Random slow start?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 914
Likes: 245
Torqued the battery bolts a little more, they were pretty snug, at most I moved them an eight of a turn. Checked the negative frame connection and it seemed good, couldn't get to the positive one right now.
Read at 13v after sitting for about 10 minutes, then my voltmeter went out so I'll have to get another one before I can check it further, I had planned on checking it as I started it up and then that thing died, go figure. Started right up after checking things, started only a little slow when bringing it home.
Normal = wer-wer-wer *catch*
Dead battery = weeeeer *pause* weeeeeer *pause* weeeeer *stumble catch*
Current = wer *pause* wer *pause* wer *pause* quick catch
Well, still guessing it's the battery. I checked what I could right now. Almost time to do my 10k service, might as well have that checked then too. Might not even be a problem other than being a couple years old and a little cold, just don't want it to not work on my way to work, lol.
Battery recommendations or just use the ones the dealer sells?
Thanks for the help guys.
Read at 13v after sitting for about 10 minutes, then my voltmeter went out so I'll have to get another one before I can check it further, I had planned on checking it as I started it up and then that thing died, go figure. Started right up after checking things, started only a little slow when bringing it home.
Normal = wer-wer-wer *catch*
Dead battery = weeeeer *pause* weeeeeer *pause* weeeeer *stumble catch*
Current = wer *pause* wer *pause* wer *pause* quick catch
Well, still guessing it's the battery. I checked what I could right now. Almost time to do my 10k service, might as well have that checked then too. Might not even be a problem other than being a couple years old and a little cold, just don't want it to not work on my way to work, lol.
Battery recommendations or just use the ones the dealer sells?
Thanks for the help guys.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 130
From: Vancouver
Do a cranking voltage test. That's the best test you can do. Should sit above 9.6 V or more. You may need a buddy to help out since u need to keep the voltmeter connected to the bike while u crank.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
The Yuasa battery seems to be very highly rated. Amazon sells them at a good price, I believe. Lots of posts on that subject.
Not a real comparison, but I'm super happy with my Antigravity battery. It and the new 1.2kW starter spin my little 88 like it's not even there. Usually starts on the very first compression stroke...but that's also part of having a carb. No need to wait for the ECU to count cranking pulses.
Not a real comparison, but I'm super happy with my Antigravity battery. It and the new 1.2kW starter spin my little 88 like it's not even there. Usually starts on the very first compression stroke...but that's also part of having a carb. No need to wait for the ECU to count cranking pulses.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 251
From: Belle River Ontario
Do you have it on a tender? If not you need one, those big cubic motors need all the juice you have to start them...failing that load test it and while your at it I would test the whole system never know when the stator or VR could be going...
these things have compression releases? Maybe one is sticking...
these things have compression releases? Maybe one is sticking...
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 364
Likes: 90
From: Kansas City
This is what I did to determine my battery was the culprit. Cranking volts dropped into the 8 range. Took the battery in and it was toast. It would hold its 12.5 not running, and 14.xx when running, so I knew the voltage regulator was working.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,046
Likes: 1,212
From: New Hampsha
If you get a tender, be sure to get a good quality one. I think I've seen more batteries fail on cheap tenders than "untended".
I never leave the tender on all the time. In the winter, I put each battery on the tender for a day or so once a month.
I never leave the tender on all the time. In the winter, I put each battery on the tender for a day or so once a month.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Get into the habit of always holding start button till bike is running on all cylinders and always keeps running when you let off. The starter has a sprag run away clutch, so there is no danger. FI systems do not like multiple hits on starter and get confused, flood and make slow starts on second crank. Also rough on soliniod since ever contact is a start on its life. (Sorry about spelling. On my phone)
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Oct 11, 2018 at 09:14 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 914
Likes: 245
So battery checked out to be good. Dealer couldn't figure it out, doesnt help that it's a random problem and didn't happen for them.
So yep. 2 months left on the warranty...
Would string barametric changes effect anything? Did get colder and more rainy but the barametric changes can be extreme out here. It started when fall showed up.
Did notice they adjusted my clutch cable and changed the spark plugs, guess we will see. Probably some stupid gremlin somewhere. Only thing I've added electrical is a volomod and a led 3rd brake light. It just gets its power from a tail light, had no problems with my past bikes with this very unit and I've had it on for several months...
So yep. 2 months left on the warranty...
Would string barametric changes effect anything? Did get colder and more rainy but the barametric changes can be extreme out here. It started when fall showed up.
Did notice they adjusted my clutch cable and changed the spark plugs, guess we will see. Probably some stupid gremlin somewhere. Only thing I've added electrical is a volomod and a led 3rd brake light. It just gets its power from a tail light, had no problems with my past bikes with this very unit and I've had it on for several months...
Last edited by CaptainAwesome; Oct 13, 2018 at 07:18 PM.