My sporty wont start. Just clicks. Cleaned all grounds and all leads. Same thing. Battery load tested fine. I jumped directly from the battery hot side to the starter post same thing. I have read it could be just the solonoid needs a cleaning? Can I remove it from the bike without removing the starter?

 

I have a 05 XL1200C since the bike is just about 12 years old I accept the Idea of replacing parts , due to age and wear . sometimes a newer part may be more advanced in tech . I have learned that aftermarket thing like levers, saddle bags, ECT... are ok but when it comes to the motor genuine HD parts is the way to go.

 

yes you can take the side off of the solenoid and clean/replace the contacts and actuator.
no need to remove starter or the solenoid assembly
pretty easy to do and be sure to DISCO the battery b4 you start

 

Te best way is to remove the 2 bolts and remove it and work on a bench. This way you can bench test everything before you reinstall it

 

I pulled it cleaned it and put a known good big battery on the starter hot lead and case. same thing I guess the starter is gone..............right?

 

nope, not untill you open the starter to see

 

 

 

I know it’s been years, but I’m in the same predicament now. Did cleaning the solenoid fix it or did you end up replacing the whole starter?

 

If it's "clicking" that's the sound of the solenoid functioning, so it is ok.
Is the battery fully charged?