Need help diagnosing starter

[jbboxer]

It finally fired! Cant wait for a warm day. I ended up replacing the ends on some of my wires. Loosened everything, cleaned connections, and installed a Drag Specialties 320cca battery.
It was only in the low 30's in the garage. It wanted almost full choke for a couple minutes. I let it warm up till it ran with no choke. It started back up right away too......just in time for winter (in NJ)!

 

[LDO]

Dang,
I've had the same battery in my bike for over 4 years!
Not sure what kind it is but I don't recall it being very high priced....

 

[BigJimCT]

I was just about to make another post, but a lot of my answers seem to be here already!

Im having some starter issues too. Took the bike to the Big Dog Dealer here in CT, and was told my starter was no good. They are putting in a new starter, also recommending that I put in a new battery. I just bought a new battery back in April that was 310 CCA. The dealership is telling me that my 310 is nowhere near enough and I HAVE to put in a Big Bore 350 CCA battery otherwise my bike will still have starting issues.

I went back to the shop where I bought the battery and they are telling me that the dealership is full of shit. Also, that my starter just wouldnt "go bad" and that the dealer is trying to rip me off.

I feel like Im stuck in the middle and Im getting a load of shit from one of them, just not sure who.

 

[jbboxer]

Where can I get that starter? Do you have a part number? After extended cranking it sound like the solonoid is letting loose. Thats not normal is it?

 

[jbboxer]

Have the battery load tested. Any auto parts store should be able to do that. I have one more thing to check and then I might replace the starter. My negative wire at the battery is getting pretty hot after extended cranking.

 

[jbboxer]

Finally rode the Dog on Friday. What a blast! It sputtered and backfired a few times. I thought it was going to die. But after a mile or so the problem cleared up. Stale gas in the carb? A few spider webs to blow out? Could this be electrical issues?