I have a 2003 XL 1200S. I went out for a ride and stopped for a bit. When I got back to my bike I went to start it and all I got was click sounds everytime I pushed start. All lights were on working. Couple minutes again after trying it finally started and away I went. What should I be looking at to find the problem?

 

Dead battery

 

How far did you go and in what time frame before stopping?

I agree the battery seems the most likely candidate but is the charging system working properly and are all the connections clean and tight?

Is this the first time it has happened?
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Check those connections first .

 

Battery connects are loose is where to start. Then attach a volt/ohm meter. Should be 12.7 DC. 12.3 is dead battery.

All good. If not, charge it with maintenance charger overnight. Remove charger . Hit lights on and off Voltage still good? Now crank watching meter. Should not drop below 9.6. If it does, battery is worn out.

All good and running, rev up to high 2000 rpm idle. Voltage should be around 14.2 but under 15.

Do not jump start a Harley except in an emergency .

Still loud click? Check the contacts in the starter solenoid. They are replaceable. If you replace them, do the little starter relay also. Use OEM Harley parts.

 

How old is the battery?

As above or: Remove the battery and take it to get load tested at an auto parts store.

If is good do these checks:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/elect...sting-1-a.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/elect...sting-2-a.html