Need major help on starter for 85 interstate

[Chucky1977]

I'm so irritated right now. I was giving a 1985 gl 1200 interstate to turn into a dedication bike. For the man who owned it. As of right now I have all the other problems fixed other then say the radio and repaint. My biggest issue is this thing is eating starters. This will be my 3rd one in 2 months. These are all new starters not used or refurbished. Why does this thing keep eating starters anyone have a clue. I do have to not that the clutch master cylinder is needing to be replaced due to it leaking out the site glass it's on order and should be here Tuesday but will that actually make the bike not start when it's in neutral?

[winguyjo]

unless i am mistaken, OEM starters are no longer available new, so you must be buying aftermarket starters ? that could be your problem right there. the OEM honda starters are good for around 35 years, then usually just need cleaning and new brushes, so i would look for a used one and rebuild it.

i am not quite sure i understand the 2nd question ... a leaking clutch master is not going to cause a no crank (unless maybe the clutch switch terminals got all gooped up by the leaking fluid ?). another reason for a no-crank in neutral would be the neutral switch itself. my experience is with 1000 and 1100, so hopefully someone with 1200 experience will chime in.

[matdirt]

Did you check the starter relay? that might be it. that would make it not crank over

[matdirt]

And what exactly is it doing to the starters?

[Chucky1977]

Brand new relay on it will check it but when I put power directly to the starter it will not move it at all its like it's burning them up

[Rednaxs60]

1200 engines spin over very easily. Did you test the starter before install, works yes/no. If yes, install and should turn the engine, if the engine does not turn over the issue is not with the starter. Is the engine free to turn by using the bolt on the alternator, arrow points to access:

You access this at the rear left side of the engine, 17 mm shallow socket, turn as if tightening the bolt. Need some additional information.

[matdirt]

So what happens if you take the starter out does it work out of the bike have you checked that yet are they new starters are they rebuilt are they used have you used a test light to see if he getting power down there at the starter is the fuse blown in the solenoid did you check and see if they worked before you put them in if all that doesn't work is your motor seized?

[Fshu]

I had a similar problem on my 86. First thing I did was buy a good relay! Amazon ones burn out quick leaving the starter spinning, at least in my experience. Second thing I did was buy a good starter from DB electrical. I have not had a problem since.

[matdirt]

I had the same problem when I bought a relay off Amazon so I went and bought a 1985 Ford relay and haven't had a problem since then you can get them anywhere any auto parts place so if It ever happens again I can get one real easy.