When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Dyna Glide ModelsSuper Glide, Super Glide Sport, Super Glide Custom, Dyna Glide Convertible, Super Glide T-Sport, Dyna Glide Police, Dyna Switchback, Low Rider, Street Bob, Fat Bob and Wide Glide.
Hello. Searched and ran details through chatgpt (LOL). 2015 Low Rider FXDL. Battery tests at 99 percent state of health. GPT suggested a bad battery ground cable. I replaced it today (OEM HD ONE) with a freshly charged battery, same issue.
It feels like its dragging and the odometer will even flash bit (not sure if it did flashed today). It will start. Once I am up and riding, the "slow dragging" goes away. In the past, I've had it straight off of the tender - with the same issue.
It has a flash (power vision), FM air cleaner and a 2 bros exhaust.
My friend thinks it has something to do with the starter or solenoid. A while back I cleaned the both cables (pos and neg) as well as the mounting points (the starter and the trans). I cleaned the trans grounding point again, which looked really clean anyway.
Any ideas will be appreciated (this place helps a lot).
Classic symptom of a failing starter. They often drag when hot, but on these bikes it's common when cold too, especially with age. Your cables and battery are good. The starter itself is likely worn out brushes tired or armature dragging. Solenoid is possible but less likely. Swap the starter with a known good one to test before buying. A quality aftermarket starter (like a Denso) is often better and cheaper than OEM if it's bad.
Was the ground cable replaced or was it the battery?
Put a volt meter on the battery terminals and see what it reads when you crank the starter. If you crank for a few seconds, does it continue to drop?
Post your results.
I replaced the ground cable today. I sliced the old one open, which did show some discoloration. The battery was charged off of the bike as a precaution (it's the battery that came with the bike, which I've owned for about 2 years now).
I will try that testing idea first, thanks.
Originally Posted by Bass-M
Classic symptom of a failing starter. They often drag when hot, but on these bikes it's common when cold too, especially with age. Your cables and battery are good. The starter itself is likely worn out brushes tired or armature dragging. Solenoid is possible but less likely. Swap the starter with a known good one to test before buying. A quality aftermarket starter (like a Denso) is often better and cheaper than OEM if it's bad.
I am trying to think if I can get my hands on another Dyna starter to test. Thanks.
Was the ground cable replaced or was it the battery?
Put a volt meter on the battery terminals and see what it reads when you crank the starter. If you crank for a few seconds, does it continue to drop?
Post your results.
That could mean the battery is toast, or it could also mean the starter is drawing to much current (also toast). Did the voltage continue to drop the longer you cranked?
If you have access to another battery, or can safely jump it, does it crank OK?
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.