Hey Guys!

I was hoping to get some insight from all you Harley veterans out there...
I'm new to Harley Davidson bikes. Coming from previous owner of Honda's and Yamaha's.. yesterday I decided to make the switch since I've always wanted a Harley. So I bought a used 2014 Iron 883 sportster.. with 7K miles.

So test drove the bike, everything seem to work fine. Only thing the guy has been out of town and bike hasn't been riding regularly and sitting a bit.

Anyway, so battery was a little weak and had to jump it with cables and started right up! No issues. So I took it for a test ride.. worked fine! She kept running, no issues, no check engine lights, nothing! Then I make the deal, take off on the freeway for a 2 hr ride to get home (I bought the bike out of town). And it road with NO ISSUES for about 1 hr... then literally ALL OF A SUDDEN.. the bike's speedometer drops and dies from 70 to zero and the check engine light comes on (yellowish green color, don't know if that makes a difference but it wasn't red). and so I sort of freak out and just pull the clutch in to see if I need to stop, and as I release it back, the bike picks back up again, speedometer goes back to normal speeds and check engine light turns off.. everything fine again.

Long story short, it kept doing this back and forth.. it didn't happen at all until 1 hr on the bike.. then it did it once, then again around 3 mins later, then again to a point of every 10 seconds or so... and the bike was jumping and hesitating. and after a while the more lights came on like the battery light would stay on with the little red round dot next to the needle.. and then I had to pull over and the bike just died on me.. and I haven't been able to start it up again... I had booster cables.. and even start didn't work. It clicks hard.. but nothing. So i had to get it towed home for the other hour left.

Anyway, sorry for the lengthy message.. I just totally new to Harley's and I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy. I just though it would be a battery issue.. now after it not starting.. I don't know.. Any advice or ideas what could be the problem?? Otherwise I'll have to tow it again to Harley dealership.

I would really appreciate any advice from all you experts!
Thanks!!

 

You should charge the battery fully and have it load tested. Often when the bike is cutting off and gauges are intermittent it means you may have poor connections at the battery terminals and the ground as well. Check those out and make sure they are clean and tight.

 

nevil is right on. EFI bikes don't like a weak battery, loose connections are a big problem too.

 

Make sure the connection is tight on the battery. MY guess, is its the original battery and that thing is probably 4 to 5 years old and not been maintained on trickle charge. I'd take the battery out and take it and get it tested. My dyna did the exact same issue when the battery was weak.

 

If you need to jump start a vehicle, it is an issue....

As already noted, charge the battery and have it load tested.

Inspect all battery cable connections, take them apart and clean them.

When installing cables and battery on a Sportster, follow the process as shown in the Factory Service Manual, this is very important.

After the battery is re installed, perform a charging system test.

Enjoy the new bike, and welcome to the forum.

 

K.i.s.s..... is it out of fuel?????

 

As an Owner of several Sportsters, even a slightly loose Ground Connection can cause a multitude of problems .. In this case think a new Battery and Ensure all connections Positive and Negative Both, are good and tight will eliminate your problems ..