They've certinially have had there problems in the past with oil leakage but they are not junk. I have more than 30,000 miles on my last one and it's working fine.The starters on these machines are junk. The local rebuilder told me that. 5000 miles is all that can be expected before major repair. Hopefully someone in your area can rebuild them so you don't have to replace it.

Well, rolled just over 24,000 miles and have the original starter with never a problem. Met lots of folks with the same experience...The starters on these machines are junk. The local rebuilder told me that. 5000 miles is all that can be expected before major repair. Hopefully someone in your area can rebuild them so you don't have to replace it.
I run a rebuilt starter from Shovelhead kicker off of eBay and it does fine on my built 117cu motor. I would not hesitate to by another one. My bike is set at 11-1 compression and makes 130hp and 141tq and cranks up fine....I have a spare one in the closet if needed. My bike is going on 15K now..Has anyone bought one of the $100 ebay starters? I need a new one and don't want to drop $400 on a new one. Just wondering if the ebay starter is worth it.
Still sounds like a "juice" issue. I would check the main wires and ensure they are tight and grounded properly.If I keep pressing the start button it will take a few seconds and will then probably start.


You just did this or did it and still have the hard starting? I would say that cleaning them should help a lot. I would still verify all the battery cables are tight and have good contacts. How is the main cable between the selenoid and the start look?Thanks Ray,
I pulled the solenoid cover and the contacts had a lot of pitting on them. I sanded them down. Could this cause my problem?

After you remove the two bolts and unhook the battery wire and starter wire it should just pop off. You might have some binding in the starter ring gear. Give them all a real good once over when you get it out of there.I just sanded them down. all other connections were tight.
The cable between the two I had previously repaired the covering on.
I was going to take the starter out but am I missing something because I cant get the thing out. Looks like the trans pulley would need to come off.
I unbolted everything and it almost comes out

Did you remove your right side battery cover and remove the trans clutch cable cover?it's completely loose but I can't get it past the trans pulley.
I got it from Shovelheadkicker on ebay. He is a solid guy and many from here buy stuff from him.My bike has been doing the same thing for a few years now. I dont remember eveytime it happened, but I think each time the V was warm. I know this last time she was definately warm. If the jackshaft (pics above) is broke, does that require a starter removal or replacement? I dont see how, but Im not a v-twinolgist either.
Nomad, you say you have a rebuilt starter. Where exactly did you get it? Ive never purchased anything on EBay as I dont trust the system they have. Ive had friend get screwed on big and small ticket items, so I just steer clear of that site.
Thank you all for you help.
