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.
I thought I had just ran the battery down. After charging it, when I try to start the bike it makes a clicking\whinny type sound. I am looking at the shop manual now, but not really mechanically inclined. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
added:
I just used jumper cables on it and it tried to start but no luck.
I'm no expert, but did you check the battery after charging it? read the voltage meter while turning it over to see if it dips down too much, which I believe would mean the battery has no life left and its time for a new one. Another thought would be to check the connections of the battery terminals.
How old is the battery ? Battery life varies depending on a number of factors,my batteries only last an average of three years.If you don't have a meter to check it,take the battery to somewhere that can.
First check the battery voltage.....it should be roughly 12.5V....you could even remove the battery and take it to a auto parts chain store like Auto Zone or Advance, and they will check (load test) it for free. If the voltage is low, put it ona trickle charger for a few hours and then check the volts again. If the battery reads less than 12V after charging its shot....replace it. After you replace the battery make sure the ground leads are clean and tight and check all your terminal hardwear.....also make sure the positive lead is ok.
Next thing I would do is remove the both spark plugs and clean them with some electrical contact cleaner......put a little bit of Anti-Seize on the threads and put them back in (just do not over tighten them). Now with a fully charged battery and either a fresh set or freshly cleaned set of plugs installed give it another try starting.
Good luck and post back and let us know what your results were.
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.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.