First I just want to say thanks to everyone for this form, its a life saver compared to high price H-D shops, and hack job shade tree mechanic shops. So today I just replaced the starter solenoid, bike fired right up with no problems. I decided to wash the old girl up and take her out, when I got done washing her, I let it sit for an hour or two. As I fired it up the starter stayed engaged. My question is would it have something to do with washing the bike, or since I replaced the solenoid and did not replace the spring would that do it? Ive taken it apart twice to see if something was binding and it all seems to check out.

 

Did the starter shut down when you turned off the key or hit the kill switch?

 

It was still cranking when I took the key out, and also when I hit the kill switch. The only way ive shut it down is taking the neg cable off the battery

 

Sorry, been away all day ...

I have not had this problem myself but i have heard about it a few times. Note that the solenoid is powered directly from battery +ve, and the starter motor directly from the solenoid when it is engaged. So it is likely that the sol is stuck engaged.

I would uninstall the solenoid, dismantle, clean, inspect; then bench test - i think there is a procedure in the factory service manual.

EDIT: there is more to the starting system that i do not fully understand - the bendix and the parts in the starter shaft housing. So i suppose the problem may be in there. But i think it is the solenoid.

 

Thanks for your time IronMike. I was thinking its got to be the solenoid also, since it is the only thing ive changed since this problem started. What are the odds of getting a defective solenoid? I am curious to see if this has happen to anyone.

I have herd stories of people washing their bike, and getting condensation in the switches on the bars and causing this problem. I have since ruled out this problem. Looks like its time to tear into the old girl and see what I come up with.