Bike cranks slow until throttle is opened

[Normk]

I have complete the PB conversion and everything seems to work fine. Charging 13.8 at 2000 rpm and 14.5 at 3000. But here's my new question, every since I have got the bike running, it cranks like a Harley, like too much compression. If i crack the throttle it cranks normally and starts right up. It will start with the throttle closed but labors to crank. Battery is fully charged and cable looks fine. Any suggestions? I will be posting pictures of my alternator conversion.

[Rambozo]

What is the battery voltage when cranking?

[Normk]

Haven't checked that. If its lower than spec that would indicate the starter is drawing too much, right? Which would mean a starter rebuild. Or maybe the battery? That cranking voltage should be listed in the manual.

[Rambozo]

Usually it means the battery is not up to snuff. The best test is to measure the current and voltage, but a high range DC current meter is not in most tool boxes. If you have one by all means measure the cranking current, but if not a cranking voltage will tell you some of what is going on. Since you had charging issues, I would suspect the battery was stressed and may have packed it in. Have made sure your new crank pulley setup is not rubbing on anything as well?

[Normk]

The battery is not new. PO passed it on to me, said it was about 2years old. Think I will have it checked.

[CrystalPistol]

My 1200 made a higher pitch sound when I opened the throttle while cranking, but I think it was just different intake noise.

Do you pull in the clutch to start ... or ... just start in neutral with the clutch out?

Years ago, I put new brushes in the starter, relubed the gear train, and did a ground strap mod to ground the mbrush holder plate to the case more reliably than OEM way (it's just a friction fit in case). Really perked the starter up, leaped to life then.