2011 sportster iron 883 won't start

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 5, 2012 | 07:21 PM

JDpowell187

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 11

Likes: 0

From: ft campbell

2011 sportster iron 883 won't start

Hey, I've owned my bike for less than a year and due to a strenuous training schedule (army) and winter months I haven't had time to ride. about 2 months ago I came back and tried starting it and much to my despair it would not start. Once the power was turned over, the fuel pump initiates but when I press the ignition I got a dreaded ” clicking” sound. I tried charging the battery with my trickle charger until I got the green light but to no avail. I'm a new bike owner and don't know much shout trouble shooting besides the basics, if that. I would appreciate any advice. I'm guessing the battery is toast from sitting around all winter, but hoping that's not the case.

Mar 5, 2012 | 07:28 PM

barrygreen

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 3,654

Likes: 362

From: Mansfield Texas

Sounds like a bad battery or a loose connection at the battery

Mar 5, 2012 | 07:29 PM

2011Deluxe

Banned

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 12,594

Likes: 9

From: Bama

Battery is shot. Keep the next one on a tender.

Mar 5, 2012 | 07:32 PM

barrygreen

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 3,654

Likes: 362

From: Mansfield Texas

look at your headlight beam on the wall while starting, should just dim slightly while cranking, if it gets really dim or goes out while your hearing the clicking, I would say bad battery.

Mar 5, 2012 | 07:49 PM

JDpowell187

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 11

Likes: 0

From: ft campbell

Yea, I think you're right. Beginners mistake. I've researched since this has happened and know allot more about battery maintenance, such as leaving it hooked up to a tender

Mar 5, 2012 | 09:28 PM

aklim156581

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 958

Likes: 0

From: Hartford, WI

My 2011 is under warranty. Is your unit under warranty? If so, let them fix it. If not buy a good battery. Not before you have the shop charge and load test it.

Mar 5, 2012 | 09:36 PM

Iceman24

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 25,292

Likes: 2,427

From: Eastern NE

Battery isn't covered under warranty (maint. part)...check the voltage on posts - if not 12.7V she's not charged. Keep charging for a few more days b/c trickle chargers are "slow."

Trending Topics

The Sportster is coming back, air cooled.

262

10.6k
1991 Electra Glide Evo smoking at idle

27

619
Chopped Tour Pack vs Regular Tour Pack

21

560
New Touring bikes battery issues

30

1.3k
Super basic E-start wiring help (pictures) please?

17

373

Mar 5, 2012 | 09:47 PM

aklim156581

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 958

Likes: 0

From: Hartford, WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman24

Battery isn't covered under warranty (maint. part)...check the voltage on posts - if not 12.7V she's not charged. Keep charging for a few more days b/c trickle chargers are "slow."

Never hurts to ask. I had a brand new car years ago that after less than a year had a dead battery. They replaced it and paid for the tow because it broke down at the bank. I shut it down and couldn't get it started again. A couple months later, it happened again. Both times the battery was dead. How? Who knows. Charging system was fine both times. After that, no more issues. It's like a girl. What is the worst thing she could say if you ask "Wanna ****?" Well, I suppose she could slap you.