Starting Problems

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May 21, 2011 | 01:13 AM

John Sheridan

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Joined: May 2011

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From: Los Angeles, Ca.

Starting Problems

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.

May 21, 2011 | 10:14 AM

panz4ever

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali

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.

May 21, 2011 | 04:24 PM

John Sheridan

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From: Los Angeles, Ca.

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.

May 22, 2011 | 12:36 AM

shovel13

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Joined: Sep 2010

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From: SW Washington St

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

May 22, 2011 | 01:09 AM

John Sheridan

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From: Los Angeles, Ca.

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.