1986 Sportster, starter problem Harley Sportster & Buell Discuss 1986 Sportster, starter problem in the Motorcycles forums; 1986 Sportster, I am working on a friend’s bike that has a starter that only spins, without engaging the ring gear when mounted in the bike. I removed the starter ...

[h_d_ryder]

1986 Sportster, I am working on a friend’s bike that has a starter that only spins, without engaging the ring gear when mounted in the bike. I removed the starter and brought it to a local starter rebuilder who bench tested it. I saw them doing this procedure, one person energizing the starter, another person holding a long stick to the bendix gear as it was driven, and was not stopped by the force of the stick being pushed against it. They said it definitely tested OK. I re-installed the starter again and only heard the starter motor turning without hearing it engage the ring gear. Next I tried a push button end cap for the starter, but only got the same results, starter motor turns, but does not engage ring gear. Any and all suggestions appreciated.

[aceharleywrench]

The starter clutch on your unit is no good,it's a very common problem.Try an All Balls replacement,they're cheaper than O.E.M. The only other thing that comes to mind is the ring gear is either missing teeth (you never said if you took the primary cover off) or is spinning on the clutch basket when engaged.Hope this helps.