Hi All:

2007 Street Bob, around 70,000 miles. Sometimes, usually when the motor is hot, when I try to start it, the starter cranks the engine a little bit, then disengages early, as if the engine had started. It then starts on the next attempt, and hasn't left me stranded or anything. Any ideas what is causing the problem? It has only done it once on a cold start, otherwise hot start only.

 

Not sure what you mean by "disengages early". Does it stop cranking the motor, or does it spin fast like it's not connected to anything?

 

 

Newer battery, plenty of juice. The starter gear engages when I hit the starter button, and then suddenly disengages like the engine has started, even though the engine has not started. Usually I immediately release the starter button and try again, and it starts normally.

One time I kept the starter button depressed, and the starter spun freely for a half second, and then re-engaged.

This is not a serious problem yet, just an occasional, intermittent thing, but these things always get worse with time and use.

 

Sounds like the starter clutch is getting ready to check out, usually your compression will rise on a hot engine and the starter a little harder. The starter clutch operates like a Sprague clutch or a one way roller bearing. When the little units inside the clutch wear out they can't maintain the grip or fail altogether.

 

By disengaging- do you mean the starter "zings" freely and not "grinds" as like the starter clutch? If it "zings" it could be alot of things- like the starter solenoid not working properly- or the clutch hub starter ring is worn or clutch hub bearing is wonky- or starter gear is worn- or starter is loose on its mount. I'd pull the starter off and see if the solenoid and gear are working ok. But make sure the starter isnt loose in its mount first.

 

My guess is the starter clutch is wearing out. My 2011 Road Glide used to do that sometimes. I suspected the starter clutch but the weird thing about it was I could turn off the ignition, let it sit a few seconds, turn it back on and it would start normally. I traded the bike before I figured it out for sure but my local indy said I was about to lose the starter clutch.

 

I agree it's the starter clutch going out, common problem and easy to replace if you are into doing it yourself

 

I'd suspect the starter clutch - the sprags might be slipping. A Kit is available to replace the clutch Doesn't sound like the problem is the starter. The clutch is p/o the starter and to replace it the starter itself must be removed. This can be done from the right side of the bike. Ensure you have isolated the battery before removing the starter. Use the proper tools with extensions and be careful not to strip the heads of the bolts. Also be careful not to drop the bolts into the primary. MIght be a good idea to do a search on the HDFORUM for additional info/pics.

Not a difficult job if u have the correct tools and take ur time. I believe the kit is around $200.

 

Thanks everyone. Like I said before it's only happening occasionally, but it's sure to get worse.