The bike is a 2000 Fatboy. When hitting the starter switch the pinion gear engages the starter ring on the clutch hub and trys to spin the hub.

starter_stuck_1.flv - YouTube

When I let-off the starter switch, the pinion gear stays engage and I have to 'tap' it to return to the 'rest' position.

Could this be a starter clutch issue? Any help or direction is appreciated.

I'll probably be able to tell you more in a few days. My Sportster just went in for service, and the starter makes that exact same sound!

I look forward to hearing the diagnosis.

Well, RK might have to sift through my response and cross out all of the expletives. One thing I've learned about electronic problems is that they are expensive.

However, electronic problems are super expensive when they interface as the trigger for a mechanical device, like starting A/C or any other compressor style device. Oh, and if that interface is comprised of gears...

pull the plug wires off. then take the side case off and see what happens when you push the button. You will know right away what is going on. prolly just a bad starter.

Oh, I didn't have to remove the cover! I distinctly heard two dozen aardvarks banging on the inside of my primary cover with ball peen hammers! And giggling, lots of giggling. Not from the aardvarks, but from the service writer figuring out my invoice...