It's your starter clutch. I had the same issue on my 07 FXSTC. I brought it to my Indy and that's what it was. I suggest you go aftermarket as the HD starter clutch is around 80 bucks. JP and others have it for half that. Trust me on this.

 

They said the clutch was in great shape. Its still under warranty so I dont have to pay for any of it right now but when that expires and I do have to spend money out of my pocket, I will buy everything that I can from J&P

 

I am picking up the bike when Harley opens up. They said they have test rode it 4 times and started it close to 30 times and it hasnt grinded or anything. They say it is fixed! I will let you all know if it is or not.

 

The problem is gone! I put about 250 miles on it in the past two days and NO issues. Saturday I rode in about 30 minute sessions, parked for 2 or 3 minutes and started her up, perfect everytime. Today I rode for about an hour at a time and started it up within 5 minutes and no problem. I even shut it down at a red light after sitting in traffic and restarted just to see what happens, it was great. The bike runs awesome and I am so amazed, I got 200 miles on one tank of gas! That has never happend before. I am using the same fuel maps, the one that I thought was causing all the problems all along but I have no complaints anymore. Great power when I need it, no sputtering or spitting out of the exhaust, no missing, just smooth and hungry now. I cant believe that the starter was the problem the entire time, and made it run like crap!
My opinion so far, IT'S FIXED.. I hope this gives others some insight as to what might be going on if they have the same problems..

 

That's good news! Did they replace the starter or just the 0-ring?



www.bigmikespinstriping.com

 

I actually have my 2008 NT at the dealer now for same problem. I was worried the morning i was supposed to take it, it wouldn't start. After 3 attempts of grinding, clunking and cringing, it finally fired. Got it to the dealer and when I had the service guy come out and listen, all you could hear was the starter spinning, with no attempt to turn over. Haven't heard anything about it yet, but I'm hoping to get this all fixed so I can get out and ride and not worry about turning it off and then not getting home!

 

I was worried that the same thing would happen.
Since it was under warranty they replaced the entire starter. With only 6 months of warranty left I am really thinking about getting the extended service plan that Harley has. As long as the bike is still under the 2 year manfacturer warranty I can get it but once the 2 years is up they will not sell it. I think I am gonna go for it, cant hurt!

 

Mine has started having that problem starting hot. I have noticed that if I put it in neutral, it doesn't happen. If I leave it in gear and just pull the clutch when starting hot its hit and miss.

I was actually starting to suspect weak battery because I've had this type of problem with other bikes when the battery current is weak and the starter doesn't fully engage.

 

You bought the bike through AAFES / NEX but the Harley dealers in Okinawa will give you an extended warranty?

When I bought my bike in 07 it was supposed to have a 3 yr factory warranty but I was told Harley Japan would only honor the warranty for 2 years. Fortunately, it never needed any serious repairs.

 

I was told 2 years upfront from AAFES but I havent had a chance talk to Harley out in town yet, they are the ones that honor the warranty and the 7 year service plan if they will honor it.