Voltage
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,438
Likes: 2,635
From: NC USA
Those starters do give out over time. They should pull 50 amps unloaded, checked between the battery and motor without the bendix engaged, but you'd need an amp meter most people don't have these days.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,066
Likes: 4,568
From: Haslet Texas
My bet is bad battery.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,438
Likes: 2,635
From: NC USA
That's good. Problem is, a battery can charge and show good but die out under a load. A weak starter motor can pull way more amps than it should a drag down the voltage reading of a good battery, giving a false reading.
So for a guess, check the voltage at the battery with the starter engaged, about 10v or a little better is what it should read. (or pull it and have it load tested). Second choice, hook some jumper cables to it and see if it spins really strong. Third option, replace the starter motor. Good part is, they are relatively inexpensive (less than a battery) and take only a few minutes to change on that year bike. Just be sure you order one that is Hitachi style, not Prestolite.
So for a guess, check the voltage at the battery with the starter engaged, about 10v or a little better is what it should read. (or pull it and have it load tested). Second choice, hook some jumper cables to it and see if it spins really strong. Third option, replace the starter motor. Good part is, they are relatively inexpensive (less than a battery) and take only a few minutes to change on that year bike. Just be sure you order one that is Hitachi style, not Prestolite.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,564
Likes: 30,922
From: Pennsylvania
#1 How old is your battery?
A battery can be showing 12.5 or so volts but not have the amperage to turn over the bike. As the plates/battery wears down the amperage decreases.
Free load test at a parts store will confirm if the battery is good.
A battery can be showing 12.5 or so volts but not have the amperage to turn over the bike. As the plates/battery wears down the amperage decreases.
Free load test at a parts store will confirm if the battery is good.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,160
Likes: 7,667
From: Poolville
A battery can drop as low as 9.6v depending on what wattage starter or compression.. Hell it could even be voltage drop across the starter cable.. Or even the contacts of the starter solenoid.. Did you try jumping from the starter directly to the solenoid?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,602
Likes: 9,927
From: Florida's gorgeous East coast
I see your asking about a 1986 bike (I'm riding an '85). Lottsa good points made already so I'll just add one more.
How old are the battery cables, and the heavy cable that feeds the starter..??
How old are the battery cables, and the heavy cable that feeds the starter..??