Potential starting problem
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2
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From: greensboro, nc, usa
Potential starting problem
Recently purchased a 2005 HD Sportster 1200C Trike with 6,200 miles on it. Road it home, but noticed that after the engine warmed up, around the second time to restart it, it was tough to re-start.
The battery appears to be somewhat new, but I wanted to put a new battery in it anyway, so the battery has been changed out. I keep the bike on trickle charge, so the battery is always topped off.
Even with the new battery, the same issue is occurring; the bike has a difficult time turning over after riding the bike around (seems to always be the second time to turn it over after turning off). Also, when connecting back on the trickle charge, the charger indicator lights show that the battery needs charging.
Not being any sort of ace mechanic.... my thoughts are that some part of the charging system is not working and therefore need to replace the stator, regulator, and primary gasket(?).
I wanted to see if anyone else had any suggestions as to the issue. Would you suggest replacing the regulator first to see if the issue is corrected, or is it common to go ahead and replace the stator as well?
Appreciate any help and suggestions.
The battery appears to be somewhat new, but I wanted to put a new battery in it anyway, so the battery has been changed out. I keep the bike on trickle charge, so the battery is always topped off.
Even with the new battery, the same issue is occurring; the bike has a difficult time turning over after riding the bike around (seems to always be the second time to turn it over after turning off). Also, when connecting back on the trickle charge, the charger indicator lights show that the battery needs charging.
Not being any sort of ace mechanic.... my thoughts are that some part of the charging system is not working and therefore need to replace the stator, regulator, and primary gasket(?).
I wanted to see if anyone else had any suggestions as to the issue. Would you suggest replacing the regulator first to see if the issue is corrected, or is it common to go ahead and replace the stator as well?
Appreciate any help and suggestions.
Last edited by rjfoster03; Sep 15, 2019 at 05:33 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,707
From: South Carolina
Make sure the battery is fully charged, then take it to an auto parts store and have them load test it (they will do this for free).
Make sure all battery cable connections are clean and secure, don`t just check for tightness, disassemble the connection and clean it, then reinstall the battery cables according to the factory service manual.
Make sure all battery cable connections are clean and secure, don`t just check for tightness, disassemble the connection and clean it, then reinstall the battery cables according to the factory service manual.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 15, 2019 at 08:19 AM.
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: greensboro, nc, usa
Make sure the battery is fully charged, then take it to an auto parts store and have them load test it (they will do this for free).
Make sure all battery cable connections are clean and secure, don`t just check for tightness, disassemble the connection and clean it, then reinstall the battery cables according to the factory service manual.
Make sure all battery cable connections are clean and secure, don`t just check for tightness, disassemble the connection and clean it, then reinstall the battery cables according to the factory service manual.
Once the issue presents, placing the battery back on the charger, fully recharges the battery and the issue does not exist. the bike starts right up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,707
From: South Carolina
Sorry, forgot to add this to my original post:
Once you know the battery is good, and all connections are clean, perform a charging test, there`s a sticky in the electrical section of the forum...
Once you know the battery is good, and all connections are clean, perform a charging test, there`s a sticky in the electrical section of the forum...
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
As Dan says, use that sticky. What you describe suggests your charging circuit isn't working correctly. Stop replacing stuff until you have diagnosed if there is a problem and what the cause is!
Another tip is that the frame end of the ground battery cable is the most difficult to get at, also the most troublesome, so satisfy yourself that is clean and tight. When I started riding bikes, a long time ago, we used Vaseline to protect the battery connections from damp, these days the recommendation is dialectric grease.
Another tip is that the frame end of the ground battery cable is the most difficult to get at, also the most troublesome, so satisfy yourself that is clean and tight. When I started riding bikes, a long time ago, we used Vaseline to protect the battery connections from damp, these days the recommendation is dialectric grease.
There are those that would disagree but this hesitation on starting , especially when hot, seems to be a fairly common Harley characteristic . Mine has been doing it for 5000 miles now . The battery and leads are in excellent condition and I have long ceased worrying about it . If you do enough reading on the topic on this and other forums you will probably come to the conclusion , as I have done , that it's just one of those things . I think it all depends upon where the pistons come to rest when you kill the engine .
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Wait what?? Sportster Trike? Pics?
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There are those that would disagree but this hesitation on starting , especially when hot, seems to be a fairly common Harley characteristic . Mine has been doing it for 5000 miles now . The battery and leads are in excellent condition and I have long ceased worrying about it . If you do enough reading on the topic on this and other forums you will probably come to the conclusion , as I have done , that it's just one of those things . I think it all depends upon where the pistons come to rest when you kill the engine .
My guess is bad regulator which is a cheap and easy fix. But check it before you start throwing money at it.
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From: Honah Lee
Put a better battery in it. I am guessing it is carburetor. Since I am thinking you are saying it starts OK cold. You ride around and park it and it sits say an hour and then it has that hesitation. Try opening throttle just a tad when you hit it then. Get you a AC/DC/Ohm meter. No one can live without that. Put the DC on the maintenance charger line. After an overnight charge and unplugged and lights are on and off. Voltage should be 12.7 or so. Leave it connected and start it watching the meter. Voltage should not drop below 9.6. Once started an at fast idle of around 2000, voltage should be around 13.5-14.5. and below 15. All is OK. If you get below 9.6 crankings, check your connection and if OK, get a good battery.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 18, 2019 at 03:30 PM.
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