Won't start, now what?

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Jan 15, 2009 | 08:01 PM

joshc19

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 28

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From: San Diego

Won't start, now what?

I posted about this in a previous thread. My bike (2008 Sportster 1200C) had been in storage for about seven months. Now it wont start. The headlight turns on but it wont start. I hear a rapid metallic sound and the bike moves forward a few inches but nothing happens after that!

I'm a complete beginner and have no idea what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Jan 15, 2009 | 08:04 PM

xFreebirdx

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 7,604

Likes: 38

From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'

I hope it's in neutral, It wouldn't hurt to charge the battery a bit either.

Jan 15, 2009 | 09:53 PM

SpursDarkrider

Road Warrior

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,337

Likes: 3

From: Houston, Texas

Charge the battery, use a 2 amp slow trickle charger for no more than 10 hours. Make sure its in nuetral or hold in the clutch when you crank.

Jan 15, 2009 | 10:06 PM

eazyrider

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 812

Likes: 8

From: Cowtown, USA

Just need a little juice. Also the bike shouldn't move when you start it.

Jan 16, 2009 | 08:48 AM

bmxatv

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 4,428

Likes: 21

From: Up your block and down your alley

invest in a battery tender before you put it away for 7 mos.

Jan 16, 2009 | 08:57 AM

WildBill_50

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 765

Likes: 13

From: Bremen, GA

I learned a lesson a few month ago about battery tenders. I had been reading about them here on the forums and had even purchased one but I figured it hadn't gotten colde enough yet to worry about it until I got off early one friday and went to get on the bike for a ride. Everything worked and the motor even turned over a couple of times but that was it, it wouldn't start. I then put the battery tender on it and about an hour later it fired up. The bike stays on a battery tender now!

Oh by the way Wal-mart has Battery tenders fairly cheap so they make a really good investment.

Jan 16, 2009 | 09:11 AM

mississippiboy

Road Captain

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 585

Likes: 0

mine has been fine until last night the temp dropped in the teens went out there about 9 to crank it and poof no start! i'll jump it off with the lawn mower somtime this weekend get her going again