Engine "laboring" on initial start
Ride safe and FJB!
I would try giving the battery a full charge first and see how it starts.
Just because it's new doesn't mean it had a full charge when you installed it.
If a battery isn't charging then it's discharging. Even if it's just sitting on a shelf.
Just because it's new doesn't mean it had a full charge when you installed it.
If a battery isn't charging then it's discharging. Even if it's just sitting on a shelf.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
Don't disagree with the above comments but curious about the CCA of the new battery; should be at least 400CCA. Voltage drop to 10.3 indicates, to me, a weak battery; drop to 10 and it won't start.
Big Crank from batterymart.com, buy their bike batteries all the time. Was just thinking that the slow "cranking" could be something else after the battery test.
Ride safe and FJB!
Ride safe and FJB!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
If it's the ETX30L, CCA is 400. I would assume, always dangerous, that all the connections are in the same condition as they were before the new battery; as well as everything else that has been mentioned. So, it appears the problem started with the install of the new battery, so regardless of testing, the new battery could be the problem. There have been so many posts over the years from members that have starting issues and refuse to consider the battery as the problem because "it's a new battery" or "the battery load tested OK". I am still thinking weak battery.
If it's the ETX30L, CCA is 400. I would assume, always dangerous, that all the connections are in the same condition as they were before the new battery; as well as everything else that has been mentioned. So, it appears the problem started with the install of the new battery, so regardless of testing, the new battery could be the problem. There have been so many posts over the years from members that have starting issues and refuse to consider the battery as the problem because "it's a new battery" or "the battery load tested OK". I am still thinking weak battery.
Ride safe and FJB!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,830
Likes: 7,968
From: poway
Like I said in the initial post, I load tested the battery this morning and full charge is 12.9, ignition on is 12.6, and when starting drops to 10.3. It seems like the motor is struggling to complete the initial one or two revolutions upon starting. Once started she runs fine. The bike also does this even when warmed up.
Also all connections to the battery are tight and clean of any corrosion.
Ride safevand FJB!
Also all connections to the battery are tight and clean of any corrosion.
Ride safevand FJB!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,656
Likes: 8,261
From: Ottawa, Ontario
If you are certain the battery load tests ok, check your cable connections as already mentioned. Then pull the endcap off of the starter, and clean up the contacts with a little emery cloth. Easy stuff first.
Last edited by roussfam; Dec 20, 2022 at 07:54 AM.
