Forum

[Tom]

I have a 2008 EFI Electra and on Saturday I started it no problem with the electric start drove a couple of miles up the road and stopped. When I went to start it again it just made a farty noise. Obviously, theres something wrong with the electric start system. It will start fine with a kick. Any advise welcome. I've checked all 3 fuses in the battery box. Are there any others?

[nick]

Check the solenoid... I had the same thing battery was fine the electrics were all good, hit the starter and.....phhhht...

[Alan R]

Hi TOM ----------- "Farty noise?", now there's an apt description not seen in Tech. referece books I'll bet !! My inclination is that, maybe your battery is not holding a sufficient charge to power the starter motor AND hold the starter-motor relay in at the same time. OR}-- it could just be that the relay is on it's way out. OR}--- the starter motor's jammed. BUT, I've left the worst word until last. And that is( altogether now------------- ) S---P---R---A---G. "Brace yourself now Rodney, here comes the troops."

[rog]

Tom, do you really mean 'EFI Electra' as these bikes were not imported before 2009?

[Tom]

Hi Alan,

As you could probably tell by my description of the problem I am not that technical. Therefore, I am a bit baffled by the S.P.R.A.G reference. Could you clarify this further please? I have not had a chance to whack the starter motor yet but the battery is holding charge.
I think Nick described the sound better as a phhhht, and rog, the the bike was registered in Sept 2008 and it says electra on the side panel.
THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT GUYS.

[Alan R]

Hello TOM --- yes, sorry about that. I'm referring to the one-way clutch that is part of the starter motor drive system. It is known as a SPRAG clutch--although it looks like a roller bearing--- and it's purpose is to allow power to be transferred in one direction (starter motor TO the crankshaft) but NOT in the reverse direction ( from the crankshaft TO the starter motor ). There have been quite a few of these reported failed over the years-- and a classic symptom of this is that the starter motor sounds and/or feels "locked" whilst the engine can be started quite normally with the kick-starter. Your bike would be an Electra X, I think ?? Alas I suspect the warranty has expired by now but it might be worth a "cheeky try" at your dealer. What's the mileage ?? Exhaust all other possibilities first as fitting a new sprag is not a 5-min job but can be achieved by a competent person with some help from the "wise-owls" on this forum ( your'e not the first by a long chalk !!). Expect to pay approx £60 for a new one plus any damage repairs that might need doing as well.

[Norm]

Alan,
SPAG doesn't get the reaction it used to because I think most have probably given up or given up fixing them

[Tom]

Thanks Alan,

Timing is not great as I have my annual bike trip starting tomorrow so I will have to rely on the kick start for the next 10 days. I am meeting friends in the New Forest on Sunday who have a little more knowledge on these things than I do so hopefully we can try everything else first, providing I make the trip from Carlisle! I have faith in my machine. I don't feel like the starter motor is locked so hopefully it is one of the other faults that have been described.
So, providing I make it back I will be in touch again for assistance or to let you know the problem has been rectified! Thanks Again. I think you're right about the Electra X!