Problem Starting
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: North Dakota
Problem Starting
Hey so I am having some issues and its been reoccurring all year. I let my motorcycle sit for a day or two and it won't start. Took it in to a local shop to see if I could get it fixed, they said the wiring harness was a mess and did some work to fix that. They tested the battery and said the battery was good after they tested it, which it should be since its only a year old. I don't want to take it in again and spend more money when this could be an easy issue I can take care of, and the wiring harness dilemma was already enough money.
When I try to start it, like today, it cranks really slow and acts like the battery is dead. I put it on a jump start yesterday and rode it around for about an hour last night and then put it away.
Some facts about my bike: 2009 Superglide, Power commander V installed with aftermarket exhaust and intake.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys.
When I try to start it, like today, it cranks really slow and acts like the battery is dead. I put it on a jump start yesterday and rode it around for about an hour last night and then put it away.
Some facts about my bike: 2009 Superglide, Power commander V installed with aftermarket exhaust and intake.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
If the voltage regulator is going out it become what is called a constant drain. Like in the old racing days. You jump start the bike and ride fer a spell well if the VR is going out it will most likely do 2 things. Charge at times and not charge at all. So riding it will strain the battery. This may be why it struggles to crank like the battery is bad. It is being constantly drained by the engine.
Just a thought
Just a thought
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,707
From: South Carolina
The last shop you brought the bike to said the battery was good, but take that with a grain of salt...if they knew what they were doing the bike would be fixed.
Charge the battery fully.
Take it to an auto parts store, and have them load test the battery, they will do it for free.
Clean all electrical connections in the starting circuit.
If the problem persists, it will be time to get out the voltmeter and do some voltage drop tests.
Keep us posted.
Charge the battery fully.
Take it to an auto parts store, and have them load test the battery, they will do it for free.
Clean all electrical connections in the starting circuit.
If the problem persists, it will be time to get out the voltmeter and do some voltage drop tests.
Keep us posted.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
If the voltage regulator is going out it become what is called a constant drain. Like in the old racing days. You jump start the bike and ride fer a spell well if the VR is going out it will most likely do 2 things. Charge at times and not charge at all. So riding it will strain the battery. This may be why it struggles to crank like the battery is bad. It is being constantly drained by the engine.
Just a thought
Just a thought
I just went through this very scenario. Ride for a couple of hours and could not crank after refueling...got a jump, rode 5 miles directly to the local dealer and they could not find anything wrong. Two weeks later, it won't crank again. Charge the battery, checked the charging system...no problems. A month later, same problem...this time the charging system test showed the voltage regulator was TU. The local dealer service center told me that this intermittent problem was happening with some of the units on the streets now.
My advice is to get a manual and a digital multimeter and do the charging system test...simple to do and easy to understand the results. If your stator tests good, then my bet is the VR...
Good luck and let us know what you find.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
Check for good connections at the batt. and ground. Take em loose and clean them good (including the frame ground) If it still cranks slow, do an amp draw and see what's getting to the starter. Even if a battery takes a charge and shows good they can sometimes sulfate and not put out all the amps advertised. Mine is an 02 with 117k and I'm on my fourth battery. A hot battery and good connections make for a quick, strong start. Also, slow cranking is hard on starters too.
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