Alright guys, you have all saved me with your extensive knowledge in the past, so I hope somebody can help me out here.

So my 07 FXD will start from cold about 95% of the time with no real issue, but if I try to start it after riding it for a bit, I.e. Like running errands on it, it doesn't wanna start. It cranks and cranks and cranks. I will often hear a nasty metallic clank as well. It sometimes takes 4 or 5 attempts to get it to finally turn over. Kinda lost on what it could be and I don't wanna start throwing parts at it without some kind of idea of what is causing it.

Thanks in advance!

 

starter clutch

 

Have you tried a fresh battery, or had yours tested?

 

This may sound dumb, but do you have aftermarket spark plugs in it? If you do, put the stock plugs back in it and see how that does. In cooler weather, iridium type plugs are a cooler heat range and sometimes don't want to start.

 

Or you could just pick up a new starter.
I just picked up an Allballs 80-1013 1.4kw-1.7kw (life time warranty) for $262.00 free delivery. Took two days from Cali. Best price anywhere.
When you get left behind cause it's not starting and the boys are impatient you get sick of playing around and bite the bullet.
I had replaced my starter clutch and it was better but still having issues when warmed up.
I just received it tonight and it comes with a test report that shows rated at 1.4kw with maxpower 1.7kw. You need to upgrade to number 4 wire, no biggie.
http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/...ARTERS&CartID=

 

When you say cranking and cranking but not starting, I am thinking the engine is turning over and over but not cranking up and running. Is this right? Does it even sound like it is firing and trying to start?

 

Have you tried a new set of plugs gapped properly?

 

How many miles on it, how long have you owned it, and do you do your own maintenance on it? How old is the battery? I'd agree with battery & plugs first.

 

Thanks for all the responses and good ideas. To answer some of the questions, I have around 7000 miles on it and have owned it for about a year. I have put 5000 of those miles on since I bought it. I do all my own maintenance and install my own aftermarket parts. The only thing I sent it in to an Indy for was powder coating and tires. The battery is about 3 yrs old.
And yes, when I say it cranks, it is physically firing and trying to turn over. It's not clicking like it's dead or anything. I guess I will go pick up a battery and some plugs when I get off work in the morning and see what happens.

Thanks again.

 

Just an idea ... I have 2 SuperGlides, an 08 and 09. Both are hard starting when hot, but fire right up when cold. Someone told me when thry're hot to fire it right up after turning on the key and fuel pump, and not wait for the light to go out. This is what I do and they fire right up every time even when very hot.