To all my bikers out there. I just got an 84 sportster and I replaced the starter and got new spark plugs. Yet when I put the key in and go to start the bike lights come on yet the bike won’t start all I get is a the sound of the starter pushing out but it does not engage. Any clues on what might be wrong?

 

Check the battery, all connections (especially the grounds), and the starter relay. You can check the starter by jumping the "S" terminal (the small terminal with the spade connector with the green wire) to the B+ terminal on the starter. If the starter cranks when jump the starter then you know you have a problem with a switch, relay, or wiring harness issue.

 

 

If you have a battery tender , plug it in over night , then take your battery in and have it load tested . Common symptoms of a bad battery .

If you have a voltage reader , what voltage do you have before start up ?

Like Tommy said , check and clean all your connections , battery cables ( both ends ) check the cables for corrosion , including inside the length of the jacket . Easier to check by removing the cables .