Slow turning over
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 150
From: ct
Slow turning over
Hey friends, what's the best way to determine if I need a new battery already, 3 years old or if my starter motor is on its way out, it was dragging on cold days last year also. 86 wide glide, 20/50 oil
Last edited by glidein wide; Feb 28, 2026 at 12:17 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,636
Likes: 3,398
From: Cental, MI
An 86 FXWG??
the 4 speed with kicker?
mine has that age old 4 speed starter.
not the most powerful.
requires a tested Good Battery
and sometimes new/rebuilt, solenoid
the 4 speed with kicker?
mine has that age old 4 speed starter.
not the most powerful.
requires a tested Good Battery
and sometimes new/rebuilt, solenoid
Last edited by Racepres; Feb 28, 2026 at 12:52 PM.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 150
From: ct
Because we just had blizzard now 55° out with a massive mud pit to get out 😆oh you probably mean take it out of the bike 😆 I guess I can do that 😉
Last edited by glidein wide; Feb 28, 2026 at 01:17 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,733
Likes: 3,077
From: Brighton, MI
If battery checks out to be OK, then next suspect is connections, cables, and copper solenoid contacts. Would not hurt to replace the 5 pin relay as well. While brushes could cause slow cranking, that would be way low on the list of things to check. Sometimes it's the start switch, but that is usually is a no turnover situation.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 170
Likes: 93
From: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Also, if you're able to get jumper cables connected to your battery from a known good battery (eg your car), and it turns over quickly, you've narrowed your problem down to a weak battery (which could be due to a tired battery or a charging system that isn't keeping up) or poor battery connections.
I agree with the other posters, your starter isn't the most likely culprit.
I agree with the other posters, your starter isn't the most likely culprit.
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From: Florida's gorgeous East coast
I feel like I’m piling on here but to add a little emphasis to the previous excellent suggestions, I’ll reiterate that the starter is waayy down on the list of causes for your problem.
Battery itself is always first. I don’t even trust a factory new battery, having gone that route when my bike was exhibiting startup issues only to find, when the problem persisted…the new battery had a bad cell 😵💫😡. Of course, that was only after acquiring several new parts that weren’t needed after all. Just like me, you’re dealing with an older ( mature) motorcycle. Mine’s an ‘85. Aging cables, wires, grounds are always suspect.
Battery itself is always first. I don’t even trust a factory new battery, having gone that route when my bike was exhibiting startup issues only to find, when the problem persisted…the new battery had a bad cell 😵💫😡. Of course, that was only after acquiring several new parts that weren’t needed after all. Just like me, you’re dealing with an older ( mature) motorcycle. Mine’s an ‘85. Aging cables, wires, grounds are always suspect.
Last edited by guido4198; Mar 1, 2026 at 05:27 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,636
Likes: 3,398
From: Cental, MI
If battery checks out to be OK, then next suspect is connections, cables, and copper solenoid contacts. Would not hurt to replace the 5 pin relay as well. While brushes could cause slow cranking, that would be way low on the list of things to check. Sometimes it's the start switch, but that is usually is a no turnover situation.
Best is to simply jump small screw to long screw at solenoid in this situation..as this eliminates all but the solenoid..and of course..Battery... as stated...New Batteries are even suspect...
I have Not finished the wiring on my '86 FXWG, too lazy...Been starting it with a casino coin at the solenoid for 2 years!!!
Last edited by Racepres; Mar 2, 2026 at 06:34 AM.