Hello everyone,

I have a 2000 Fatboy, just rolled over 111,000 miles yesterday. Experienced my first major issue. Thought maybe someone here has dealt with this and can lend a hand.

Went on a bike run yesterday, got done with the ride and stopped to fuel up. Went to start the bike and my starter wouldn't engage. You can hear the bendix spin (not sure what Harley calls it), but it didn't always catch the gear. I hit the start button several times and maybe out of 10 try's it caught 2 times but only spun the engine over a very brief second. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be in this job for at least a new starter.

How much of a pain in the rear is the job, any recommendations on a good starter?

On a side note, at 80,000K miles I did a 95ci big bore kit. The engine has always started hard sometimes, by started hard I mean the starter would almost make a kickback noise (if that even makes sense) , I guess I contribute that to a lack of compression releases?

 

How's the battery?

The manual says the oil tank will need to be removed, however, some in here have done it without.

 

Battery is fine.

I'm just wondering why every couple of attempts it tries to grab and spin the engine over but then suddenly the bendix retracts and all you can do is hear it spin and not engage. Only thing I can think of is a failing starter?

 

Sounds like your starter clutch is going out. I've done mine and on a scale of 1 to 10, about a 4 job. And even if you decide to replace the entire starter, removing it from the bike is the most difficult part of the job anyway. Might as well replace the clutch, much cheaper.
Look here for more information: https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/start...cement-002184/

 

It does sound like the starter clutch. And i agree, a starter rebuild is cheaper and the hardest part is removal and installation.

 

Starter clutch, gotcha. That makes sense. Just took a quick peek on J&P Cycles. Would definitely save a few bucks on just replacing the clutch. I guess my biggest concern is, having over hundred thousand miles on the bike and never having to touch the starter. I think I might be money ahead in the long run to just replace the whole starter.

Shitty part is, if I have to pull the oil tank, I just serviced the bike 2 days ago with full synthetic fluids. Guessing I'll have to remove the primary cover as well. haha

 

I had the same problem with mine after doing a big bore with higher compression. I believe my problem could have been avoided if I had set my Daytona Twin Tec ignition module at 2/2. My setting was way too advanced. I did end up installing compression releases.

 

111,000 miles is impressive. I hope my 2000 fatboy will last that long as I really really love my ride.👍👊🏻