I took my 2009, 1200L custom sportster, to HD dealer to get a new front tire installed. When I went to pick it up the next day it did not start. The Harley tech said he had installed a new relay but it still did not start. Before then it was working and I had no problems with it. I purchased it new and it has around 10,000 miles. I then purchased a new battery and spark plugs and the tank has enough gas. I can not figure out what is wrong with it.

 

Did the wire harness to the ignition coil somehow become unplugged?

 

no it is fine. I forgot to mention that at first the bike did try to start like if it had a dying battery and HD told me that they had charged the battery to no avail. so I bought new battery, full charged maintenance free, and the bike was completely dead after i installed it.

 

Is the bike still under warranty? Let the dealer fix it.

These things are very easy to troubleshoot, they should be able to have it diagnosed in an hour.

 

No it is not under warranty. Harley Dealer had it for over 24 hours and they said after they rode it in they took off the front tire and replaced it and then the bike would not start. So they charged the battery and still no start. So they then claim to have changed the relay switch but the bike still did not start. Have tried almost everything even purchased a fully charged maintenace free battery.

 

Sounds to me they're liable to fix it. You brought it in obviously working and now that they're done with it it doesn't work.

 

There is a chance that the relay they put in is bad. Have them replace it again.

 

Most HD techs can't diagnose electrical problems. Always start with the simple first. With a multi-meter check the battery voltage, it should read 12-13 volts. If the battery is good, turn the key on, do any lights come on? No lights, check the maxi fuse. It's mounted on the left side of the battery on the main power(red) cable. Do you have the factory security system? If you do try replacing the battery in the key fob. The system will not disarm with a dead battery.

 

I have heard of shops borrowing parts for other bikes that have together done ASAP I wonder if someone took something and didn't tell anyone

 

did you ever get the bike running? whats HD doing about it?