Starter relay options - Harley Forum

shovelmike · #1 09-08-2009, 10:09 AM

My old '85 XLX Sporty started getting a little cranky to get started, hit the button and just get a click and it would take two or three taps before the starter would crank up. It gradually got worse so I checked it out and the relay was going bad. It's a small plastic unit that hangs on the back side of the oil tank under the seat. I took a look at it and the OEM is Bosch, 12V 30A, 5 terminals, I dug out my catalogs and saw that they (Jireh) sold it as a universal relay, price $15.00.
I happen to have a couple of air horn kits around (haven't found a place to mount them on the bikes that suits me) that include relays....same relay. I plugged it into place and was good to go. The next day I took the relay to the auto parts store and asked if they could match it.....no problem, ordered and it arrived the next morning, price $10.00. Put it back in the air horn kit so it's complete again.
Checking the internet and doing a Google search they can be procured as cheaply as $1.76 ea. minimum of 9.
Just a little info I thought I'd pass along for those who wish to save some bucks, and good stuff to know if you have similar trouble and are in some little town far from a dealer. Things like this are more generic than the dealer wants you to know. Ride safe and God bless, Ride free...He whom the son sets free is free indeed. Sincerely: Shovelmike.

rjrivero · #2 09-08-2009, 12:49 PM

Another good source for Relays is DigiKey Corp. | Electronic Components Distributor | United States Home Page

I get a lot of electronic components from them when I'm Messing around with stuff.

shovelmike · #3 09-08-2009, 02:55 PM

Lotta goodies there, thanks RJ.

jmk713 · #4 09-08-2009, 03:51 PM

I had that problem on an '81 XLS and finally got to the point I carried a spare in the fork bag all of the time. Wrapped it up in a little bubble wrap to keep it from getting knocked around till I needed it.

Gas Man · #5 09-09-2009, 02:12 AM

Crap I got a bunch in the garage I would have sent ya.

tommyglide · #6 09-11-2009, 01:38 AM

Hey Mike, ain't that something. Just yesterday I replaced the starter relay in the 85 Evo, it was giving me grief and happens to be quite elderly. It was between the frame rails covered in 24 years of road grime and oil and happened to be a Ford product, readily available and $31. Hopefully it lasts another 24 years.
Ooh it starts good now!