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starter problem or not? 85' 1200

565 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  iroctheworld, 
R
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Hello,
I have an 85' 1200 interstate. I noticed when i hit the start button usually it gives a small try, then a split second of nothing like its giving up, then it start turning like normal to start the bike. It seems like when the bike is hot the "split second" delay is a bit longer before it starts turning the motor. It gets nerve racking when im on the road and although split second, my mind goes "crap" its not gonna start !!!
So im wondering if this is a cut and dry starter issue (usually?) Or can i do something other than spend the big bucks on a starter to fix the problem?

thanks a ton!!
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Dubswing
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Sounds like what my starter started doing on my 1100. I pulled the starter and hade it rebuilt at a local alternator and starter shop. The bushings were worn to the point the starter was dragging. New bushings and it turned over like a champ.. Wouldn't hurt to have it checked. It shouldn't be that hard to remove.

Bernie
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Jluvs2dive
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A week battery can cause that symptom as well, but it's more likely the starter. You can verify the week battery possibility pretty easily. Just use some jumper cables between your car's battery and your bike battery. If the symptom is still there, then it's starter time.

John
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tracker
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hi redmenter! i have that issue sometimes too,everytime was the battery getting low on acid, refilled it and started the bike ,went for a little ride and the problem was solved.
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R
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Hey,
thanks all, i will check the acid levels. I will say while it does the delay thing, it always does start, its just that half of a second scare that im dead in the water while on the road ya know. So if i wanted to rebuild starter, how much is it if i took it in somewhere to rebuild? pricey?

thanks again all
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Dubswing
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Mine would hesitate like yours. I pulled the starter myself and took it to a local rebuild shop. I'm sure the cost was less than $80.00. If your 1200 is similar to my 1100 it is easy to get off and back on. Hope the battery is the culprit; but if not, the starter is an easy fix too.

Bernie
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iroctheworld
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I had the same problem on my 1100 and i found that where the starter armature and the brushes contact it was severely coroded and kinda pitted. I simply took mine apart and used fine emory cloth on them contact points and its been workin for 3 years so far. Its cheap to do but should at least have the skill and patience to do the job you know?
Good luck!
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