Once in a while when i go to start the bike, it will immediately make a really bad 'grinding' kind of sound. scares the **** out of me. either that or sometimes it will hesitate and just keep turning over, as if it's not engaging or something. if i stop, shut everything down then try it again usually it works, but sometimes it takes one or two tries. it only happens once in a while, but the grinding noise is awful, and the hesitation makes me think it might leave me stranded somewhere.

bike is an '08, but only has 5,000 miles on it. should be way too early for a new starter. Anyone have a similar issue? Any ideas? appreciate the help, thanks.

 

My 07 does that every now and then. Diags have shown it is the starter clutch. I will be replacing mine soon. I will probably be using one by AllBalls......as I have heard good things about it.

 

Starter clutch (solenoid). Change it sooner than later because once it's cooked, so are you, wherever you may be.

 

appreciate the help.
is this what you're talking about? just replace this and i should be fine? looks easy enough, yeah?

 

My 06 does this too, especially after warmed up. Say I burn a tank stop to fill up quick it sounds like gears or teeth grinding. Not every time but too frequent for my liking. You say solenoid huh? I was thinking starter gears or flywheel but ive never been in a primary so i do not know.

 

Flatter me and just double check the starter mounting bolts.My 07 Ultra always did this until I put on Vance and Hines true duals. Found both of the starter bolts were really loose. Never knew it until I had to take one of them out to change the exhaust out.