Starter Grinding

By Mark DiPietro

Question for Fix My Hog I have a 2009 flstc and I just changed the hand controls and added a brand new battery. When I tried to start it it made the normal noises and then it began to make a grinding noise. This happens whether in neutral or first gear. The team perfectly prior. Does it makes sense that the clutch cable needs further adjustment? Previous owner added apes and our seems very hard to adjust it. I should add that I bought the bike used several months ago and have ridden it for several thousand miles. No problems.

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Fix My Hog Answers A grinding noise on start up is typically starter gear engagement or starter clutch/bendix. If this is the case you may need to remove your outer primary cover to inspect your starter ring gear & starter shaft.

Related Fix My Hog Videos:
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One Response to “Starter Grinding”

  1. Jarod Williams

    Alright I’m having this problem on a 2014 Harley Davidson sportster XL. Before it got cold here I started my motorcycle, so the battery would not drain. That did not help when I cleared all of the snow off of my bike, and went to start t up it acted like it wanted to start then would not. I thought putting the battery on a trickle charger would work it did not. Now all I get when turning the key is a clicking noise. I don’t want to take my bike to the shop because of the price of having it toed then having them to diagnose the problem. I did not find the answer on this website to what the problem is.