Bad starter?

[IAmSpartacus]

This morning I hopped on my bike to go to work and when I hit the starter switch, the bike made a lurching sound like either the starter was going out or the battery didn't have enough juice to turn it over. All the lights came on though, so the battery wasn't dead and after several tries, the starter finally kicked in and the bike ran great. Once warmed up, I shut it off and tried to start it again and it had no problems- starter engaged and it came to life right away.

First thing to do obviously would be to go get the battery tested, but has this happened to anyone else and if so, do I need to replace my starter? What does one cost?

[adidasguy]

Lurching - starting in gear with clutch pulled in?
if so, as a habit, always be in neutral when starting. The clutch plates can get sticky and lock up, not releasing when standing still trying to start the bike. Been there - with Phenix. I did remove and clean all clutch plates in kerosene and it is much smoother now and doesn't stick.
Anyway, back on topic, no need to clean clutch. Just be in neutral when starting. If bike is warm, they are loosened up. When cold, they can stick.

You can check battery voltage with your meter.

[skunkteeth]

Was it in neutral or 1st gear? It will start easier in neutral, as although the clutch is in there is still resistance between the clutch plates.

How cold was it out? I have a Shorai battery and will turn my lights on while I am gearing up for minute or two to warm up the battery. Always starts on the first push even in temps down to about 40°F.

EDIT: Adidas beat me

[IAmSpartacus]

Ambient temperature was around 60*F and bike was in 1st gear (yes, clutch was pulled in). Sticking clutch plates would make sense. Do you have a tutorial on the cleaning procedure? I'd like the option to start in 1st gear kept intact, however if taking apart the clutch assembly is a ridiculous process, I may live with it for a while...

[adidasguy]

Not that hard. Heck, I can do it so anyone can.

I will do a video later. Quin's rebuilding will be video'd.

For now, be in the habit of neutral when cold. as for cold, I mean  the bike. When warmed up and oil is hot, things stick less.
a good flush and oil change can help. How long since last oil change?

[IAmSpartacus]

Uh... Mmmmm... Yeah... About that... 

I actually don't know how old the oil is. The PO didn't state when he last had it changed. It's been in my garage in pieces for the last couple months and only been ridden the last few weeks. I was planning on changing the oil ASAP, just haven't done it yet. I have kept an eye on the levels though and the oil in it doesn't look too dirty. But yeah, I'll put the oil change on my priority list.

[browncheetah]

how old is your battery?

[IAmSpartacus]

The battery was purchased by the PO in November of 2012. I have the receipt.

I tried starting the bike in neutral on my way home from work- still did the same thing. Could it be the starter?

[adidasguy]

Get your meter and check the battery. A weak battery will turn on lights but die when you try to start.
You can jump start to confirm starter motor is OK. Those don't go out very often. Batteries die more often.

[Zethioth]

I did remove and clean all clutch plates in kerosene and it is much smoother now and doesn't stick.

Hm, you think this would fix my issues with trying to get my bike in gear from neutral? (At traffic lights I like to stop in neutral so I don't wear my hand out, then many times I have a hell of a time getting it back in gears!!)

[IAmSpartacus]

I don't have a volt meter... But if it were the battery, how could it eventually turn over after 5-10 tries?

I took it to autozone (I know, why bother) but they can't test motorcycle batteries (even though they sell them). I find it odd how difficult it is to find parts and shops for a bike when so many are on the road. If not for the internet, I don't think maintaining a bike would even be possible in this country, lol.

I am going to change the oil... As soon as my oil filter comes in the mail as I couldn't find one locally- surprise, surprise.

[adidasguy]

Everyone needs a $10 meter. It is THE tool for electrical work.

Yes, a bike can start after 5-10 tries. The drain on the battery warms it up. When hotter, a lead/acid, LiFe or other battery will work better because chemical reactions go better when warmer.

[comradeiggy]

Just a thought, but, I know on cars the starter motor can have issues if the brushes (i believe) can start to corrode, so if it sits for too long corrosion builds in that spot and makes it so current can't flow in that one position, but if you give it a few good whacks with a hammer or wrench or something, it can knock off enough of the corrosion to allow a bit of current to flow, which will turn the motor a bit to a spot where current can flow cleanly and then it will start. Granted, this means you need to do something about the starter, since it will get worse with time, but I've driven a car with this problem for a few months without too many issues.

[wayne242]

I don't have a volt meter... But if it were the battery, how could it eventually turn over after 5-10 tries?

I took it to autozone (I know, why bother) but they can't test motorcycle batteries (even though they sell them). I find it odd how difficult it is to find parts and shops for a bike when so many are on the road. If not for the internet, I don't think maintaining a bike would even be possible in this country, lol.

I am going to change the oil... As soon as my oil filter comes in the mail as I couldn't find one locally- surprise, surprise.

Autozone can test motorcycle batteries. I had mine tested to find out it was bad at autozone so some one lied to you.

If you have a battery you can see through the case, if you see white on those plates inside its bad. If you want to know for sure if its the battery with out a meter, hook your car battery to it with jumper cables (don't start the car though). If it starts first try its the battery.

[IAmSpartacus]

Autozone can test motorcycle batteries. I had mine tested to find out it was bad at autozone so some one lied to you.

Well then two separate stores lied to me. Jerks. Finally took it to Walmart this morning on my way to work and the tech there tested the battery. He said it was good. However this morning Sparty didn't have any problems starting up, so the problem is intermittent and therefore the battery may have passed muster today, but may fail a test if I could implement one during the symptom.

Looks like I've got some trouble shooting to do...

[adidasguy]

Check acid levers (if it is that type).
also be sure your connections are clean. That may have been the problem. Putting it back in may have cleaned the connections a little.