My '07 has 36k on the clock and I've never had any starter problems either, so I'm not ready to agree that the grinding problems some are having are more common than not. I've had no problems other than the "rifle-shot" sound with the stock compensator, that is, but I never considered that a real problem--just a normal quirk. I did install the SE comp, not because I had a problem or that the noise bothered me, but because I had the primary apart for some tranny work and there was no extra labor cost to install it. I paid only for the part. That did eliminate the rifle-shot noise upon starting and the tranny now shifts with an almost unnatural smoothness, unlike any HD I've ridden. The Redline Shockproof Heavy gear oil helps, too.

I have heard the "kickback" once or twice since installing the SE comp, but only when I fail to start the bike immediately after turning the switch on. If I wait it will sometimes take longer to start, and it is those times when it can kick back. Otherwise I'm having no problems.

 

I'm with the "OP" mine was noisy as all hell and my local dealer gave me the standard BS.
Took it to another dealer some 80 miles away and I've been noise free since Mar 15th and 4000 miles.

Parts replaced
31633-07 Clutch Starter Sub Assy $113.00
37813-06A Clutch Assy $509.00
plus seals, lube and gaskets

All paid by warranty

 

I've heard my "kick back" once, maybe twice. I've noticed that if I release the starter button prematurely weird things happen. I hold that starter button down until I KNOW the bike is running. Sounds crazy, but it matters on my scoot. Also, I used to wait till the injectors were "primed" prior to engaging the starter but I stopped all that nonsence when I realized it's a waste of time. The fuel line is pressurized so fuel is always present. And, once the bike is running, so is the fuel pump. Don't much see the point in waiting till the humming noise subsides. It always fires right up anyway.

 

My 07 continues to kick back every once in a while. I have tried holding the start button during the kickback but it won't turn any further. When I let go and attempt to restart sometimes I get a puff of black smoke.

This has only started recently. I have been running a PCIII for over 25,000 miles with no other issues.

I checked the battery and it seems to have proper charge state voltage and idle state voltage. I can't really check the starting voltage drop. I am still suspecting the battery though.

The compensator sprocket as a problem doesn't make sense to me. How does the compensator affect the starting? Anyone know?

Gary

 

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It's interesting when one tries to describe a sound. When I was having my stater issues; a good friend of mine and a good vehicle mechanic, 30 years in the trade, said when he heard the noise "That's starter kick back". To me it sounded like a loud "crack"; loud enough for people in a parking lot getting into their cars to look my way. At other times it sounded like a "metal grind" - I called it a very "expensive" sound. It so happens that the starter gear will only engage in 2 or 3 places on the clutch basket gear. So on a 360 degree gear wheel the starter gear hits one of 3 places every time. Depending on the tooth wear on the clutch basket the noise will sometimes be different but will always sound "expensive".
I am not writing about the starter compensator. That wasn't my problem and there's a couple of other guys who know all about that problem. My problem was strictly the "starter and clutch gears".
If you are hearing this noise it will become more frequent and at some point your bike won't start. Mine "quit" on me in Bend, Oregon. There was NO starting it; (jump starting), once the starter gear completely failed.
Ride In Peace

 

That is what I am afraid of - no start. I don't get a crack noise. It is more like the engine doesn't start and rolls backward off of the compression. Almost like the starter doesn't have enough power to get past stock compression. After a moment, if I try again it will start. But, it always seems to struggle a bit more than I am comfortable with. I am considering replacing the battery even though my tests seem to indicate that it is ok. I just hate this kind of troubleshooting... :-(

 

HHmmmmm, I am also starting to have a "starter kick-back" issue with mine. Now that someone has said something about the battery, that raised a flag. I will have to put the battery tender on this evening after work and see how it starts tomorrow.

I'll post tomorrow morning on findings.

 

Have had the same problems with my 08' SG. I'm no expert but have done extensive research on this issue after replacing my starter twice, the first time within a month of warranty running out. Yes I do believe the MoCo has a starter problem but I believe something else may be going on here. iclick is exactly right. Start the bike quickly before the fuel pump shuts off. I have been doing this and works great 99.9% of the time. I would be curious to see how many with the problem are running a PC111.What I have learned is that Dynojet has been using the same design PC111 since around 02' Harley changed somthing in the wiring in 06'. The Pc111 now gets its power from the fuel pump circuit so if you wait for the fuel pump to shut off, your PC111 is now de-energized and your bike is essentially starting "Dumb" and that is causing the slow starts and the kick-backs. No proof of this but I also read on this site somewere after doing a search and someone else actually got a confirmation from Dynojet on this situation. Sorry about the long post but it's difficult to explain in a few words.I have been using the procedure iclick described for about 4 months now with no kickbacks or slow starts. Hope this helps.

 

I replaced my battery at the same time I switched to the SE Comp...didn't matter. I now have a set of S&S travel limiters that WILL fix it. Problem is, I'm not comfortable doing the work by myself so I need to find me a good helper!