My 99 rk would not start. Acted like a dead battery. Installed a new battery and it started right up. Let it run for ten minutes to warm up so i could change the oil and shut it off. tried to start again and just barely tried to turn over then makes loud clattering sound. Rolled it back into the garage and changed the oil. later tried to start it again and it fired right up. Next morning tried to start it and no go. Same as before - barely turn over on the first try then the clattering noise again.
Swapped the battery with the one from my electra glide which starts fine and still nothing.
Checked voltage on battery 12.79v.
Checked voltage at starter 12.79v.
Checked voltage at battery with start button depressed 12.65v
Checked voltage at starter with start button depressed - it drops drastically ending around 1 -2 volts.
Removed and cleaned battery cables and ground cables on frame. Still the same problem.
I believe the clattering is the solenoid trying to engage so I think it's ok.
Hate to say this but it sounds like you may have a starter cluch problem.I did the same thing with my battery since it was 5 years old I thought that was the problem.
I had a similarthing happen to me after I pulled the primary to replace the drive pulley nut which was casuing a seriuos trans fluid leak. I was out on a Sunday morning at the local hangout and the thing wouldn't turn over. I pushed the bike around and finally got it to start. When it wouldn't turn the engine it made a racket. I got home and pulled the outer primary cover. I discovered the the starter pinion bolt had come loose. I tightened it to spec and locked the tab down tight and haven't had a problem since. Just something to look at.
If you can get it started, check the voltage across the battery with the engine running. As you speed the engine up the voltage should also increase to around 13.5 volts. If you don't see any change in voltage as you change engine speeds, then check out the charging system. It is either the stator, or the voltage regulator.
Good Luck!
Bruggy55
Linear Mode
