My 1980 FXS Low Rider is giving me problems. When I use the electric start it will sometimes work on the first try and other times I'll have to push the starter button 20 or 25 times till it works. My mechanic changed a relay thinking that was the problem but it still does it. When I push the button I hear a click. The battery is new for what ever that is worth. Any advise would be appreciated. I'm getting tired of learning how to kickstart this bike. The shop told me to just wait until it no longer starts at all so they can then fix the problem, I'm not too wild about that idea because I just know it's going to happen when I'm out in the middle of nowhere when I have to be somewhere. Thanks for the help. I've been reading all the mechanical advise and actually have learned quite a bit from here already. You guys are impressive.

 

Change out the solenoid....AND find a better mechanic! Waiting for $hit to break before you fix it is NOT preventative maintenance.

And while you are at it, get a copy of an OEM service manual so you can learn to do a lot of the work yourself. be a whole bunch cheaper down the road.

 

Thanks panz, that is what I will do. I'll let you know if that was the problem. I'll get on it next week. Too busy riding it this weekend.

 

What Panz said should be it. You can also usually clean the contacts on solenoid to get some more mileage out of it.

 

Thank you as well Shovel13. Hey by the way I have a little spread up your way. It's in Eastern Washington state north of Spokane. Going to try and ride my bike up there in a few months once I've got it running reliably.

 

Let me know when maybe we can meet up.

 

Shovel 13, I will. Sounds like it be fun.

 

Ok guys, I am short on cash so here's what I did. I cleaned up the solenoid and it now starts no problem. I still try and kick start it though for the practice. when that doesn't work right away I go to the electric start and it's been working every time now. Also ordered an OEM manual. thanks again for the help guys.