2007 Harley Davidson Fatboy: This is a starting problem. Usually at the first morning start or a start up after the bike has set without the engine running all day it will start fine. However, if the bike has been started and rode even a short distance the next attempt to start there is a loud clattering noise around the starter area and several tries will be needed to start the bike. Each cranking will be accompanied by this loud noise. It sounds like the starter drive, which I had replaced. I have also had the ring gear assembly checked and no teeth were missing. This hard starting problem has been researched by my mechanic and he cannot find the cause. I have talked to other riders of this model and have witnessed this problem on a few other Fatboys. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
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Make sure you are using a known good, quality battery. Your ring gear can have all of its teeth but still be excessively worn. Also, need a good starter gear on your jackshaft.
Related Fix My Hog Videos:
Tips on Why Fuel Injected Harley Won’t Start
http://www.fixmyhog.com/video/seat-removal-battery-check-001300/
Harley Starter Push Pull Test
Have more questions? Check out our Q&A index page to find some answers.
compensator,my 07 was doing same thing.replaced and problem solved
Likely the compensator, but I installed an aftermarket starter with almost twice the torque of the stock starter on my 09 Fatboy. Haven’t had a problem since, and a lot cheaper than replacing the compensator and electrical rotor.
Thank you I’m sure this will be very helpful
My 04 Electra Classic was doing the same thing..come to find out my battery was at the end of its life..it was an AGM battery and it lasted 7 yrs..after installing a new AGM battery the volt meter shows around 11 volts but starts right up and none of that noise in the starter area..always write the install date on your new battery..
My 07 fatboy had the same issue, replaced starter, and still same issue, found excessive resistance in battery cables, cut open cables and found corrosion.
had the same problem.installed Baker compensator problem solved.
Trying to find out starter problem get nothing then if you put it in gear rock it it will start 2007 touring
Dear Jack,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
What you describe is typical of a starter with a “dead spot”.
You will either need to replace the starter or have it rebuilt by a company that rebuilds electric motors. We suggest replacement with a new Harley, direct replacement, starter.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-starter-push-pull-test-011405/
Sincerely,
Mark
Fix My Hog
approximately how many hrs to change stock handle bars on 08 street glide from stock to14 in, ape hangers?
Dear John,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
Approximately 8 hrs.
With ABS, maybe more.
Without ABS, may be less
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/simplifying-electricity-002170/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/product/overview-of-electrical-systems-part-1-download/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/welcome-to-fix-my-hog-electrical-002169/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/watts-law-002179/
Sincerely,
Mark
Fix My Hog
I have a 2018 softail heritage I try to start it in gear and it won’t start
Hello James,
Here is what Mark has to say regarding your question:
“If you changed your levers to aftermarket, levers, the clutch lever detent may not be correctly lining up with the neutral safety switch.
BIKE WONT START
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/fuel-injected-harley-wont-start-017922/”
Sincerely,
Julia
Fix My Hog Video Membership