I had noticed on my buddies 1985 FXR that when he hits the starter button the start will turn the engine a little bit then stop for a few seconds then start to crank again and fire up. It doesn't seem to concern him, it's been like this for a long time. When you hear it do this, it gives the impression that it's not going to start, kinda like a dead battery. Well now my 1993 softail custom is doing the same thing. Any idea's what this might be? I am assuming it's a common problem. Sounds like maybe the solenoid contacts are burnt up? Any ideas?

 

I would like to know to my 04 sportster does the same thing once in awhile

 

There are a few possibilities. How old is the battery? If when it seems to stop turning, bump the starter button again rather than just holding it. Does that help it turn over and start? How many miles on the bike/engine? Does it have any engine work done like increased compression or a cam? The starter might be getting weak and dragging.

 

I bought my 93 in April of 06 with 13,000 miles on it. It has 19,000 on it now. I am not sure how old the battery is. My bike has no modifications to the engine other than drag pipes, still has a stock air filter. It didn't start doing this until around 500 miles ago. My buddies bike does it and he has a new battery so I don't think that is the problem.
If I let off the button and hit it again it will start quicker than just holding it. I guess the starter could be a problem.

 

This can happen for several reason. A starter problem can be one of them. It can also happen if there is increased compression. The reason it stops and then goes has to do with a piston on the compression stroke. The piston is on its way up and it is building too much compression for the starter to overcome. Lifters that bleed down while sitting change the valve timing and allow the cylinder to build higher compression. This is more commonly associated with performance builds, hence the original question.

If the battery is more than a couple years old, I would change it anyway. Then see if there is a difference. If not then start looking for the problem. Batteries are much cheaper than starters.

 

I ride a 85 evo FXST. IT's been doing that since 85.I Think they've increased the starter torque
since then and yours shouldnt bog down like mine. Once had a delay though.........caused by the starter relay, this sometimes cut the power to the 12 volt heavy cable going to the solonoid.

 

my 85 does it too since it was new. i wouldn't worry about it.

 

My 86 FXRS used to do this ocasionally. Then one night, leaving the resturant in the rain on a road trip, it didn't want to start at all. It finally started and I got it started and back to the house I was staying in (600 miles from home).

I tried to start it once I got there and nothing.

I woke up in the middle of the night and thought it might be the relay, because I didn't remember hearing it clidk. I changed out the relay with the one from my Mini Beast air horn and still nothing. Then I looked down and saw that the ground wire was broken. The ring terminal was still attached, but the it was broken between the crimp and the ring. I stripped the wire and wrapped it around the screw and made it the rest of the weekend!

 

A couple things worth noting.
The starters changed in 90 and 94. The earlier starters are not as strong (less torque).
In the original post it mentioned that it "turns a little bit then stop", this would not be the case with relays or solenoid problems.

 

I've found this to happen on my 93 when the battery is either low on charge, or is on it's last leg. The starter will 'hit' but not crank the engine. Then, wham...crank, crank...vrooom. When it has a new or fully charged batter (one that all the cells are good), it will crank immediately. You'll find a wide range of opinions on how long the battery will last. A lot of this depends on how frequently you ride, storage time, temperature, etc. Mine has rarely gone more than two years. In fact I just routinely replace it every two years. Been stranded too many times.

Check all the connections from the battery to the starter. Then check the connection between the stator and the voltage regulator. This is a notoriously bad design. If this is loose or making any sort of intermittent connection, your battery will not charge. Been there too many times. I finally 'fixed' mine by taking an Exacto kniffe and cutting about 1/8" off the stator end. I took an ice pick and pierced the stator connection to hold the sockets in position while I pushed the regulator plug in. Snap. Good connection finally, and no problems since then.