Starting Pause

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Jul 23, 2012 | 06:53 AM

Jedx66

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Joined: Mar 2011

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From: Nova Scotia

Starting Pause

I have a 2011 Heritage Softail and bought it 2nd hand last year with 4000 miles and now has about 11,000.

Since I bought the bike it has this pause when start it. An initial roll over and then a 2-3 second pause before it kicks over and starts. I had assumed this was just normal for a Harley as this was my first. Had it into the dealer last week and they say the battery is may be on it's last legs. I always have it on a tender and I always get this pause.

Anyone else have this? Normal?

Thanks

Jul 23, 2012 | 07:06 AM

Rodzilla6

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 1,593

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From: Mass/NH

My rocker did something similar and it turned out to be the start switch on the handlebar. Pain in the butt to figure out though...not sure it's the same for yours...Good luck.

Jul 23, 2012 | 07:25 AM

cwsharp

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 2,395

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From: Utah

Sounds like a poor connection at the battery or main grounds. Also borrow a known good battery and see if that makes any differenece.

Jul 23, 2012 | 07:51 AM

73oldsman

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 827

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From: NW Florida

Mine started doing that a while back. I ran thru my electical system and everything checked ok, although the battery checked on the low side. I've always charged my battery on my car battery charger until I read something on here about how that's not the best thing to do with a bike battery. I researched and found out about the Optimate chargers http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...FWROTAod008AnQ and purchased one. I used it initially and had no hesitation after that, and now use it from time to time on the battery in the bike if it sits for several days.

Jul 23, 2012 | 08:06 AM

jeffreydsilver

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 6,508

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From: WPB, FL

Get A Cheap Volt Meter

If you want to avoid "opinions" on what is possibly wrong with your bike you should invest in an inexpensive volt meter. With electric LOOK FOR THE OBVIOUS! Make sure the battery cable connections are clean and tight AT BOTH ENDS.
Volt reading, bike at rest - 12.9v
Volt reading during start - no lower than 12v
Volt reading at high idle - 14.5v

I replaced the battery on my 09 last year because it started showing signs of weakening. (an ounce of prevention)

Jul 23, 2012 | 09:44 AM

dickey

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 19,974

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From: Florida

That's usuallly the sign of a bad battery, but your battery is way to new & should still be good. I did have a battery fail on my 1 year old Low Rider; exact same symptoms.

Jul 23, 2012 | 11:29 AM

haulin

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 203

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From: Grande Prairie

Had something like that happen on my lo. I forgot to tighten the ground cable back onto the battery so it was loose. KISS...keep it simple stupid...start with the obvious, clean and secured connections, solid grounds ect. With a bike that new, I'd almost hope it was something as easy as that.

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Jul 23, 2012 | 01:48 PM

Jedx66

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Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 81

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From: Nova Scotia

as fate would have it was the battery. Took it off the tender this morning and rode to the local gas station to fill up. (20 min ride). Went to start and it rolled over very slowly and then not at all. Took the seat off and checked the connections and same thing. Fortunately the guy next to me was a fellow biker in a car and gave me a jump, it started right up. Drove to the dealership to get a new battery and they need to charge them 6-8 hours before I can have it. Really?!?!. You'd think they'd have one or two on a tender ready to go for just this circumstance. Jumped the bike again and drove it home. I'll pick up the battery tomorrow. FFS!

Aug 12, 2012 | 07:03 PM

#10

blankline9

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 123

Likes: 34

From: Florida

i've been having battery issues as well. 09 fxdc. on my second battery now and this one is taking a turn for the worse it seems. been busy with work and traveling lately so haven't been riding as much. seems if it sits for a week and a half or better the battery dies. i've never had to use a tender on any of my other bikes in the past, harleys included. This is the same crap that started with my first battery. Was told the first one was a bad battery and it was replaced under warranty. Less than 2 years on each battery? No loose connections. Got on here to see what brand of chargers everyone was using. Probably going to pick one up and put a charge on it before i take it to a local indy to get my next service done here soon. My bike not wanting to start is really getting old. Just another check on my list of problems....clearcoat peeled on the gas tank before 1 year old, had to get a new one under warranty, crap battery now for the second time, master cylinder keeps puking fluid out and its eating the black paint off it. This is now the 4th time that's happened.

(sorry for the rant...was really wanting to go for a nice ride tonight after working all day...time to go give her a jump.)