1984 fxst 1340 kick start wont engage

SOURCE: 84 FXST Starter Kicks out before engine fires

I'd be willing to bet that it's not "kicking out". The tale tell sign is that the starter keeps running. As long as the plunger in the solenoid is pulled inward,which moves the starter drive into engagement with the ring gear on the outer clutch drum, the start will run. If the starter drive were being "kicked out" the solenoid wouldn't still be engaged and the starter would not continue running.

I would come closer to thinking that your starter drive is bad, the bendix. These things are notorious for going bad, especially the cheap Chinese made aftermarket ones. I've replaced them with only a few weeks use on them. If you buy a new drive, get an Accel, made in the U.S.A.. Simply pull the starter drive out and clamp the shaft in a vice with aluminum jaws on it. The little nut on the end has left handed threads. When you put the nut back on, put some Red Loctite #271 on it. This ought to solve your problem. If you have anymore questions, drop me a line directly at [email protected] Good Luck!