I tried to start my Softail today for the first time since the Fall. The bike been on a battery tender all winter/spring.

When I tried to start it, it only made loud clicking/clunking around the started are. It was a lot louder than the usual clicked nag when a battery is dead or low. The battery tests at height 12.6 or .8 volts (don't remember exact number). The only thing I can find anywhere online is saying the battery could be dead. So I boosted it from my can and it barely cranks over.

I've had a sportster and an older softail with weak batteries but they would still turn over and start.

I don't know if it is related because I usually start the bike in neutral but when I pull in the clutch and put the bike in gear she won't roll free. Is there something stuck? All the oils were changed last year and nothing mechanically done to the bike.

I've had the bike since new and never had any starting issues.

Any ideas where to start?

 

Sounds like battery needs replaced. That much clutch drag is normal on a cold bike that hasn't been started.

 

How old is the battery?

 

The original battery. I don't have a problem getting a new one but I didn't want to buy one if that's not the problem. Wouldn't the bike crank over better when I boosted it?

 

I don't think it would if it has a bad cell, but I'm no expert. A 9 year old battery has to be some kind of record.

 

Take it and have a load test done on it at the local auto parts store if you want to be positive but I can save you a few minutes. It's the battery.

 

I'll probably pick one up in a few days/week. Not much selection here so it will probably be a new HD replacement.

It's not the oldest battery around, my father still has the original in his 2003 softail. It's a bit slow to start but hasn't failed yet. He picked up a new one a few weeks ago but still not installed.

 

I have a 07 can-am atv that still has the original but it was weak last year. I'll be putting one it before hunting season.