Hard starting issue
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
From: Florida
Thanks for your advice. I will check the battery first and the connections, especially ground. The last thing I want to do is install a new starter but I know my bike is pretty old and unless the previous owner rebuilt the current starter it looks original so it has lasted as much as one can possibly expect.
I'll post an update once I figure it out.
Thanks again.
I'll post an update once I figure it out.
Thanks again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,923
Likes: 3,561
From: backwoods
It starts slower after 5 miles ride makes me think battery. I once rode for a 14 miles and whole bunch of starts off just battery. Charge it, take off charger, then let it sit for a day, and see if it starts
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,428
Likes: 30,648
From: Pennsylvania
Yes, after an all night charge the bike starts right up. It has always started with a sort of sluggish sound but it always turns enough to start the bike. If I then take it for a ride to the store maybe 5 miles away at around 50 mph and turn it off, 5 minutes later when I return the bike starts but it sounds sluggish as if it was struggling to turn. I figure that after riding it for that much the battery should not be weak at all. I'll try all the suggestions posted here which are all good. I'd hate to think I need to replace a starter because of the cost but I'm thinking that may be the problem. It is an old bike after all.
Thanks for your advice!
Thanks for your advice!
What if any aftermarket electrical accessories are on the bike? If a lot of electrical load, it will take even longer for the battery to recover.
Check to see if your charging system is putting out 14 or so VDC when the RPMs are at 2000. A Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) is your friend
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: backwoods
But a battery has many starts in it. So he should be able to start a bunch of times, ride 5 miles, and start again. Yes the battery will not be charged 100%, but it should start just fine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,428
Likes: 30,648
From: Pennsylvania
Something is amiss either with the wire connections or the starter, maybe that it is dragging, not aligned correctly or just wore out (brushes or armature). Like stated if he is getting 14 + VDC at 2000 rpm or higher, then I would look at the starter.
OP did not state how many miles on the bike so it is unknown how many start events it had gone through, knowing the mileage might give an indication of start events (rough estimate).
May have corrosion inside the wire insulation that limits volt/amperage transfer. Removing the cable and bending it a bit will tell you if it is corroded as it will feel stiff and not flexible like a good cable.
Last edited by CoolBreeze3646; Feb 8, 2024 at 06:24 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,923
Likes: 3,561
From: backwoods
I'd wonder about the battery. Maybe sitting on a tender all the time is hiding a bad battery. Simple enough. Charge over night. Then leave off tender for a day. Could disconnect battery to eliminate any possibility of parasite draw, but don't need too.
Yes there are better was to test, but sometimes you are just busy.
Next question, what goofy battery is he running?
Yes there are better was to test, but sometimes you are just busy.
Next question, what goofy battery is he running?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
From: Florida
The bike is pretty stock from factory. I don't even have the radio anymore, I disconnected it years ago. There are speakers still connected on top of each bag but the wires lead nowhere. I will double check tomorrow to be sure. I will also check the tender to see how much is putting out.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
From: Florida
I just bought the battery on Amazon this past December. It is a 310 CCA battery. It might be cheap but the one the bike had was even weaker and now it still behaves the same way. The bike has been sitting for a year waiting for me, surgery!
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
From: Florida
The bike has 45K. I will check the battery in the morning after an all night charge and see were it stands. I'd hate to think I have to replace the starter because I'm sure it's expensive but I can't rely on her not starting anytime I take her out.
I'll keep you guys posted.
Thanks again
I'll keep you guys posted.
Thanks again
