2005 ultra , battery was new 8-2013 , used to spin freely mabe twice then fire up , but since about a week ago it is like a car out of time , not spinning but kinda like bumping then it starts.
battery voltage seems good , not running --13.5-to 13.9
running --14.2-to14.5. running volt gauge is at 14
whatch y'all think
thanks mike

 

take the battery out, take it in to auto store and have it load tested.

if you have a meter while its cranking see what the starter is drawing during cranking.

Batman

 

Didn't realise that Batman was a Harley fan, but he's right! Verify the battery is in good shape. If you have a battery charger (not a tender), disconnect it and charge overnight, then try again, to see if that improves starting.

 

I'm betting your compensator is going bad. Had similar thing happen to mine.

 

so charge battery with a charger, take to autozone for a free load test

while the battery is out, loosen and clean the cable connections- AT THE OTHER END.
if you see any white powder coming out of the cable's insulation- the wire is rotted.

replace at autozone for $15 each.

checks need to be done with known good battery and cables.



1.) motors always stop on the compression stroke.
if you flick the starter button then motor will either turn past top dead center OR rebound.
Either way it can get some momentum before hitting compression again when you press and hold the starter button


2.) on many models the ignition is set to rotate a couple before spark so that the momentum can build.

twin cams have light flywheels

3.) if you hear the starter whining- but not turning, let go the button, the windings are burning up

4.) if the battery is really weak the solenoid may chatter- stop. allowing this to occur will damage the solenoid

mike

 

It's most likely the battery. The heat kills batteries. I have to replace mine here in Phoenix every couple years. In my old Fatboy even more often than that. I buy the Batteries Plus ones that have the 2 year free replacement warranty.

 

what do you pay for those

 

My '13 is now almost 2 years old and no starter issues
My old beater is 11 years old with over 50k mi and never a starter issue
The last bike I sold i had over 20 years and over 80k mi and never a starter issue

None of those ever had the starter replaced however about every 5 years the glass mat batteries would act like this and needed replaced with the 1st cold snap of the winter season.

 

Oh damn, good question. I'm thinking they are around $110 but don't quote me on that. A quick phone call will get you the answer.

 

I paid around $35 for a load tester. This is much cheaper than any other solution because you have time to decide or do your shopping.