97 FXDL - while riding it would cut off like it was running out of gas. Let it sit for a few minutes, it would start and run for a 1/2 mile. Got it home. Now get a click but no start. Charged the battery and the same. Direct wire from the battery to the solenoid will turn over but won’t fire.
Charged the battery (volts good) and let it sit. I day later after charging (and no attempts to start) and the battery is drained) and faint click on start. Battery is one year old.

 

Did you charge it while still in the bike ? Take it out, charge it and see if it holds a charge with nothing connected. If it fails to hold a charge, it points to the battery. Take it in and get it tested. If it does hold a charge, start looking at your electrical system. There's a very detailed sticky at the top of the section, go through it doing exactly what each step says to do and you should find your problem.

 

Start with the ignition switch, and make sure that when you turn it off, no continuity through the switch, and when you have it on, have continuity through the switch.

 

Have the battery load tested.

 

Take your battery to the local HD dealer. They will load test it for you for free and give you a printout of the batteries condition.


carl

 

Auto Z one will load test for free, also

 

I took mine to an auto parts store and the guy said their tester would damage a bike battery.

carl

 

He lied to you!!

 

New battery. Will start if and run if I jump positive to solenoid. Still just a click from the handle bar switch. I’m starting to chase it with a meter. Thx for your help.

 

Check the voltage at the small (green) wire on the starter solenoid when the start button is pressed,

Note: do not unplug the wire from the solenoid, you want to test it under a load.