Friend of mine has a 2002 883. Recently, but not all the time, when he tries to start it, he'll just get a clicking sound. When he explained this to me I thought "battery". But he has checked the battery and it's ok. Didn't ask him but I guess it then starts after a couple of tries. Don't know much about Sportsers as I have a Deuce and an Ultra so thought I'd ask those who might have an idea. Thanks

 

i'd start with the starter...hehe.

 

I'd start by cleaning and tightening both ends of both battery cables. How did he test the battery? Did he have a load test done on it?

 

it is the battery or the terminals not being tight.. agreed with above.. how did he test the battery? does it push start? (2nd gear, run and dump the clutch)

 

Could be bad conections, they may be loose, if not then probably the starter.

 

not always...a bad battery can do this...and a lot of automotive starters burn up the copper contacts...check all your connections (batt./starter related) and ground.if they're clean and tight then take the cap off the starter and check the contacts.most of the time you can rebuild your starter for five to fifteen bux

 

Your clicking sounds familiar. I had a similar problem with intermittent starting. It turned out to be the starter relay. I would remove the seat, locate the starter relay, (small square plastic), put my finger on it then start. If you actually FEEL the clicking, it's probably the starter relay. Easy to replace and only about $12.00.

 

If he has the OE battery, my guess would be battery, won't hurt to check both cables and relay also.

 

I'd definately look at the battery espescially if it 's the original. I usually get about 4 years on mine.

 

some have a system that works all the time. for them.

no one yet, and I really thank all for the input, has a system that works every time for me.

I am fine with the situation. I just completely ignore it now and stop start and ride as I always have with no care if it clicks or clunks.
no harm either way, but still interesting.

currently it is about 100 clunks per click. catches me off guard every time. like getting hit with a bug or dodging a left turn *******.

This reminds me of people discussing a cure for hiccups. anyone having something that always works for everyone should let it be known.

no, wait. I am not asking for hiccup cures. there must be a hiccup forum out there. please go there.