Hard start when bike is hot
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,877
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From: Yuba City, Ca.
Hard start when bike is hot
I've hunted around the forum a bit and couldn't come up with an answer to this. Bear with me, I'm still pretty new to Harley Davidson bikes. 
It seems like my bike starts a bit hard after I've been riding and the engine is hot. Bike starts very easy when it's cold.
I've checked the battery and it sits at about 11.9volts. When running, it's at 14.7. I believe the battery is in good shape and I always keep a tender on it when I'm not riding for extended periods of time.
When I start it after riding, it seems to hesitate for a second and cranks over just fine. Every time I start it when hot, it's like it's in the middle of a compression stroke.
Is this normal or should I be looking at something else?
It seems like my bike starts a bit hard after I've been riding and the engine is hot. Bike starts very easy when it's cold.
I've checked the battery and it sits at about 11.9volts. When running, it's at 14.7. I believe the battery is in good shape and I always keep a tender on it when I'm not riding for extended periods of time.
When I start it after riding, it seems to hesitate for a second and cranks over just fine. Every time I start it when hot, it's like it's in the middle of a compression stroke.
Is this normal or should I be looking at something else?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
as long as your electrical is in good shape not much u can do about it. its common on the 96 inch motor,imo its on the verge of needing compression releases. it may get to the point that it will grind on hot starts then its time for a starter clutch. also the compensator mat be on its way out.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
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From: OH
Is the motor stock or does it have cams etc? Rhe 96" motors don't have compression releases with certain cams like the 255's can make this problem show it's head. I would still lean towards the battery but wouldn't rule out the starter.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,723
From: Western South Dakota
Starter clutch will thank you being replaced.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/All-*****-St...BX4ctL&vxp=mtr
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...36J9ASC8PAHNKV
http://www.ebay.com/itm/All-*****-St...BX4ctL&vxp=mtr
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...36J9ASC8PAHNKV
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
Starter clutch will thank you being replaced. http://www.ebay.com/itm/All-*****-St...BX4ctL&vxp=mtr https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...36J9ASC8PAHNKV
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
^ he didn't say it was grinding YET just slow crank. make sure the wiring is clean and tight and battery is up to par.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Agree as the first thing to check out.
