I bought a used 07 wide glide that did the same thing - no idea how old the battery was but once I replaced it, cured the issue.

 

How did you measure the voltage you listed in your original post?

A battery at rest that measures 11.9 volts is only at between 40% - 50% state of charge. A 14.7 volt reading with the bike running above 2000 rpm is the voltage being put out by the regulator, not the battery voltage per se. It is actually a bit high, the normal regulator output should be between 14.2 and 14.5 volts. However, the volt meters in the faring are notorious for being inaccurate.
I'd check all the wires and connections and have the battery load tested.

 

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1st is your slow starter / slow motor turn over when the motors hot is not a starter clutch issue,it's grinding of the stater & or the starter clutch cutting out before motor starts etc that are signs of a worn/bad starter clutch.

As long as you have verified (which is important) all connections in starting & charging systems are clean & free of rust & corrosion along with also being tight & in good cond then a battery thats a bit tired or just lower output (CCA) battery along with a starter getting a bit tired too are what generally cause slow cranking esp when hot starting post fueling up on a hot summer day.

It would not be a bad idea to have the starter tested (while still on the bike) for amps drawn when cranking the motor over when it's hot to see what cond its in & replace if required.

If you find the starter is tired replace it and it that fixes the hot start issue with the current battery thats great.

But if you find starter is tired thru testing then replace it and motor still hot starts slow or if starter passed testing then i'd next rec fully charging the current battery and then having it " properly load tested " to see how many CCA's it's got vs spec.

Hot HD's motors (like post fueling up on a summer day) are sometimes hard to turn over in that situation and even though you feel the current battery in your bike tested ok the fact is it can still not be up to the task of spinning a hot HD v-twin esp when the motor/starter & battery are heat soaked in summer heat.

Been there done that.

So if a new starter didnt help hot start issue or current starter tested ok i'd replace the current battery with Yuasa's maint free fact activated GYZ32HL battery thats got a higher then stock 500cca rating for only $132 to your door from Phatperf.

I installed that battery in my 09 FLHTCU and it starts it great even when hot post fueling up on hot summer days too.

BTW,if your motor is modded (esp bigger bore/more cubes with higher compression) i'd rec installing hi trq aftermarket starter along with a Yuasa 500cca battery both at the same time.

Good Luck.

Scott

 

If you continue to start the engine with a weak battery or loose connections, you will accelerate your starter wear. If your starter is good now, but you have a starting circuit issues, your starter will soon be on the list of things to replace. Starters worst enemy is hi resistance such as an under performing battery.

 

When I had cams installed, doing this procedure made a world of difference.

 

Starter clutch. Been there. For 60k miles I dealt with that issue over and over. Had the clutch replaced and no issues since, now have 75k

 

Open circuit voltage of 11.9 is not good. The charging system is charging a bit to high as well. I would definitely replace the battery and retest the alternator output. I wouldn't check starter draw until the battery has been renewed.

 

Motor is completely stock. I think it's time I brought the battery in for a load test.

I'll give this a try. I still need to get the battery load tested.

Nope, no grinding noises. It just seems like it's releasing compression and then it cranks over pretty quick.

I usually have it in neutral when I start it. Now that I think about it, I may have been starting it in gear when it's hot.

I just checked with a regular multi meter. I do need to confirm my readings again. The wires are all nice, clean and tight. Like I mentioned, I need to get the battery load tested.

I have to confirm my readings again. I'll definitely get the battery tested and I'll check alternator output. Thanks!

 

Had the same problem with my 2006 Road King and found it was the ground point on the frame. On the Road King there are 2 and they are located under the seat try cleaning them. Just make sure you follow the service manual on how to disconnect them.

 

+1 I was having this same problem on my '07 Ultra getting me worried that I'd not get it started after fueling up out in the sticks but doing this it has never failed yet.