Starter Issues
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 11
Starter Issues
Just something you might like to know.......
Over the years I've suffered with ill diagnosed starter problems. In trying to resolve my issues; I spent nearly $1000 trying to eliminate "noisy" (grinding), "kick back" (B*llSh*t suggestions), starter issues.
My starter problems were not fixed by any HD mechanics - they chose ONLY to replace the parts, but by a clutch and starter shop.
I have been speaking with several HD mechanics and it's amazing what they tell me. They all say that the starter issue is a "well known problem within the inner circles of HD / that's it's a problem that's been around for years (where talking decades here) and still persists today.
HD's answer to the starter issue is to pacify the customer; (everything's OK / That noise is typical / You are not starting the bike correctly); UNTIL the bike is off warranty, and then start doing the "part replacement" - never; however, addressing the actual problem.
These guys have recommended that if your bike is making "ugly" starter noises and the bike is still on warranty -
1) That you ensure that this issue is reflected on the worksheet and that it is occurring when the warranty is in effect
and
2) DON'T stop making an issue of it. That's the ONLY way HD will eventually address the real problem - faulty starters.
As long as they are only selling parts; and making a profit, you'll see NO changes and only YOU will pay.
Cheers
Ride In Peace
Over the years I've suffered with ill diagnosed starter problems. In trying to resolve my issues; I spent nearly $1000 trying to eliminate "noisy" (grinding), "kick back" (B*llSh*t suggestions), starter issues.
My starter problems were not fixed by any HD mechanics - they chose ONLY to replace the parts, but by a clutch and starter shop.
I have been speaking with several HD mechanics and it's amazing what they tell me. They all say that the starter issue is a "well known problem within the inner circles of HD / that's it's a problem that's been around for years (where talking decades here) and still persists today.
HD's answer to the starter issue is to pacify the customer; (everything's OK / That noise is typical / You are not starting the bike correctly); UNTIL the bike is off warranty, and then start doing the "part replacement" - never; however, addressing the actual problem.
These guys have recommended that if your bike is making "ugly" starter noises and the bike is still on warranty -
1) That you ensure that this issue is reflected on the worksheet and that it is occurring when the warranty is in effect
and
2) DON'T stop making an issue of it. That's the ONLY way HD will eventually address the real problem - faulty starters.
As long as they are only selling parts; and making a profit, you'll see NO changes and only YOU will pay.
Cheers
Ride In Peace
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland Florida
It is not the starter, it is the compensator and the only fix is to upgrade to a Screamin Eagle compensator, had the same issue with mine and the Indy that repaired it knows that the HD dealers will not fix it. Just had mine changed out yesterday and that has fixed the problem.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,806
Likes: 281
From: Green Country Oklahoma
It is not the starter, it is the compensator and the only fix is to upgrade to a Screamin Eagle compensator, had the same issue with mine and the Indy that repaired it knows that the HD dealers will not fix it. Just had mine changed out yesterday and that has fixed the problem.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 221
Likes: 3
From: Texas/Arkansas border
well, I hate to say I told you so, but like the above guys say, if you wanna fix the starter kick back problem, all the grinding, thashing, sounding like it's coming apart at the seams, put in the Screamin' Eagle compensator and wash your problems down the drain....been there, done that, got the "T" shirt, too.....
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 11
Sorry Guys.
I posted sometime ago about the issues with my starter.
My problem had nothing to do with the compensator. The problem with my bike was that the starter gear was spinning BEFORE it engaged the clutch gear. It was actually "grinding" it's way into the gear. When the Starter and Clutch shop showed me the evidence it was completely obvious. I know that ANY mechanic; worth his salt, should recognize "gear grinding".
What I do find interesting; is that people are spending thousands and thousands of dollars on these motorcycles - only to replace "NEW" defective parts. This is especially true with the posts that suggest changing out the bike's compensator and putting in a SE one.
Can you imagine buying a BMW car and taking into a shop and asking to have the starter changed out because the one supplied isn't sufficient? They'd laugh you out of the shop. With HD - they don't question you doing it?
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!
I posted sometime ago about the issues with my starter.
My problem had nothing to do with the compensator. The problem with my bike was that the starter gear was spinning BEFORE it engaged the clutch gear. It was actually "grinding" it's way into the gear. When the Starter and Clutch shop showed me the evidence it was completely obvious. I know that ANY mechanic; worth his salt, should recognize "gear grinding".
What I do find interesting; is that people are spending thousands and thousands of dollars on these motorcycles - only to replace "NEW" defective parts. This is especially true with the posts that suggest changing out the bike's compensator and putting in a SE one.
Can you imagine buying a BMW car and taking into a shop and asking to have the starter changed out because the one supplied isn't sufficient? They'd laugh you out of the shop. With HD - they don't question you doing it?
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Deep South Texas
What kind of noise is everyone hearing, exactly? I start my bike at least 4 times per day and it now has around 25K on it, the only thing I hear is the bike starting. Maybe I am missing something, no grinding, or disengagement of the starter at anytime. From the sounds of this thread, I should be ready for it to crap out at any moment.