I have an 08 ultra, 30k miles, not sure the previous repairs done to it, bought it at 29k miles.

I noticed that when I ride home from work, about 50 miles, and then shut it off to open the garage, when I try to restart it, sometimes the starter sounds like its not engaging or metal clanking noise, then it starts right up. This only happens once in a while. I did a 300 mile trip the other day with a few short stops and the issue never popped up. Also, sometimes when shutting it off, it makes a very small clunk type noise. Not loud or anything, just noticed sometimes it shuts off quiet, sometimes there is a quiet clunk type sound. Are these signs I need to change the compensator or just normal harley noises?

Edit: Just watched some videos on YouTube for compensator noise, and thats not what I am hearing. There is no bad shaking of the engine or consistent knocking noise. Maybe a starter issue when hot? I actually noticed from the video it has a whole different sound at startup, like a whump noise, I think I read something somewhere about a whump from the starter dampner, so now I am all confused.

 

Sounds like a bad starter clutch. Starts fine cold but grinds at gas station stops.

 

Fairly easy repair, no need to remove primary to pull starter. Remove the nose of the starter and replace the clutch. Watch out for a few roller bearings in the idler gear. Aftermarket internal o-rings can be tough to install as they are a little larger in the OD diameter.

 

Thanks soft 02 and ajayrk! I'll go ahead and order the starter clutch. I have the service manual, just not in front of me right now, but what do mean by remove the nose of the starter?

 

Pull the starter out then take it apart. Two long bolts. Pretty easy.

 

And two short on the drive end (nose). You will see the parting line under the wrinkle paint. Run a thin blade along the line to reduce tearing the paint.

 

Got it! Thanks guys!

 

sound to me like "heat soak"..
I/e shut it down ,quits oiling, quits moving , top of head heats up .
heat causes pre-ignition , kicks back a little ..

solution , leave it running while opening the garage door , . or wait a few minutes for it to cool down .

this also works a gas stations , give it a few to cool before cranking back up ..

 

Did you ever find a resolution? I have the identical issue. Starter clutch or heat soak?

 

I have that clunk sound almost every time I start it. Don't matter cold or hot. Installed a new battery but that did nothing. I just bout the Bike, 2010 EG , with 500 miles so the bike is like brand new!