2007 S4R starter motor

[Shanski]

Hi all,

I'm sure someone has had this issue as well so apologies if this has already been answered.

I have an S4R 2007, low miles (3000) and recently I've had a reoccurring but intermittent issue with my starter.  It seems that every time I go for a ride there's a chance when I pull up or stop somewhere it might not start again. At least for 10 or 15 min.

So I have power, battery has been tested, it's not the relay,  it's not the stand, it's not the earth (because this model has shit earthing along with a shit starter ) because I added an earth. It seems to do this only when the starter is hot or left in direct sunlight. I usually have to put the bike in the shade and wait. Eventually it starts as if there was never a problem.

I usually get home then stop and start it all I can with no issues. So I can't trust the bike when I go anywhere, at least not if I want to leave when I decide.

So I can just replace the starter of course but they're pricey new ($600 USD) and secondhand is not really trustworthy for me.

Anyone experienced this issue? Solution (apart from starter replacement)

[Howie]

You might need a starter, but probably not.  The starters are actually pretty damn rugged.  First you want to eliminate the possibility of bad connections.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=starter+circuit+voltage+drop&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=167BA5C5ACAFCBD27DD6167BA5C5ACAFCBD27DD6   This is for a car, but same method.  Best done while the bike is not cranking properly.

Cheaper starters:
http://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/starter-motors
http://www.electricmotorsvc.com/

[silas]

I have 2 extra starters. They have been recently confirmed that they work and were off a mid 90's 900SS. Most likely the same starter as on your bike, but double check first. How about $75 for one + shipping? I can send pics later if desired.

[oldndumb]

All experiences are not equal or necessarily similar but I had a starter problem which only manifested itself when hot. I dicked around a bit before deciding to do an Amp draw. The results were high enough to be quite scary, 400Amps. Sears has a very reasonably priced DVOM with a high Amp range for around $55.00. Another consideration is taking it to an Auto electric shop and have them do the test with it at operating temp.

[Howie]

All experiences are not equal or necessarily similar but I had a starter problem which only manifested itself when hot. I dicked around a bit before deciding to do an Amp draw. The results were high enough to be quite scary, 400Amps. Sears has a very reasonably priced DVOM with a high Amp range for around $55.00. Another consideration is taking it to an Auto electric shop and have them do the test with it at operating temp.

Quite the definitive test, assuming the drag is not the engine itself.  Normal draw would be around 90 amps.