Starting Issues

BWG56 · Jan 2, 2016

Threwithu said:
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?

Pull the green wire off the starter, then the starter won't turn over. You can hear them click and you can put your finger on them and feel them pull down.

TapioK · Jan 2, 2016

Threwithu said:
Do all BDM bikes have manual compression release valves?

Nope, my 2003 has none, some have manual and newer bikes have electrical

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pauldeepsea · Jan 3, 2016

TapioK said:
Nope, my 2003 has none, some have manual and newer bikes have electrical

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I think some of the 03's had electric compression releases all 04's and newer all have them.

francoblay1 · Jan 3, 2016

Threwithu said:
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?

Have´nt I told you yet?

Check THIS out. :oldthumbsup:

BWG56 · Jan 4, 2016

After your ride did you see how it started after the 45 min ride?

HMAN · Jan 4, 2016

Check the connections AT the starter, make sure they are clean and tight. And try 3 twists of the throttle and then push the start button.....? just my thoughts.

pauldeepsea · Jan 4, 2016

Threwithu said:
So this bike being a 2005 has electric compression releases. Today being a nice sunny day, I put the trickle charger on it an hour before I decided to ride. I put finger on the CRV when I started it and could feel it compress. After a few slow turnovers the engine caught and started. Coming from sports bikes I expect the starter on this bike to sound and start the same way. With this engine, it kinda chugs to life..I don't know how else to describe it. I rode for about 45 mn with no problems but I didn't turn it off and try to restart it..just wanted to end my ride with a happy feeling

Both compression releases?

Th3InfamousI · Jan 4, 2016

If compression releases were not working the bike would still be easier to start when warm.

We've confirmed the battery Is charging with 41.1 volts haha.

I would check the starter connections to make sure they are clean and tight sounds like this is a loose connection.

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bearman · Jan 4, 2016

If the battery is good, and compression releases are working, and it seems like it kills the battery after turning the motor over 3 or 4 times, but it will jump right off,
then YES you're starter is going bad.

Have it rebuilt, and/or get a lithium-ion jump box (like the micro-start xp-3) and carry it around.

headshothills · Jan 6, 2016

While I dont exactly have this issue, I have a similar one, which seems to be common among these. My issue is, 96% of the time, when you hit the start button, the bike cranks about 1/2 a crank like its building up compression, then almost stops for a split second, as if the Compression releases are working and the battery is drained/discharged, then finally spins the bike over. The alarm sounds as a result, on the rare occasion, after its been started and running, it will spin over normally when starting...

cdogg556 · Jan 6, 2016

I had all the issues that you are describing until I bit the bullet and installed my ESC from Deadonecustoms.com, now I don't even put the bike on a tender at all, just yesterday I went out to the garage and my bike fired right up after sitting for over 2 weeks! I could have never done that before, I think the original EHC had a memory so it drained the battery even when it was sitting.

headshothills · Jan 6, 2016

cdogg556 said:
I had all the issues that you are describing until I bit the bullet and installed my ESC from Deadonecustoms.com, now I don't even put the bike on a tender at all, just yesterday I went out to the garage and my bike fired right up after sitting for over 2 weeks! I could have never done that before, I think the original EHC had a memory so it drained the battery even when it was sitting.

I keep it on the Tender and still have the same issue a majority of the time I go to start it up...

cdogg556 · Jan 6, 2016

I did also Chris, all I know is until I got rid of my EHC I had problems, once the ESC was installed I have had no issues at all and it starts eaisily every time.

Bdm4ever · Jan 6, 2016

cdogg556 said:
I did also Chris, all I know is until I got rid of my EHC I had problems, once the ESC was installed I have had no issues at all and it starts easily every time.

I with John. Also had to replace the EHC with ESC. Magnificent ever since. Even started this morning at 16 degrees.. No need to battery tender it either.

Safe Trails.. :chopper:

cdogg556 · Jan 7, 2016

Bdm4ever said:
I with John. Also had to replace the EHC with ESC. Magnificent ever since. Even started this morning at 16 degrees.. No need to battery tender it either.

Safe Trails..

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