Finishing the Installation

If you have not installed a new starter, inspect the starter's terminal-post to be sure it is free of corrosion and dirt; clean as needed.

To connect the new cable to the starter do the following:

• Be sure only one nut is on the starter's terminal-post.
• If you're installing a Warrior starter, check the post. It should have a rubber O-ring, and two brown plastic (dielectric) washers at its base. The washers should place the lower nut high enough so it won't touch the starter case.
• If you're installing a stock starter, check the post. It should have two brown plastic (dielectric) washers at its base. The washers should place the lower nut high enough so it won't touch the starter case.
• Snug the lower nut down against the washer(s) at the base of the post. If you skip this, the post may come loose.
• Slip the rubber boot onto the cable.
• Put the cable end on to the post.
• Install and tighten the upper nut, while holding the lower nut using an open-end wrench. Do not use thread-lock, as you want to ensure a good electrical connection. Instead, just be sure you've got the nuts good and tight (but not excessive).
• Apply some dielectric grease to the post and nuts to inhibit corrosion. Note: Do not use excessive grease, as it can seep into the cable and discolor the look, if you are installing transparent coated cables.
• Pull the boot down over the post and nuts.

See the completed installation in the photo below.

If you removed the battery, reinstall it now. Then, after inspecting for corrosion, reconnect the negative (right-side) lead.

After inspecting for corrosion, reconnect the positive (left side) battery cable. Remember to smear on some dielectric grease.

Now turn on the ignition and hit the starter button. The starter should be noticeably more powerful--especially if you installed the Warrior starter.

If the starter won't engage at all, be sure your transmission is in neutral.

If it doesn't spin the engine with more authority, check your connections for a loose bolt or nut. Also try removing the bolts/nuts, cleaning the terminals and fasteners again, and then re-tightening them.

If, after thoroughly searching for a poor connection, you still have little, or no, starting power, you can suspect the starter or the battery. To test them, do the following:

• Turn on the ignition.
• If the lights don't shine brightly, the battery terminals may not have good connection.
• Turn off the ignition.
• Detach the new cable from the starter, and temporarily bolt one end of the stock cable to the starter post. (Be sure the stock cable ends are clean).
• Be sure your transmission is in neutral.
• While protecting yourself from electrical shock with thick rubber gloves or other insulation, touch the other end of the stock cable to the positive (left) side of the battery.
• The starter should immediately spin.
• If not, and yet the lights come on with the ignition, the starter may be bad.

You can also try this test again, using your stock starter--reinstalled.

Once everything checks out, just put the left side-cover back on and smile. You’ve done something very good for your bike.

Ride on.

Questions should be asked in our forum (Use discuss link below). The forum is very active and you stand a good chance of getting your questions answered there. If you would like to leave feedback for the author, or have additional information you think will benefit others, please use the comment section at the bottom of this page.

Discuss this article on the forums. (4 posts)

DISCLAIMER: This information and procedure is provided as a courtesy and is for informational purposes only.  Neither the publishers nor the authors accept any responsibility for the accuracy, applicability, or suitability of this procedure.  You assume all risks associated with the use of this information.  NEITHER THE PUBLISHERs NOR THE AUTHORs SHALL IN ANY EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OF ANY NATURE ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE USE OR MISUSE OF THIS INFORMATION OR LACK OF INFORMATION.  Any type of modification or service work on your motorcycle should always be performed by a professional mechanic. If performed incorrectly, this procedure may endanger the safety of you and others on your motorcycle and possibly invalidate your manufacturer’s warranty.

Comments (4)

good reading Written by flashback, on 10-07-2007 12:10 I have always thought the starter seemed kinda weak ever since I got my bike.. in fact I first thought my battery was bad and after checking it, realized it was the starter and not the battery..I plan on doing the cable change at least...thanks...

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