I was willed my grandpas 96 softail, he has passed and since that time my father stole it and rode it successfully, since then it won’t start, when I turn the ignition switch to ignition I don’t hear a fuel pump and when I try to turn it over it doesn’t crank it just makes a hard fast clicking noise, anyone have any advice on what to do first?

 

Should be a carb, no fuel pump. Is the petcock on - points down? Check battery connections, assuming battery is charged and good. But clicking usually means battery is week. Also, the on/off switch can get corroded so check that as well.

 

That click it a dead battery. Just the start relay working. Not even enough voltage for the starter to pull in and turn on.

 

I jumped it with my truck, I tried to start it then and even then it was just clicking

 

update, borrowed charger from neighbor, left charging for 30 minutes now it cranks but still no fire.

 

When you jumped it with truck, it should have cranked. That is always a bad thing to do except in an emergency. Since if battery is bad and you do get it to start, the charging system on a Harley is big bucks, especially if you fry alternator inside primary that is behind compensator.


Just out of curiosity, when you jumped it, did you hook positive to positive and negative to negative and are absolutely sure?

If not, it could have took out a fuse for ignition. Supposingly, modern Harleys' have protection from this. However, there have been many post on here of people doing this and taking out fuses.

 

You definitely have some electrical issues going on. A bike that has been sitting a long time, will not have a serviceable battery. Start with a new battery and follow what happens next. Clean ALL the battery connection cables thoroughly. Even the connection on the starter. You may have a bad ignition switch. Or a bad starter. Sounds like your relay is working, But it's only a 20 dollar fix, so get a new one.
Good Luck...don't blame your father for wanting to ride his fathers motorcycle. It's something you have in common and can share.

 

How long has it sat?
and was there un treated fuel left in carb for a long period of time
If so carb most likely needs an inspection and cleaning.
Doesn't take long for a pilot jet to become blocked

 

I don’t blame him I just wish he was more careful, but yes I’m fairly certain it was the right terminals, I’ve got it to crank since last night. Just won’t fire and it’s been sitting for a good 5-6 years other then my dad riding it.

 

Five or 6 years setting would have been nice to know in post one. Obiviously, a float bowl of dried gas is in the carb. You could hit it with starter fluid but if you really want it right, you need to get an estimate on from a good mechanic. Probably, a carb and tank check. Battery and all the fluids.