Got my first bike, 883 Sportster, and already have problems. It's a 91' model, so it has a little wear and tear. Got it home, rode it around the neighborhood. Got it out the next day, washed it, started it up and let it run for a minute, drove over to the neighbor's (who flagged me down). Then I made the mistake of hitting the kill switch and not the key, killed the battery. The battery is 4yrs old, so I tried to roll start it, and it would start up but then sounded like I fouled a plug. Got home today, put new plugs in it, fresh gas, charged the battery for 6hrs (until charger said "Start"), and "Click". Nothing happened, the horn and lights all worked again, but still nothing, just a click. I don't think the battery is toast, but maybe the starter?

 

check your battery connection. make sure the cables are tight and clean.

 

Ok so far tomorrow I'm going to first check the battery connection, then I'm going to try and roll start it, and I figured if I can get it running that way, its gotta be electrical. Anything else?

 

The batt. could have a bad cell,plenty of power for lights and horn but the load from trying to start will kill it.If all the connections are clean and tight and starter relay is good,pull the batt. and have a load test done.If after testing batt. is good then check starter.Good luck

 

Thanks, I'll try all of it.

 

I`ve had a similar problem on 2 occasions - it was the relay.

 

after you check the battery if you're hearing a click, check the starter relay, and if it's a loud click, check your starter solenoid. There's a rebuild kit for your solenoid on ebay for like 12 bucks, and if it doesn't need rebuilt yet, it will soon.

 

At 4 years old, its likely a very good idea to get a new battery.

The older bikes shake like crazy, which batteries do not like, plus bikes tend to sit unused which also causes battery failure.

Its also a good idea to clean all the fuses and relays, switches, etc.


Brett

 

I roll started it today and it ran fine, then I shut it off and tried to start it and "Click". I tracked the click sound to a small black box, bolted on the backside of the oil tank. I flicked it, and the damn thing starts every since. Is this the start relay and should I go on and replace it?

 

Is it in a holder or just sitting by itself. I had a problem with mine where the holder was broken so it would sometimes hit and ground out again other things in there. Wrapped it with some electrical tape and never have had a problem again.