Starter just spins
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley, CA.
Starter just spins
I have an 08 Ultra Classic. When I hit my start button, the starter motor just spins, it doesn't engage.
Is my entire starter bad, or is it simply a starter solenoid, and if it's the solenoid, is it on the end of the starter motor ??
Any help is appreciated.
Alan
Is my entire starter bad, or is it simply a starter solenoid, and if it's the solenoid, is it on the end of the starter motor ??
Any help is appreciated.
Alan
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,614
Likes: 6,439
From: Honah Lee
Be sure you post back what you find out. The solenoid is under that small cover on the starter on the right side on the starter. Think it's only $15 repair kit from Harley. The two L shaped copper contacts and washer. I personally would start there even if I replaced gear clutch. (it's a sprang clutch, and I guess it could jam out if the grease got too hot.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 10:26 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5,092
Likes: 2
From: Wenatchee, WA
Piece of cake getting the starter out - (2) bolts. Be careful the positioning dowels don't fall into the primary.
Solenoid or starter clutch IMO.
The solenoid action can be tested with the starter out of the bike if you're very careful.
Solenoid or starter clutch IMO.
The solenoid action can be tested with the starter out of the bike if you're very careful.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5,092
Likes: 2
From: Wenatchee, WA
All good gen. The starter clutch protects the electric start motor while the solenoid action throws the pinion gear into the ring gear, cranking the engine. If you take off the primary be extremely careful pulling on that starter pinion (don't!). What will happen is the starter will engage and that's with the ignition off!
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Just to add another possibility, when my bike did this it was due to an e-clip that stops the jackshaft in line where it is supposed to engage. The e-clip broke, so the jackshaft shot past and just spun...something to think about.
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Stage III
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: New mexico
2018 road king police 20000 miles
Im having a similar issue replaced starter and battery still the same I opened up the derby cover everything in there spins but the motor dont turn over starter sounds like it is free spinning I tried while in gear and nothing but I put it in second and the bike lunged forward I did not have the clutch pulled was just trying different things not sure whats going on with it any help would be appreciated
