So on my ultra classic when the engine is cold I hit the starter and it turns and turns. Usually takes 3-4 attempts before it starts. Runs fine after it starts and usually starts right up after its warm. Occasionally it will just turn when hot and back fire extremely loud. It used to just start right up. Any ideas what's going on?

 

wonder if you are getting fuel pressure- do you let the pump prime and stop before hitting the starter?

Mike

 

How old is the battery? Could be the battery getting weak.

 

I do let the fuel pump prime before hitting it. That was one of my first thoughts too so I made a concious effort to pay attention to that first. The battery is original so 3 years old. It does seem a bit weak if it's on the compression stroke but other wise seems to turn really good.

 

Things you are keeping secret: 500 miles or 50,000? Miles and recency of spark plugs and fuel filter. Any recent engine work? Stored outside (in the rain) or inside? A recent garden hose wash job or long ride in the rain? How long have you had the SE tune and did this begin when you got it or not? Have you ever disconnected the fuel line from the gas tank? Any recent change of handle bars or grips?

What we KNOW. Your bike doesn't start as easily as it used to. You want to know why and what to check.

 

I was told by a service writer at my local dealer that Harley batteries last on average 2-3 years. My first one lasted 2-3 years and it got replaced last summer after 3-4 years. Its could be your battery getting weak.

 

A simple volt test after your bike has been sitting all night will tell you if your battery is good. Should be at least 12.8 volts

 

I have 19,000 miles on the bike stored indoors. I did the se tune around the 2,000 mile mark and it started good then. This is more of a recent issue. Spark plugs was a thought and they are a cheap swap so I'm going to do that just to rule it out. Fuel filter hasn't been changed. I'm kind of leaning towards a weakening battery right now

 

If the engine turns over at a decent speed during those 3-4 revolutions before it starts, it's probably not your battery.

If it's turning slow and all laggy... yeah.

 

da tuner but what ever you do, when you hit the start, keep cranking for at least 20-30 seconds. Cranking, stopping and start cranking makes a FI start problem worst even if there is no start problem.. Just don't overheat starter if it's that bad. That hot and back fire extremely loud is a sign of fuel that happens to spray into cylinder with a little valve overlap and gets dumped into exhaust doing a back fire. Depends on were the motor stops, can happen to them all. Mine does it couple three times out of 10 starts.
Things get pretty complicated for your brief description or user ability. How many miles since a plug change?
Complicated..could be your combination MAP/Temperature sensor on the very simple throttle body that is throttle by wire controlled (not cable). 32319-07 $90 part