Today out of the blue, with no prior indication I was unable to start my '03 Sportster 1200 Custom. I had driven it about 15 miles... parked... went to restart... it clacked a couple times but wouldn't start. Can still get it going by popping the clutch. But the electric starter isn't even clicking now. Is it a starter issue? or just an electrical issue. Battery is fully charged. ANy help would be great... thanks.

 

Check for loose starter wires or dirty wire connections on the starter first.

 

Ok that brings me to this update... after it sitting for about three hours... it now clicks but doesn't turn over.... and secondly: where do I look for those connections... I can follow mechanical instructions, but am not inclined to know where to start.

 

Disconnect the battery before working on the starter wires.
Here is the wire stud on the starter

Starter is located here

I would clean all connections and also check the ground coming off the battery making sure both ends are very clean.Wire brush is the best thing to clean them with.Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the illustrations... that will help... my mechanic said he was thinking it could be just the battery too instead of the whole starter.... hoping that is the case... gotten 5 years out of this battery.

 

Yea with a battery that old it very well could be the battery.You can have the battery tested at a local parts store usually for free.

 

Appreciate the help