Bike won't start

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Jun 13, 2007 | 01:38 AM

clvick3

Thread Starter

Stage III

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 3

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Bike won't start

I own a 1991 Softail, but it has not been cooperating. It has been hesitant to start for the last year and for the past three or four months has not started at all without a push. I do not know a lot about bikes, so I am reluctant to take it to a dealer where they can rip me off. I don't believe it is the battery, because when I turn on the key the lights are quite bright. All I seem to get is a clicking sound when I push the start button. Before these past three to four months I would get the clicking sound, but eventually it would start to crank. Iwould appreciate any help that you all might be able to give. Thanks and God bless!

Jun 13, 2007 | 01:41 AM

Greybeardrider

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 1,318

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RE: Bike won't start

Get a new battery, it can have enough juice to turn on the lights, but not enough power to crank the engine.

Jun 13, 2007 | 01:42 AM

chopperz71

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 960

Likes: 14

From: Oklahoma

RE: Bike won't start

Start off with a battery tester. Take it to a Wal-Mart service center, Autozone, ect.. they will test it for you.

Jun 13, 2007 | 01:50 AM

timdow

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 307

Likes: 1

From: Right of Center

RE: Bike won't start

The clicking symptom you have indicates that not enough juice is getting to the starter. There are two main causes:
1) Weak battery
2) corrosion or loose connections

Any auto or motorcycle shop, auto parts shop (Kragen), or even Sears can test the battery (for free!). Have the battery tested. I would best your battery is going South, but if the battery is in good shape, check out the leads for corrosion. check connections of the cables at the engine ground point(s) and at the starter.

Chances are taking these two steps will cure your problem.