Hard Starting issue
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Houston
Hard Starting issue
I've been having this issue for a while on my '15 Street Bob. I'll go to start it and it will turn over once, then seemingly die for a split second, then i get a "v inner" message on my odometer and it chuggs along for a couple of revolutions before finally starting. I keep the battery charged and even recently replaced it. I was thinking maybe a starter relay but i cant seem to find it anywhere on the bike. Anyone have any clues as to what might be going on?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,146
Likes: 12,713
From: South Carolina
Always do the cheap, simple stuff first.
I would first have the battery load tested, you wouldn`t be the first to get a new bad battery.
While the battery is out of the bike, clean the battery cable connection points, both ends of the cables.
Don`t waste any more time looking for a starter relay, there isn`t one.
I would first have the battery load tested, you wouldn`t be the first to get a new bad battery.
While the battery is out of the bike, clean the battery cable connection points, both ends of the cables.
Don`t waste any more time looking for a starter relay, there isn`t one.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 259
From: Northstreet, michigan
My 15 street bob and 17 lrs have always done that when its really cold or when theyve sat for a while. Have your battery tested (soh/cca) and if its good just keep charging it. You can keep your battery charged but if your battery is only testing at half the rated cca its voltage will drop low enough to set the code.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 2,522
From: Lititz Pa
Always do the cheap, simple stuff first.
I would first have the battery load tested, you wouldn`t be the first to get a new bad battery.
While the battery is out of the bike, clean the battery cable connection points, both ends of the cables.
Don`t waste any more time looking for a starter relay, there isn`t one.
I would first have the battery load tested, you wouldn`t be the first to get a new bad battery.
While the battery is out of the bike, clean the battery cable connection points, both ends of the cables.
Don`t waste any more time looking for a starter relay, there isn`t one.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,046
Likes: 1,212
From: New Hampsha
The starter solenoid also functions as a relay in that it switches power to the starter motor. If the contacts get burnt it can affect starter power.
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 988
From: Southern Virginia
I've had that happen on two different bikes and in both cases the battery was fine but the cable connections to it were not clean and tight. I got in the habit of whenever I replace a battery I clean all contact points thoroughly and put some blue Loctite on the screws going into the battery.
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
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 492
From: Heart of Georgia
I recently learned that even a battery that tests good is not necessarily strong enough to start a Harley. My 17 Heritage did the same thing your bike is doing (less the trouble warning on the odometer) for months. It was roughly two years and 35k miles on the OEM battery, which tested good at the Harley dealer. As the problem got progressively worse, I had it tested a second time at Batteries Plus and they also said it was good. A few weeks later, on a really cold night, it stranded me in the parking lot at work. Before calling Harley to come pick it up I decided to gamble on a new battery. Put the new battery in and it’s been good as new ever since. Just for giggles I had that old battery tested a third time and it still tested good even though it was too weak to start the bike.