1989 harley sportser dosent run
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: clinton ia
1989 harley sportser dosent run
bought it for $1,200 been siting for about 2 years. its a 1989 Harley sportster 883 with the 1200 kit already on it. I bought a new battery for it and clean the carb and did fresh fluids. I turn the key and nothing. the relay dosent click. starter dosent engage. but the lights turn on. any ideas what my next step might be
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 172
Likes: 158
From: Marshfield, Wisconsin
sounds like there is a definite electrical issue getting power to your starter. I haven't the foggiest advice for you, but am intrigued... and subscribed.
Good luck and hopefully some greybeards pop in on the thread!!
Good luck and hopefully some greybeards pop in on the thread!!
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: clinton ia
The owner before me had cut up he wiring harness. (I don' know 100 percent what' gone) but it dosent have a tac or front turn signals. I Can' find the fuses..Witch makes me worry he took them out. So your thinking the starter motor is fine? It just needs power? so I should check the wiring around it (and as far as the switches on he handle bars - gone all of them so no kill switch or brights or turnsignals
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
Likes: 394
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
The owner before me had cut up he wiring harness. (I don' know 100 percent what' gone) but it dosent have a tac or front turn signals. I Can' find the fuses..Witch makes me worry he took them out. So your thinking the starter motor is fine? It just needs power? so I should check the wiring around it (and as far as the switches on he handle bars - gone all of them so no kill switch or brights or turnsignals
With what your describing we are not going to be much help, I would suggest a wiring diagram and a case or two of beer and a full rewiring job, if your not good with wiring I would say a good indy shop...or do what the last guy did and sell it to some poor sucker!
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3
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From: clinton ia
yeah I thought that too but most of the bike works and following the wireing harness it all looks good. I personaly think my starter motor is bad is all. but if my relay isent clicking when I'm cranking over the bike ? would I just have to check the relay wires oris it bad by default.
Last edited by Jesse Brown; Apr 30, 2018 at 05:49 PM. Reason: more information
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 299
From: SC
Decide what you want to do, then jump in.
If you're going to keep it and make it your own, then get a service manual and do what is needed. Anything can be diagnosed and fixed with the right information, time, money and skillset.
You will benefit from the SM wiring diagram for certain.
You can also bench test your starter, the procedures will be in the SM.
Too little information for me to be much help with.
If you're going to keep it and make it your own, then get a service manual and do what is needed. Anything can be diagnosed and fixed with the right information, time, money and skillset.
You will benefit from the SM wiring diagram for certain.
You can also bench test your starter, the procedures will be in the SM.
Too little information for me to be much help with.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Depending how your solenoid is wired, and access to it, sometimes you can activate it with a jumper battery just to see if the starter will turn. Make darned sure it's in neutral if you can do that. If that makes the solenoid click, but no starter turning, could be a corroded ground or even the hot wire not making good contact. You could get sparks, this kind of testing is bypassing the usual switches, but I've never had one spark enough to damage anything, but I always hook the jumper wires to a nut or someplace without screw threads, sparks can mess those up.