'67 FLH. Occasionally, I'll hit the starter button and the starter spins. If I use the kick starter once not to start the bike but just to turn the engine over a little, the starter motor will work properly. Any ideas to explain this? Battery is good and fully charged.
Not really a hardship but curious. With winter upon us, I've got the time to remedy the situation. I've discounted the starter drive as presumably, turning the engine over a little shouldn't affect it. Correct?
Thanks in advance for suggestions.

 

My bet is the starter drive, bendix, starter clutch...or what ever they are calling it this week.

 

Thanks for response Tom. The starter drive or Bendix is always the suspected source of starter problems. My question is why would turning over the motor a little with the kickstarter change anything? Since the bendix engages the teeth on the clutch when the starter is energized, how can kicking the kickstarter make the starter work? Just wondering.

 

Usually when the starter drive is going bad, it will work sometimes and sometimes it won't...I had a bad one on my bike for 6 months that would always work the 2nd or 3rd try...not sure that the kick has anything to do with it.

 

my guess it put the ring gear in a different spot and it becomes easier to engage as the Bendix moves out -- just a guess

 

Roger that Tom. I'll go ahead and order one. It's not an overly expensive or complicated repair. Thanks again.

 

Thanks John. I'll just replace it to be on the safe side. Never feel like I'll get stranded with a kick starter though.

 

Didn't realize the year... So I did a little research with a service manual and parts book and it appears that 65-82 used the same starter solenoid and levers and pivot... It's possible the solenoid is weak or even the lever is worn loose or even broke. I would probably remove the outer primary to inspect at the least...

 

After 40 plus years having a kicker I will never get used to my new Road King not having one, just seems weird.

 

Thanks 98. Luckily, the PO put on an aftermarket outer primary with a derby cover to take a look see when the bendix comes in.