2008 ultra classic, when I try to start bike it is a little slow and will make a terrible grinding noise. This doesn`t always happen, but greatly concerns me. Can any of you tell me what might be happening? The bike has about 20000 miles on it, if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance.

 

My First Guess would be the Dreaded Clang of the Compensator .. Putting a SE Compensator in will resolve this if the problem ..

 

I'm gonna guess starter clutch.

 

The starter drive on my White Lightning had the same symptoms. The drive gear teeth rounded over and could not engage the starter ring. The starter drive has new clutch and gear in the same unit. When the starter clutch is bad, the seleniod will engage the starter drive gear to the starter ring on the clutch basket, but the starter motor will spin without turning the motor over. The grinding starter noise will be the teeth not fitting together with the drive unit and starter ring. As for the compensater issue, have no expierence to report.

 

Possible weak battery or poor connections...Look at the simple things first.

 

I second that, Those were the exact symptoms I had. Brought it in under warrenty and they said had to replace the compensator. I had them put in a SE and all has been well for over a year since.

 

Correct.
Next try the starter itself.

 

I had the exact same problem with the same noise, my battery was HOOPED!

 

do you use a battery tender to ensure that your battery is fully charged?

 

++ to this post. I had the same thing and after the battery, found that the starter clutch had gone for a crap. Changed it and (touch wood) problem gone!