When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Well...since the guy never got back to us, I don't know how his story ended.
Good luck Bohemian, I hope ya figure it out.
I think now I'm at the point where I'm getting stupider the older I get so I'm not confident I can help you. Nothing I said seemed to help him either and that was a couple years ago.
I have not had that particular problem myself.
The cables will heat up but they shouldn't be smoking themselves or the battery.
Sure sounds like a short somewhere. Especially if it happens as soon as the cables are connected without even trying to start the bike.
For what it is worth, I'm thinking it's the solenoid that is shorting to ground.
Last edited by megawatt; Jun 16, 2013 at 05:43 PM.
Sorry for hijacking an ancient thread I'm aware it isn't in the 'sportster' section, but I figure my question suit this thread perfectly.
I recently acquired a low mileage (1,700miles) 2013 Forty Eight.
Bike wouldnt start, strong clicking coming from the solenoid.
When activated manually, sparks fly from the solenoid (but engages and spins).
New battery checked all fuses and cables and ready to put everything back together.
However, Im having some doubts on the grounds of the solenoid.
I read here its normal to measure no resistance between frame and starter cable due to low resistance of the windings & brushes. However, I doubt if its correct I dont measure any resistance between 2/3/4/5 and frame.Anyone has a chance to check this? Id be very grateful
With all cables, connectors, battery, fuses on bike disconnected
1) Battery positive connection = Not grounded
2) Start switch connection = Grounded (cable not grounded when disconnected)
3 / 4) Start switch cable = grounded
5) Solenoid to starter cable connection = Grounded (not grounded when 5 + 7 disconnected)
6) Solenoid housing = grounded
7) Starter cable = grounded
the terminal is loose - a bad ground < no idea how they do that with a new bike but shovel FXR will do that if the under the bike ground is loose - engine to frame
this section is all antiques today not many are even remotely interested in those machines
Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
