I have a 96 Road King and lost the key to it after a move. I ended up putting a new ignition switch on it. The other day I was just taking it around the block and ran out of gas. I tried starting it a couple of times and the battery went from ticking (like it's dead) to me having no electrical power whatsoever. So, I was assuming the battery was shot. I get it to my house, put the charger on it until it's charged, pull the charger off and as soon as I bumped the starter switch I lost all electrical power on the bike. I tried jumping it and that didn't work either. I put the charger back on it, tried starting it and it fired like a champ. I let it run after I unhooked the charger, turned it off and went to turn it back on and lost all electrical power again.

I know this is quite a bit to read, but my question is, is the battery completely shot or does it sound like I've shorted something out? I would really like to diagnose what's going on myself before I take my baby to the dealership if it's not the battery.

Thanks

 

Sound like a dead battery

 

First I'd charge the battery, have it load tested at half the cold cranking amps of the battery, you should be able to get that done for free at an auto parts store etc... If it passes, I'd look at your cables, make sure they are clean and tight.

 

Thanks. That's kinda what I was figuring but I thought I'd ask you guys.

 

Sounds like dry cells in the battery, so it won't hold a charge anymore. Have AutoZone test it and trade the core in on a new one if it's shot.

 

First thought is dead battery or loose ground!

 

The battery's good, terminals are clean and tight. Is there a place you would suggest checking (wiring wise)?

 

Could be the stator and/or regulator. Put a voltage meter on it and see if it's charging.

 

Yup, once the bike has started, the battery has pretty much done it's job, charging system takes over. Lots of threads on how to diagnose/repair.

 

Check the wires on the stator and regulator to see if there hot when bike is running if so stator/ regulator is bad. Look at plug for stator on engine casing to make sure its not loose.