I have a 2008 Roadking with Rinehart True Duals, Arlen Ness Big Sucker Air Filter, and Power Commander III. 13,500 miles.
Lately when starting bike when cold I will turn on power and then run switch and fuel pump completly power up and then hit starter. Starter will act like it can't turn over for just 1 second or so and then will fire up. When motor is hot I will turn power on and then run switch and then immediatly hit the starter switch and it does the same thing. This would not bother me other than I will have to re-set my clock and the low fuel light comes on.
I keep the bike plugged up to a battery tender when I am not riding.
Do you guys think I need a new battery? Or a new compensator?
Either way I hope I get it right and don't replace 1 thing only to find it was the other.
What do guys think?

 

There's a pretty good chance you need a battery but I would have the battery load tested first. Have you been keeping the battery terminals clean?

 

Check your grounds, could be a loose or corroded ground from the battery to the bike.

 

Are the battery terminals secure?

 

Sounds like you guys are thinking battery. I will double check terminals and ground connections. Thanks.

 

A low battery is VERY hard on a starter.
A battery is much cheaper than starter.
On an older bike, it sounds like your timing is out.

 

Doesn't sound like it's compensator otherwise it will sound grinding gear noise and kicking back. Battery should be good unless it's defective check all the connection to starter are tight and use electric grease on ground wire after good cleaning.

 

Thanks guys I will check all connections today and get a load test.

 

Kinda sounds like my last battery about three months before it died, Got a Braille now with 705 cranking amps at room temp! think I can do sixty with just the starter!! For sure check the connections and cables. seem lots of batteries replaced due to loose or bad cables.

 

Check the battery terminals & ground & also the terminals to the starter. Then put it back on the tender over night. In the morning check voltage should be right around 12v. Then try to start. If you have the same problem as before do a load test if it doesn't hold replace the battery.