maintained. My services and routine maintenance are all done as called for if not before. And it's as clean as the day it was new. But if the clutch feels the same as it did when new...why adjust it? Is there a reason other then the book say's every 10k? Or is that to just check it every 10k. I would think being a little loose for my issue is better then tight.
I just pulled the battery out, it's a Twin Power AGM battery with 310CCA. I believe that's what the bike calls for. I'm going to bring it down later and have it tested but I think it will be good.
The battery is in the middle of the bike, there's no easy way to get at it to put a charger. I have the pigtail for the trickle charger but that's not designed to take an actual 10amps from a charger.
The problem happens randomly, doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. I've tried to start and then restart the bike...again, randomly it still struggles.
The big question is....does anyone know how to test the automatic compression release? A search of the web hasn't really given me any answers.
I do appreciate your comments,
Thanks,
Steve
Last edited by Monteman1971; Sep 21, 2023 at 03:14 PM.
My bike is meticulously maintained. My services and routine maintenance are all done as called for if not before. And it's as clean as the day it was new. But if the clutch feels the same as it did when new...why adjust it? Is there a reason other then the book say's every 10k? Or is that to just check it every 10k. I would think being a little loose for my issue is better then tight.
I just pulled the battery out, it's a Twin Power AGM battery with 310CCA. I believe that's what the bike calls for. I'm going to bring it down later and have it tested but I think it will be good.
The battery is in the middle of the bike, there's no easy way to get at it to put a charger. I have the pigtail for the trickle charger but that's not designed to take an actual 10amps from a charger.
The problem happens randomly, doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. I've tried to start and then restart the bike...again, randomly it still struggles.
The big question is....does anyone know how to test the automatic compression release? A search of the web hasn't really given me any answers.
I do appreciate your comments,
Thanks,
Steve
Make sure they give you the CCA when they test it.
You should hear them click when you turn on the ignition, however, the fuel pump noise may also mask the click. If you have a mechanics stethoscope you may be able to listen for the click by putting it on the ACR which is in the center of the head.
You may also be able to check by doing a compression test, 1st with the ACR disconnected or fuse pulled, then doing the compression test with them hooked up. Hooked up should show less compression than when disconnected. See below from the link:
IMO that is the best way to test the whole system. Remove one of the plugs and open throttle blade all the way. Perform compression check. Note numbers. Pull CR fuse and repeat test. Numbers should be different by about 30-40 psi.
https://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=108315.0
Engine, clutch, transmission, starter all. Tied together. Not saying this it. But at least his clutch would be adjusted.
Be careful around Coolio he shoots senior citizens
Last edited by Rounders; Sep 21, 2023 at 03:43 PM.
No need to justify your mechanical ability or anything else. You ask a question and are getting some good input for the most part (except for the above persons "I think" comments).
Make sure they give you the CCA when they test it.
You should hear them click when you turn on the ignition, however, the fuel pump noise may also mask the click. If you have a mechanics stethoscope you may be able to listen for the click by putting it on the ACR which is in the center of the head.
You may also be able to check by doing a compression test, 1st with the ACR disconnected or fuse pulled, then doing the compression test with them hooked up. Hooked up should show less compression than when disconnected. See below from the link:
IMO that is the best way to test the whole system. Remove one of the plugs and open throttle blade all the way. Perform compression check. Note numbers. Pull CR fuse and repeat test. Numbers should be different by about 30-40 psi.
https://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=108315.0
Going tonight to have the battery tested so that's good to know. Thanks again.
I have a compression test gauge so I'll give that a try.
And I will adjust my clutch even though I don't think it's necessary and unrelated ( I don't see how a mechanical clutch could make the clock go out.) but you never know.
What about take both plugs out, put in, and see how it starts that would simulate compression release
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Again, thanks everyone for all the suggestions it's always a learning curve..... I'll adjust the clutch just because...lol
Steve
Last edited by Monteman1971; Sep 21, 2023 at 05:45 PM.
If you are in hot area they won't last as long
I don't leave it on a tender unless it has been a long time. Then will charge before I ride it.
I've had good luck with Harley batteries









