First Time Harley
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Stage II
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 2
From: Nebraska
First Time Harley
Hi everyone, I purchased my first Harley last week. 2009 Dyna Super Glide Custom. I love this bike but it seems to have some starting issues. Purchased from one of the local Harley Dealers in my area, they assured me a brand new battery was installed and that it was serviced prior to the sale. I get it home and the very second day, wont start. Hooked up a jumper and it fired right up..rode it all day, started it off and on probably 3-4 times throughout the day and then same thing when I went to start it again the next morning. Called the dealer back but they gave me the sold "as is" response so that was a bit disheartening but I guess I did buy it as is so cant be to upset. I dont know a great deal mechanically about bikes so not sure what I should check for or exactly what my next move should be. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 278
Likes: 244
From: AZ
OK, so your battery is losing enough voltage in a day, that it wont start the bike.
Possible reasons - cheapest to most expensive 1) the battery is old and about to kick the bucket, or new and defective.
2) bad voltage regulator is not charging the battery while you ride, and by the end of the ride, the battery is discharged enough to be dead the next day. 3) stator is failing - enough juice to ride but not enough to charge the battery.
If you are not proficient with a multimeter, a few quick electrical voltage tests at a HD dealer or independent shop will narrow it down to one of the three.
One other thing that happened to me on my Dyna - the charger lead (that you plug into a battery tender) was pinched by the side cover, and the edge of the cover wore through the insulation on the positive lead and “just barely” contacted the wire - enough that it would drain the battery slowly, but not enough to melt the wire.
Possible reasons - cheapest to most expensive 1) the battery is old and about to kick the bucket, or new and defective.
2) bad voltage regulator is not charging the battery while you ride, and by the end of the ride, the battery is discharged enough to be dead the next day. 3) stator is failing - enough juice to ride but not enough to charge the battery.
If you are not proficient with a multimeter, a few quick electrical voltage tests at a HD dealer or independent shop will narrow it down to one of the three.
One other thing that happened to me on my Dyna - the charger lead (that you plug into a battery tender) was pinched by the side cover, and the edge of the cover wore through the insulation on the positive lead and “just barely” contacted the wire - enough that it would drain the battery slowly, but not enough to melt the wire.
Last edited by Traildale; Jul 5, 2023 at 02:12 AM. Reason: Add info
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 4,046
From: Virginia
Hi everyone, I purchased my first Harley last week. 2009 Dyna Super Glide Custom. I love this bike but it seems to have some starting issues. Purchased from one of the local Harley Dealers in my area, they assured me a brand new battery was installed and that it was serviced prior to the sale. I get it home and the very second day, wont start. Hooked up a jumper and it fired right up..rode it all day, started it off and on probably 3-4 times throughout the day and then same thing when I went to start it again the next morning. Called the dealer back but they gave me the sold "as is" response so that was a bit disheartening but I guess I did buy it as is so cant be to upset. I dont know a great deal mechanically about bikes so not sure what I should check for or exactly what my next move should be. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,900
Likes: 8,007
From: poway
Visual inspection of the battery. Check the battery terminals for tightness. Load test the battery. Charge the battery, let sit overnight and measure voltage. Should be above 12.7V. With voltmeter connected to battery, start the bike up and measure the voltage at say 2000 rpm. Should climb above 14 volts.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 25,031
Likes: 19,444
From: New York
Sorry to hear your situation. I would push this dealer to solve this problem. Welcome from New York.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
You bought the bike "as is".... So technically the dealer has no obligation to help you.
The fact that they won't help with a starting problem on Day 2 of ownership, speaks volumes about them.... They either knew there was an issue and wanted to get rid of the bike, or their service & used bike inspections are substandard. I wouldn't give them a dime of money or a moment of my time going forward. I'd probably write a few reviews about the experience in social media...
If you have the skills, Max told you how to do a quick check on the issue....
Otherwise, find another dealer, or better yet a good independent Harley shop, and have it checked out...
That's a good bike, get it sorted out and you should enjoy it for many years & miles...
The fact that they won't help with a starting problem on Day 2 of ownership, speaks volumes about them.... They either knew there was an issue and wanted to get rid of the bike, or their service & used bike inspections are substandard. I wouldn't give them a dime of money or a moment of my time going forward. I'd probably write a few reviews about the experience in social media...
If you have the skills, Max told you how to do a quick check on the issue....
Otherwise, find another dealer, or better yet a good independent Harley shop, and have it checked out...
That's a good bike, get it sorted out and you should enjoy it for many years & miles...
Last edited by hattitude; Jul 5, 2023 at 09:44 AM.
