After being on the tender the last 20 hours or so it was reading 12.65 when I just took the reading (let it set for about 30 seconds after unplugging from tender before I took the reading). Yesterday it was reading around 12.4 though I don't remember if that was before trying to start it or after one attempt. Either way, I'm afraid the CCAs may not be there anymore.

 

Harleys are heavy crankers, and don't like low voltage. Battery has to be in good condition and fully charged because the starter is around 20 hp.
Good looking battery terminals still have to be cleaned to get the voltage required to crank over.
When I bought my used 2006 XL1200C ...I pulled and cleaned all fuses/terminals and put die-electric grease on every connection I could find.
Pulled out every light bulb, cleaned and replaced with die-electric grease.
Battery connections tend to get loose, but if you tighten them the lead posts tend to start to crack, then break when you're on a ride. (which happened to me)
The old starter on "Qruck's" bike probably had a issue with water, the brushes and communtator shaft, and should be repairable.
Really enjoyed the thread and videos. I couldn't do a video, ....too much cursing!

 

@Triumph Jerry Oh it was hard filming and not cursing, but there was plenty of words flying when I wasn't filming. I still have my old starter and plan on trying to fix it but just haven't had the time yet. I pulled and cleaned(or replaced) all the fuses/terminals in the beginning but it doesn't hurt to go back and do them again. I'm going to go through the wiring and make sure everything is good and tight as well. When all is said and done, if it doesn't start with the current battery I will jump it with my truck to make sure it's just a bad battery before buying a new one.

 

Motorcycle batteries are not hearty like a car battery, they have to be charged at least every 2-3 weeks, when not riding.
MC batteries can't sit around without being charged.
When I go up North in the summer, I take the MC batteries with me, so I can charge them, or else they have to be replaced.

 

Here is what it sounds like. The multi meter is still reading 12.65 at full charge, I haven't checked to see the drop is yet when trying to start.

 

At 12.65 volts fully charged that battery is nearly dead. You need at least 13.2 volts or more.. You really need to read the voltage with the lights on and see how far it drops and do the same when trying to crank the bike. I have a feeling your voltage drops to nearly nothing during cranking.

 

To update: Bought a new battery on Sunday and the bike cranks right up. Back to riding!

 

How is a year or so later?

 

I was wondering what happened to this guy??
way to go!!

 

He hasn’t even been on the forum since oct of 19 so don’t think he will be back till he has another problem