My 81 FLH starter keeps spinning,turn the switch off and the bendix engages and cranks the engine over.The only way to stop it is unhook the battery.I have a Harley service manual and a Clymer,both say to replace the relay so I did.No change,I got on here and searched for similar issues and found one that everyone says it's always the solenoid.I ordered a new one and put it on today with no change.I jumped across the starter button and it does the same thing so it's not that.
The bike has been running great until it started this and I'm at a loss.It does not have a kicker so please don't advise to kick it.Any help is welcome.

 

Sound like the circuit is staying energized. Does it do the same if you bump it at the solenoid to start instead of the starter button?

 

Haven't tried that,which terminals do you jump across?Hate to screw up a new sol. I should add that the battery seems hot.shows 12.8V.

 

the relay is an early ford type this wiring is the only way for it never to do it again, as the big starter ford relay hits it unlike a small relay

 

Interesting,thanks

 

I would replace the starter relay. Sounds like it has reached its shelf-life and is shorting out on you.

 

Good idea thanks, make sense.

 

It wasn't the relay or solenoid,had two wires,the green from the relay to the solenoid and a black ground,get hot and melt together.I'm blaming it on a small exhaust leak on the rear cylinder.Replaced the wires and back to normal.

 

Good deal.
Thanks for the follow up - Always good to see findings and results.