Absolutely nothing
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,923
Likes: 3,561
From: backwoods
While always good to check battery cables, he didn't tighten them. Only thing he changed was the ignition switch, so I would focus first on that.
Also IMO a descriptive title in the future would get more attention.
Also IMO a descriptive title in the future would get more attention.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
if it were the fob battery, the bike would have 'come to life' when he turned the ignition on, just no crank when he hit the start button. being that he had absolutely nothing happen when he turned the ignition on, i wouldn't suspect the fob battery.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 1,786
From: Newnan, GA
Ignition switch is my vote. Mine does that sometimes when it gets caught right between indents (positions) - I guess. Have to rotate it a couple times and she then powers up fine.
And no, it's not an indication it will fail in my opinion. It's just something that it does every once in awhile to keep me on my toes.
And no, it's not an indication it will fail in my opinion. It's just something that it does every once in awhile to keep me on my toes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 24,939
Likes: 19,406
From: New York
The same thing happen to a brand new 2013 SG. I had the bike for a few days and we stop off to get a bite to eat. Got back on the bike, hit the starter button, nothing. I tried a few times and still nothing. The bike was on it's kickstand all this time. I lift the bike off it kickstand, hit the started button and it started right up. We got home and put the bike into the garage. We went back into the garage and tried starting the bike up. Same thing happen again, nothing. Check for loose battery connections on the battery and all were good. I hit the starter button once more and a large spark came flying out by the tranny side cover. The negative battery cable that was connected to the tranny was loose. I tighten it up (what a P.I.A. getting to this nut since it was just under the starter motor) and added a thin nylon lock nut to prevent it from loosening again. I never had any more problems. Look like the MOCO did not tighten down this nut enough.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 245
Likes: 37
From: Reading,Pa.
Ignition switch.. I have a 2012 roadglide and it did this to me a week ago. I was at a store and locked the fork lock(ignition switch). When I unlocked it, turned switch, and nothing.Cycled it a few times and got my lights on and fired right up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,923
Likes: 3,561
From: backwoods
Keep in mind, it will not get better, if it is the ignition switch. Or whatever it is. My switch started dying when moving, Last time was on highway dark, luckily I was in process of pulling over and no one behind me.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Something I've learned about my 23 Heritage is that I've got to quickly go from switching the ignition on to starting the bike. If I don't, it times out and wont crank over. Seems like it's only 10-20 seconds before it times out (never have measured it, yet).
Just an odd quirk I didn't expect.
Just an odd quirk I didn't expect.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 459
Likes: 314
From: Beaver PA
Ignition switch is my vote. Mine does that sometimes when it gets caught right between indents (positions) - I guess. Have to rotate it a couple times and she then powers up fine.
And no, it's not an indication it will fail in my opinion. It's just something that it does every once in awhile to keep me on my toes.
And no, it's not an indication it will fail in my opinion. It's just something that it does every once in awhile to keep me on my toes.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 119
Likes: 151
From: Florida & Michigan
Ignore it. My 08 FLHX does it too once in a blue moon. Just cycle the switch a couple times and it'll wake up. The right side handle bar switch contacts can get crudded up and do the same thing.