Starting Issues

[Threwithu]

Just bought a 2005 Chopper 4 weeks ago and I'm so pleased with the looks of this bike. Problem is that if the bike doesn't turnover within the few first attempts, it appears to slowly wear the battery down. I had the battery on a trickle charger and same result. Bought a brand new battery and again same issue. Once started I can drive 40 miles on the highway and turn the bike off and have the same issue. The current resolution is to jump it from a running vechile battery and it starts right up every time. I'm thinking a starter issue, but before I take it to HD Service I would like to have a good understanding of whats going on. Any suggestions?

 

[Sven]

from a running vehicle battery and it starts right up every time. I'm thinking a starter issue, but before I take it to HD Service I would like to have a good understanding of whats going on.

I do not have a starter problem if my remote battery, a good charged battery 'starts right up every time,' right? That part makes sense to me about starting or having a starter issue is nil to none.

A battery prep and/or size, or the charging system? This is more narrowing it down, yes? So I want both a high cca rated battery that will fit in that space, and I want a dry battery so I control how the battery is charged initially>>> right out of the box.

I'm going to walk into a shop and just to look over the bike is how much vs. a cheap volt meter? I'm going to set my meter at 20v and read my static number. That number reads? I now start the bike and the battery reads what number at idle?

So I'm thinking: the battery is new; where most batteries are never well prepped; so they still start the bike anyway; unless someone poured the acid in and then charged it with dry internals? Now you were the problem with the new battery prep, or you have to ask how that battery was initially serviced? And bring up nothing about what you know now.

1. CCA Rate?
2. Bike's Charge Rate?
3. Battery Prep?

 

[BadDawg Bill]

I would say your starter is pulling too much amps and/or you don't have the right amp battery in the bike.

 

[ground pounder]

Are the compression releases working?

 

[FrankBDPS]

Don't take it to a harley shop.

 

[Nukeranger]

You probably don't have enough cca.

 

[BWG56]

Have the battery load tested and charged, if it still does it after a 40 mile ride, it isn't charging. Check voltage on battery before starting and the again when it running to see if its charging.

Do an Intro also, you might get a better response

 

[Bdm4ever]

CCA is ?
Cold cranking amperes (CCA) is the amount of current a battery can provide at 0 °F (−18 °C). The rating is defined as the current a lead-acid battery at that temperature can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a 12-volt battery). I learned this information on this forum TYVM. Just sayin..

Safe trails..

 

[awg]

I would also be careful using a car to jump start it. Many bad things can happen if not done right.

 

[Dragonslave]

I would also be careful using a car to jump start it. Many bad things can happen if not done right.

 

[Dragonslave]

Are the compression releases working?

This can make all the difference. Make sure these are working first before chasing electrical demons.

 

[BWG56]

I would also be careful using a car to jump start it. Many bad things can happen if not done right.

It's ok if the jumping vehicle is not running

 

[awg]

But he said he jumps it from a running vehicle.

 

[BWG56]

But he said he jumps it from a running vehicle.

Yeah that's not good, that's why I said it is ok if its not running

 

[BadDawg Bill]

But he said he jumps it from a running vehicle.

Should be alright unless it's running down the highway....

 

[BWG56]

Should be alright unless it's running down the highway....

But he wouldn't need a jump if its running down the highway

 

[Sven]

Are the compression releases working?

A jump off the car fires it up = Not the CR's. If anything: 'they start the bike right off.' You have to walk out your diagnosis against what the bike can and can't do. Not trying to one up you.

 

[BWG56]

Well?????????????????

 

[Threwithu]

So I would like to thank all of you who have taken the time to reply. With the holidays, family time. and cold weather , I haven't spent much time on this mystery. The old battery I had and the new one I bought has 310 cranking amps and both have been load tested. The 310 CCA is what Batteries Plus says is recommend by the manufacture. In regards to jumping it from a running vehicle, I have only done this a couple of times to test my theory that is a battery to starter problem. Some of you have mentioned compression releases as a possible cause. Forgive my ignorance but how does one check that?

 

[Jwooky]

Just put your finger on them and push the start button. You should feel it pull away from your finger.