I can't seem to get my bike to start easily, and sometimes at all. It goes to crank strong for a second then just clicks...

It sits outside under a nice cover and tarp. I'm not sure if it's due to the weather, it's been 40-60 here. The morning I want to use it I connect the trickle charger until its full.

The battery looks OEM, the auto part checking the battery and they said it has 58% life left. I'm about to buy a 270CCA battery since I don't even know how old this OEM battery is, there is no date marked on it.

Any advice?

 

Clicking means there is not enough voltage to start it. With efi the battery must be pretty close to full. Of it's the original like you say I would get a new one.

 

You need a new battery. And if that's the original battery in the bike, it's served you very well. I'd probably buy another of the same.

 

Would you guys be opposed to a non OEM battery?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291809161029...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

You need a new battery. And keep it on a battery tender (not a trickle charger)

 

I agree it sounds like it time for a new battery , however if its over 50 % Life left (not sure if they mean 58 % of capacity after load test ) I would think it should still start the bike., It would probably be worth checking that all the connections are clean and tight , both ends of the cable and that the cables themselves are in good shape. Also try putting voltmeter on it and see what the voltage is when cranking.

 

The problem with your theory is that the starter system (battery & starter) on the Sporty was designed to crank the lower compression ratio 883. When you increase the displacement by 33% and raise the compression ratio to get a 1200, there's not that much "spare" capacity left.

 

:iI got a new bat. this last summer, the original lasted from 09 till last August, replaced it with a batt. from Oreilly auto parts. whrills over now like it should . saved $20 over OEM HD brand.

 

Incase anyone is wondering the battery I linked above worked amazing. Bike started first crank! Thanks fellas!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291809161029...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT