starter troubles

[scottb2003]

hi i have a 1981 goldwing gl1100 i would like to know how to tell if the starter is weak or bad and is thier a way to test them to prove it any help is appreiciated
thanks scott

 

[dan filipi]

About the only way it can be tested on the bike is with good jumper cables from a fully charged auto battery.
If it cranks fast then it's probably ok.

These starters are notorious for slow cranking when hot.
Replacing the brushes and cleaning it up does help.

 

[jdegase]

just went through my starter with a kit from ebay... replaced everything. and cleaned totally...
starter is 100% better now.
hard to believe the difference.

 

[mcgovern61]

just went through my starter with a kit from ebay... replaced everything. and cleaned totally...
starter is 100% better now.
hard to believe the difference.

Jim, any chance you could list the kit name or who makes it?

 

[jdegase]

heres a link to the kit that I bought.
Link
seemed to have parts for many variations of the same starter.
it was cool cause they shipped it inside a video tape box... fit perfectly.

uploaded a short guide here
another good guide with pictures from another site. Here

 

[scottb2003]

thanks guys for all the info i will be trying it today
scott

 

[handyrandy]

I just got a starter from stockers and it seems really well made. World of difference from the old dragging starter that I replaced.

 

[dan filipi]

I just got a starter from stockers and it seems really well made. World of difference from the old dragging starter that I replaced.

I got one from Stockers also.

It say's "High torque" on the box and spins the engine like the spark plugs are out.
It has the power stud on the front end of the starter, unlike the stock which has it on the rear end near the reduction gears. They supplied a new solenoid to starter wire also. Very pleased with it.