[kgregory]

I have a 2002 VTX 1800C. It has 6500 miles and I just put on a new battery. From time to time the starter will hang. I drop it in gear and bump it with the clutch rocking it back and forth until the starter will eventually kick in and fire it up. Is this because the engine just stops in a bad spot (on the compression stroke) and it just wont go or is it a weak starter. Just curious if anyone else has experienced the same problem with these bikes before I wory about replacing that starter.

 

[Steve591968]

I hate to say it but sounds like you may have a bad starter. Especially if you just installed a new battery. Sadly its not like you can just pop it out and take it to Auzone to have it tested. You can have the battery checked though. It is possible you got a bad battery or it wasnt charged correctly before they gave it to you. Most any bike shop should be able to do a load test on the battery and tell you if it is bad or not.

Good Luck:cheers:

 

[Retro Rich]

I'd suggest checking your wires running to the starter as well; make sure the insulation isn't cracked, and wires aren't corroded or touching something causing it to "ground out." If it's not that, then very well could be a bad starter.

 

[kgregory]

Thanks

Thanks to both of you for replying. Oddly enough since I posted this I have not had any problems. As sure I as say that it will strand me away from home. I will at least check the wiring and probably look at replacing it this witner if it lasts that long. Thanks, and enjoy the summer!

 

[dirtdobber]

Before I would get too carried away with buying stuff. Consider this the starter switch can malfuncation and there is a simple remedy if it isn't gone out completely.
http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/starter.html

 

[kgregory]

Switch is OK

I know the switch is OK because i can hear it try to turn over, it just wont crank the big twin over when it hangs. Its also whenever I haven't ridden in a week or two. Not sure if the oil settles or what the difference is. I suspect the starter motor is just week but wanted to see if anyone else has had strater problems or replaced a starter. I'm not sure how much of a job it is to replace one on this bike. Thanks