Hi

 I posted this on the wrong board

I've just fitted a starter to my 1200 sportster.

I hit the ignition, but while it's spinning, it's not engaging with the wheel.

I turned it off and fiddled with a wire, then tried again. Fist time it sluggishly began to turn it, but then it must have disengaged, and started spinning again.

 

Can anyone tell me what I can try next?

 

cheers

 

 bit more info like year and model type of starter new used genuine etc etc 

Hi Will

 

the sporty is a 2002 sport

The starter doesn't actually have a brand name. I bought it off ebay from the following company

 

Product Description:

Replaces Part Numbers & Specifications

HARLEY DAVIDSON 31390-91, 31390-91A, 31390-91B, 31390-86, 31533-81, 31391-91, 31391-91A
NIPPONDENSO: 128000-8450, 128000-8451

Unit Type: Denso
Type: OSGR
Voltage: 12 Volts
kW: 1.4KW
Rotation: CW
Teeth/Splines: 9 Teeth/Splines
Pinion/Splines OD: 28.7mm / 1.130in
Mounting Hole 1: 3/8-24 ID Threaded
Mounting Hole 2: 3/8-24 ID Threaded
New or Remanufactured: New
Approximate Weight: 9.0 lbs / 3.95 kg

Notes:
Battery Stud M8-1.25 Threaded

This is the 1.4kw High Torque version to replace the smaller less powerful 1.0kw original starter to start your Harley.

This is the ebay link

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-STARTER-MOTOR-HARLEY-DAVIDSON-SPORTSTER-ROADSTER-BUELL-BLACK-1-4KW-80-1009-/120833082602

Hope this helps

 

cheers

 

al

 

 

 

 

 

Go back to basics, did the old motor turn the same speeds as your new replacement one?
If so, it can either be a mechanical fault within the engine, or;
Run a set of decent jumper leads from a vehicle with a known decent battery, whilst its engines running to be sure it's not your battery on the way out.
If it still won't crank at full revs like you want, check the positive cable first, including the connections from cable to fitting. Battery to starter motor.
Then do the same for the negative cable.
If (hopefully not) it still won't crank quickly, check the start solenoid for fouling across the points internally.
If you can't find a fault with any of the wiring and your battery is a decent one, then you've either got a dud starter motor, thanks ebay, or there's a mechanical drama further inside your engine.
Good luck and keep us posted on the outcome.

Another thing to check is some measurements (best done before fitting). Check pinion at rest - end of pinion(drive) to flange (where it fits flush to the gbox housing). Are they the same? Is the pinion diameter the same? and dont forget to count the teeth. Nippon denso starters are very common and very reliable. Make sure your battery is fully charged as well- other wise it's like the girlfriend playing with flat batteries in a dildo- it works sort of! Was the ring gear (where the starter drive runs on) in good nick?