I rode my 96 1200 sportster home from work yesterday, no problems. I came back out 15 minutes later to put it in the garage. I turned on the key but just the odometer light came on and nothing else, no oil light, neutral light, head light or blinkers and it didn't do anything when I hit the starter button. But the horn worked fine normal loudness. The battery is about 2 years old. Anyone has any suggestions? Thanks so much,Nancy

 

Have you checked the fuses?

Sounds like it might be a blown fuse or two. Since the horn and odometer light work, I don't think it would be a battery problem.

 

I would think battery first. When they go, they go... Sometimes the strangest things happen as they die/are dying.

 

this my seem like a stupid question, but where are the fuses located?

 

TickTock- the reason I didn't think it was the battery was that the odometer light and horn still work. When my battery went (the negative terminal actually MELTED), nothing worked.

motochick- I'm not sure where the fuses are on a Sportster. Your manual might have that information. On my Fatboy, they're right behind the battery under the seat and ECM.

 

I have recently purchases a 1996 1200 sportster and now it will not start. I recently changed the battery and took the bike out the other day and when I went to go out today the bike will not start. The horn works and the blinkers work but the headlight does not come on and the N light does not light up. I have the key on and the switch turned to start. When I hit the ignition switch I do not get anything at all. No clicking, just plain nothing. I changed out 3 of the 4 fuses (HD store only had 2 15A and 1 10A). What else should I be doing to get the bike to start?

 

Motochick...did you find out what was wrong? I am having the same issues with my 1996 sporty.

 

I'm having the same problem with my 99' sportster? Anybody figure it out i have tried everything i'm frustrated

 

Having similar issue with Fatboy. Charged battery but now get no lights (speedometer, etc) when key turned to "ignition". Do get light in speedo when turned to "accessory".

Battery at full charge. All fuses look good. Could this be the start relay? I wouldn't think that would keep lights from coming on.

 

Has anyone tried pushing the bike off, battery was low on my sportster and it would not crank after I stopped. I was lucky to be on a hill and pushed started it in 3rd gear, anyway it got me home and I got a new battery soon after.