The starter on my 2007 Ultra is starting to go. More and more often now, when I hit the switch, it sounds like a cat caught in an air-conditioner.

I've heard the 2007 & 2008 starters weren't so hot. Before any further damage occurs, I'm going to change it out for an aftermarket model.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with, say, a Spyke or an Ultima that could give me an opinion, because these things ain't cheap.

Thank-you.

Cannon

 

They are essentually a Nippondenso starter, which you can get kits for, or can be had for less than 200 bucks online.

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/harleydavidson.html

Ron

 

My dealer replaced my starter's clutch assembly under extended warranty at around 32k miles. Said some teeth were missing. Fortunately there weren't any missing on the gear it engages with. I was told that HD put a starter in that was too beefy.

 

Are you still under warranty? HD has a recall on your starter, I think it service bulletin M-1271 or something like that. The torque on the starter bolts was inadequate causing fretting (arcing) of the mating surfaces, they replaced mine. And by the way, it's the crappy compensator adding to your hard starts. Install a SE compensator sprocket.

 

You might want to read some of the posts that I've put on this site related to this issue.
My advice:
Do NOT look to HD mechanics to resolve this problem. They; for the most part, are "part changers" not mechanics. After all, they work at stealerships to take your money as quickly as posssible. Usually that happens through the sale of new parts.
IF you agree with me; than take your bike to a RELIABLE starter/clutch business and have them remove the primary cover. LOOK at the clutch GEAR. If the clutch gear shows wear across a range of teeth - 10-12, your starter gear is spinning prior to engaging the clutch ring gear.
This is a REOCCURING Harley issue. They won't admit it but it spans about 8 years of production.
Typically the solution is to "shim" the starter gear. Shimming the gear means it engages the clutch gear PRIOR to starting to it's rotation.
If, however, you still chose to go to the HD stealership - good luck / you'll need it.
Cheers
G

 

G - I agree with you 100%. When I work on my bikes, I either do the work myself, or I have an independant mechanic who does the work, and the guy is a local legend, whom I trust implicity (he's done some really nice work for me in the past on my Deuce). I had talked to him about this issue maybe a month ago, and he told me pretty much the same thing you just did. He said to check the pinion gear as well.

I wouldn't take my bike to my local dealer if they offered to do all the work for free.

Thank-you for the advice.

Cannon

 

Might want to check this out:

M-1231 1 of 2
SERVICE BULLETIN
M-1231 September 26, 2008
BIG TWIN STARTER FASTENERS
Purpose
It has been determined that some 2006 Dyna and 2007 Touring,
Softail and Dyna model starter fasteners may lose clamp
load. This can cause the starter to loosen and lead to poor
ground contact which can result in poor starting as well as
possible damage to starter.
For the 2008 model year, the starter fastener torque was
increased to 25-27 ft-lbs (33.9-36.6 Nm). On the Softail and
Dyna models, the increase in fastener torque will remedy the
condition. On Touring models, the increase in fastener torque
and replacement of the exhaust bracket will remedy the condition.
If a 2006 Dyna or a 2007 Touring, Softail or Dyna model displays
erratic starting or grinding during starting, follow the
procedure listed below.
Motorcycles Affected
● All 2006 Dyna models.
● All 2007 Touring, Softail and Dyna models.
Required Dealer Action
NOTE
Obtain the applicable service manual for all removal and
installation instructions.
1. If starter displays erratic starting or grinding is heard during
starting, remove starter.
NOTE
Fretting is the combined wear and corrosion of contact surfaces.
This can occur under clamp load in the presence of
vibration.
2. See Figure 1. Inspect starter mounting surface (2) and
matching area on inner primary for fretting and arcing (3)
which is a pitting condition caused by insufficient
ground.
3. Clean fretting on starter and mating surface with a dry
abrasive pad.
Figure 1. Fretting
13370
1. Starter
2. Starter mounting surface
3. Fretting and arcing
1
3
2
¨
IMPORTANT NOTE
In the interest of preserving customer safety and satisfaction, always check for outstanding recalls whenever any motorcycle is brought into your
dealership for either maintenance or service.
©2008 H-D
ROUTING SERVICE
MANAGER
SALES
MANAGER
PARTS
MANAGER
WARRANTY
PROCESS
MANAGER
LEAD
TECHNICIAN
TECHNICIAN
NO.1
TECHNICIAN
NO. 2
TECHNICIAN
NO. 3
RETURN
THIS TO
INITIAL HERE
M-1231 2 of 2
4. Inspect starter pinion gear. Replace pinion gear if damaged
(cracked or missing teeth). Rounding of pinion gear
teeth is considered normal. If pinion gear needs to be
replaced, inspect ring gear on clutch. Replace clutch ring
gear if damaged.
5. On Touring models, replace 65988-07 exhaust bracket
with 65988-07A exhaust bracket. The 65988-07A bracket
has an improved finish and minimizes clamp load loss.
6. Install starter. Clean starter fastener threads. Apply LOCTITE
243 (blue) to threads of starter fasteners. Tighten
fasteners to 25-27 ft-lbs (33.9-36.6 Nm).
7. Update the starter mounting bolt torque to 25-27 ft-lbs
(33.9-36.6 Nm) in the:
● 2006 Dyna service manuals
● 2007 through 2009 Dyna, Softail and Touring service
manuals
2009 Touring Service Manual
The starter mounting bolt torque value listed in the 2009
TOURING MODELS SERVICE MANUAL is incorrect. The
manual states that starter mounting bolt torque is 13-20 ft-lbs
(17.6-27.1 Nm). The proper torque is 25-27 ft-lbs (33.9- 36.6
Nm), including application of medium strength threadlocker
243 (blue) to the threads of the fasteners. Please update the
manual to reflect this change.