It has the 96 on it and it's been really hard to start. It's been backfiring frequently and it's been grinding the starter a lot. Is that possibly too much compression or is some other issue going on? Thank you in advance. Sometimes it seems to crank right up and others it just won't start.

 

Compensator and/or starter clutch. The grinding sounds like the starter clutch. The compensator makes a banging noise and creates hard starting. Also make sure the battery is good.

 

The battery is the first thing to check. Then the wiring connections at the battery and frame/starter.

Have you done any work on it lately?
Did this start suddenly or gradually build up?

 

no sir I haven't done any work on it lately. It has been sitting quite a while that's until I inherited it. I think it's the battery but it only does it so often. I can leave it unplugged for a day and it'll crank right up but if I ride it and stop and try and start it again it'll do it. I'm just very confused.

 

You say its been setting, could it be the old gas in the tank. Sediment in the tank, could be some gunk. But like others said start with the battery, especially if you know its old.

 

Okay thank y'all for replying. My new battery will be getting here the 27th. I'll keep y'all updated

 

Once you've installed it, check the other ends of both main battery cables, to ensure they are clean and tight. They have probably been there undisturbed for ten years, so disconnecting to clean them would be a good idea. Also check the condition of the ground strap, under the transmission casing. Between them they will hopefully provide max power to your starter.

Also your charging system, to ensure that is OK. It shouldn't give problems after a ride, which suggests it isn't recharging properly. There are Stickies in the Tech Electrical section to guide you through that. You will need a multimeter.

 

Hard hot starting is a sure sign of the crap compensator in the bike. If it has not been replaced with the latest Screamin Eagle version (I am guessing it hasn't) it will need to be. Requires the compensator kit with the stator rotor.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/stor...100061--1#tabs

For a better price you can buy from here

http://www.boardtrackerharleyonline....sator-40100061

It needs adhesive to attach the oil deflector to the inside of the primary cover. A strong epoxy designed for plastic and metal would work fine. If you take to the dealer for the compensator work they will have the adhesive, but expect a dealer to want upwards to $1000 to do this job. Probably most independent shops, that are reputable, can do this job cheaper if you don't want to tackle it.

 

Okay status update I put a new battery on it and it still is grinding so I'm leaning more towards the starter. I am just dumb founded

 

Almost forgot about M-1231 tech bulletin.....affected many 2007's. You can see the attachment in the first post HERE