Grinding noise
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,081
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From: The Wasteland
Grinding noise
09 Road King Classic, 36000 miles. All stock except for Rush slip on pipes. The last couple weeks I have had a grinding noise when I hit the button. It only happens when the bike is hot. If I shut the bike off and then try to start it again right away it makes a grinding noise. If I wait five or ten minutes to restart it does not happen. I replaced the compensator with a SE one about 2000 miles ago and I use a battery tender every night when I park the bike. Any ideas? Is this a starter problem? Maybe a weak battery?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,081
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From: The Wasteland
I'm not sure how old it is, I have owned the bike for 2 years and the battery was in it when I got it. I will pull the seat off and check the battery out today.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 514
Likes: 263
From: Appalachia
I would recommend getting the battery load tested. I just replaced the one in my RK. The first start after charging was ok, but each successive start after that was labored. I just got the bike a month and a half ago and I don't like the thought of being stranded so I went ahead and ordered and replaced the battery.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,932
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From: Broomfield, CO
In all likelihood it is probably the ring gear. I had this happen to me and found teeth missing from the ring gear. Replaced the ring gear and starter shaft gear with a Compufire 1084 ring gear set, which resolved the issue. This was about 12 years ago and no issues since.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: The Wasteland
I checked the battery cables and both were a little loose. I'll give it a couple days and see if it happens again
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Florida
This, an an old battery are the biggest causes of the dreaded Harley "hot start" kickback. If your cables were loose, it was almost certainly the reason. Be prepared to plunk for a new juicebox, however if that wasn't it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: The Wasteland
After I tightened up the battery cables it hasn't done it since. Thanks for the replies folks.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Jul 21, 2018 at 05:29 PM. Reason: Multiple posts