hello, i have a 1970 harley davidson sportster with the 883cc engine, just purchased it in non running condition and was looking for some insight on what could be wrong, so far ive checked everything with a multimeter and the ignition coil doesnt show current and it has no spark, brand new battery but the lights dont come on when keys turned, has fresh gas and seems to be mechanically sound, was told it sat for about a year yet the registration is out since 94, most likely first order of buisness is purchase a new coil, any other suggestions?

 

Take a jumper wire from the battery to the coil in plus wire not he one going to the points - see what turns on before you start buying parts you do not need

or pull the ignition switch and the red should be power in the other two will be ignition / and brake directional lights only and the other will be ignition and lights and all the other stuff

 

Yeah, like John said, troubleshoot before throwing parts at it. You're going to want a Factory Service Manual with wiring diagrams. You can buy it hard copy or find it on line. The Factory Parts Manual is also helpful to show how things go together.

Post a picture or two, we all like pictures.

 

thanks for the input, i ran a wire to the coil directly from the battery and got nothing, connecting the battery directly to the ignition switch turned the light on but without it the light doesnt come on, perhaps the regulator?, but there it power going to the regulator, everything else seems to have current, i have a service manuel for it which ill be referencing, and as requested heres some images of the bike itself

 

The wiring looks a mature drunk did it - again dont buy parts till you find the issue

you could have fuses and or circuit breakers in that box the battery is in or inside the headlight - go looking picture if you dont understand something the guys will help

this also should be in the iron head section much more help as some look any place else but the icon for iron head