That said, its kinda cleansing to just let that stuff out from time to time but like I told a guy in my platoon years ago that came in one weekend and was going off about kissing a transvestite in a bar.... I dont think I would have told that here in the barracks...

 

I don't think it is a simple battery issue. I don't think it is a simple tender issue. I don't think it is a simple charger issue. I think it's a Harley issue.

If you've been reading this thread, then you are up to date, to this morning. Here's the rest of the story (so far). This morning the "high end" NAPA charger, on the removed battery, indicated it was fully charged. I took the charger off, checked the voltage, and got 12.98 (that's within a minute of taking the charger off; you are supposed to wait an hour to test again for a better reading, which I will do). In any event, I put the tender on the battery, out of the bike. Within 30 seconds it went to green flashing and then within minutes (not sure how many because I left to do something else) it went to steady green. That tells me, in my lay-NON-mechanic opinion, that the charger is good, the tender is good and the battery is good. Something is wrong with the bike because this **** only fails to go green when the battery is in the bike. That brings me to the next step, which is checking the bike. That is over my head. You know why? Because I bought the ****ing bike to ride, not to diagnose, hand hold, baby sit, re-learn a new trade, work on in the shop while drinking beer with the buddies, etc. Maybe that's part of the Harley deal. My bust.

If I go to a seller and he sells widget for $1.00 at any quantity and I order 100 widgets and he gives me 75, then I owe $75.00. What a novel concept. If I pay $18k for a bike that starts and that I can ride and I get one that doesn't, then maybe I should get some money back for all the time and trouble. That would be a novel concept when dealing with two honorable parties, wouldn't it? But you guys are all correct: I am naive about that, and that is not the way the world works. I got ****ed and I need to tuck my tail between my legs, brake out the KY Jelly and enjoy my new relationship with another American icon. That is what I will do.

I'll read back through the constructive comments and see if there is any other simple things I can do to check the bike before taking it in.

 

.....

 

Open circuit voltage with no load is not telling you much after being charged. Load test it or just waste more time if you like. Your choice.

 

I will do that.

 

"JR"...no disrespect intended, but maybe a Harley is just not best suited for you. You've been given lots of good advice on things to check.

A good lot of us that own these "icons" are fiercely loyal to our machines, with all of their inherent quirks and maintenance issues. To us, that's part of the experience of owning them. Like any machine, part of the cost of ownership is a little tweakin' and cussin' now and then.

You may or may not have a "Harley" issue. Think back through your brief period of ownership; what's changed? Once you find that, more than likely your issue may be in close proximity to that. It could very well be something done during your 1000k service.

I would say to be patient, work through this issue with your dealer and enjoy the ride once things are taken care of. You'll be a bit more wiser and better equipped for the next little hurdle that ownership provides. If not, accept your losses and move on. You'll live longer without the unnecessary frustration. Take care sir...

 

It doesn't mean that at all. You don't know how long the battery will hold its charge. Even out of the bike the battery might lose charge faster than the tender can charge it. Also as someone else already mentioned, you haven't load tested it so you don't know if it has any decent cranking amps.

 

Thank you. I'm taking the battery in to get load tested today. Luckily we are going to town for other things anyway. If and when I get this thing running, I will take some road trips on it and think long and hard about what you said. I do have a couple of range paints that could use more riding. A little slower, a mind of their own, but I know horses and you can always eat them if they go sul.

If I do sell the bike, I hope I can find someone who appreciates the whole package cause I will be up front about the issues, but I don't want to take a bath either. I'll take the battery out, pay someone to set it up for long term storage, and then put it away before I lie or take a bath. Maybe my son will like it when he gets old enough to drive.

 

I think you are being a little hasty here. Like I said before (and others), you have to load test the battery. It may be as simple as a bad battery.

If the battery is okay, then put it back in the bike ans see what happens. If it still doesn't start take it back to the dealer! Discuss the previous "repair" and find out exactly what they did to fix it. They may have just charged the battery and left it at that.

You paid a lot of money for the bike but it comes with a warranty. Anything can have problems so take advantage of the warranty. My folks paid $80K for a new Jaguar and had to bring it in for a couple warranty repairs. That's life!

My advice in dealing with the dealer is to be firm but no belligerent. Speak to the service manager or GM and let them know you live 150 miles away and don't want to have to bring the bike in repeated times. Drop it off and leave it with them until they fix it. make sure they know to let the bike sit for several days before trying to start it.

If they can't fix it try another dealer or maybe call the factory rep. Good luck.

 

Even once you get the results of the load test, if it's still under warranty I'd take advantage of that. I think we've all been in your shoes with something (maybe not all vehicle related). Take the rational steps to solving the problem and let the dealer handle most of what needs fixed. Bikes are machines and are subject to defects involved in manufacturing. Once you rule out any user error, get it fixed and enjoy the ride. I'd give it 50,000 miles to see if you really like it or not.