Bike Is Slow To Start

[PHATASS]

Bike gradually started to crank over really slow over the past few weeks and my HD battery eventually died after being installed just under a year. Noticed that when I turned on the ignition switch and headlight came on, the battery volts dropped from 12.90 down to 12.20.

Installed a new Yuasa 315 CCA properly charged battery and thought it would solve the issue. It did...sorta. Now when I turn the ignition switch on, the volts slowly drop from 12.90 down to 12.60 and bike will slowly struggle to turn over. Checked the starter and it's putting out 12.50. Definatley not a quick crisp start up like it should be. Checked if the scoot was charging the battery and all is well. It's almost as if the headlight is drawing to many volts from the battery on start up. I did install the HID kit a few months back and hoping it's not related.

 

[Little-Boo]

Others on here have had problems with the HID. I would remove it and see if things go back to normal. If all is Okay after you take it off, you will know what the problem is. :2thumbs:

Carlos

 

[PHATASS]

Just changed back to the stock bulb and no change. However I did notice that the battery volts drop to around 10.20 when I press the start button indicating a bad battery. Looks like I'll be stopping by the local Harley shop for a new overpriced battery to see if that fixes the problem.

 

[Five Five]

I guess you need a car battery to run the "HID" :roll::roll:
Just kidding:up: I do run a compact car racing battery...damm thing spins that starter like a MoFo...465CCA and the performance tech sheet that came with the battery rated it at 500CCA peak performance.

No it's not a Braille...

 

[BillV64117]

Have you checked for loose/dirty connections?

 

[PHATASS]

Have you checked for loose/dirty connections?

Yes sir, all connections are clean and tight. I did however find out that my new Yuasa battery is 275 CCA and not the 315 CCA like I was supposed to recieve. Numbers matched up with the HD 65989-97C battery and Harley wants $140 for thiers! Might as well spend a few extra and get a Braille.

 

[Nukeranger]

Yep, if you checked the connections really good then get a Braille and forget about it. I have a great performing Braille that I don't even leave on the tender! HD sells a good one also. Check with Raywood.

 

[SNMOTORDOG]

my mastiff has a hard time starting to when battery voltage drop below 12.80.my battery also was 275 crank amps.just order a braille today #b2015 465 cca.192 and change shipped.hoe that willdo the trick.

 

[PHATASS]

my mastiff has a hard time starting to when battery voltage drop below 12.80.my battery also was 275 crank amps.just order a braille today #b2015 465 cca.192 and change shipped.hoe that willdo the trick.

Thanks!

FYI, I just ordered the Braille through AutoAnything.com for $142.76 plus tax. They are offering a 15% discount and free shipping on orders over $150.

 

[cvegmond]

This is an extreme suggestion, but I mention it since the K-9 starts so well since the WirePlus conversion. With WirePlus you start the bike with the headlight off. WirePlus gives the engine one crank before engaging the ignition.

It's so simple. I rarely need the battery tender anymore.

I was thinking about have WirePlus tatoed on my ass...I so happy with this product.

 

[cvegmond]

I AM so happy...hate typing on an iPad.

 

[SNMOTORDOG]

i ordered mine right from braille.guess i should have done some more research.

 

[PHATASS]

I'd call if see if they would price match even though you have already ordered it.

 

[Fibersnake]

By chance did you pull the starter solonoid to see if it may not be be making as solid contact as before?

Nothing wrong with a Briel or any other good battery, however if you had just change out the battery and it still would not do, would be looking a litte deeper to see why such a drop in voltage.

Unless you have done major mod on the engine where the compression really got raised, then a new battery even at 275cca should crank it over with no problems IHMO.

Did you check the compression reliefs to make sure the were working properly, maybe try them by engaging manual and see what happens?

Just a few suggestion, but no one should have an issue with a brand new or very little used fresh battery unless it is heavly mod. Suggest check a little more.

Also may avoid frustration if you go out and spend some more buck on a Briel and find out later it is still dying, especially if the root cuase is something as simple as a coroded solonoid disk or contact that are not providing good solid continuity in the start circuit. You could also even check futher and see if the armature and windings are built up with oil and dirt and toehr things within the start that can drain the voltage quickly. A good can of CRC Electro Klean can go a very long way!!!!

I have had 3 batteries on my 2005 Mastiff , the original, a second one at 3 years, and my current one that went out due to short on power harness back in 2010. The current battery is cheap ass Evermart (or what ever it is called) from Walmart, if I recall right somewhere in 70-80 dollar range (had to grab for I was in a rush to get it back up and runniing and they were down the street and had one). Though I do not necessarily recommend a cheap Walmart battery, but in fairness it has held up for awhile, and the bike started fine last time I was home, after the change out to the PDM. Keeping in mind the bike had set there for nearly 4 months while I played overseas and my wife rotates the Battery Tender between all the biks, so the BD is not constantly on BT, maybe a day or two every week or two.

Just a thought!

Good luck no matter what

 

[PHATASS]

Update

We'll after several hrs of shooting wires, I found a few under the tank that were chaffing. Replaced the wires, and........still the same problem Took Fibersnake's advice and pulled the starter to see what was going on inside. The windings and armature were coated pretty good with road grime. Had a spare 2.0 kw starter from ebay, slapped it in and the damn thing never turned over better!! Just goes to show, don't overlook the basics and trust your fellow forum members. Glad I canceled that Braille order!

 

[stlmikie]

What did you do with the old one? I'm looking for an old broken one to teach myself about starters.

 

[PHATASS]

What did you do with the old one? I'm looking for an old broken one to teach myself about starters.

I'm actually in the process of rebuilding the old one for a back up.

 

[stlmikie]

Right on. I Really want to do this once or twice.

 

[Nukeranger]

Really, because I don't even want to do it once. I only say this because after about 6 months I don't remember much about it anyway So, what's the point. At least for me, I only fix what's broke.

 

[stlmikie]

Hell if I had your money I'd throw mine away!