Wont Start
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Stage II
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2
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From: Mass
Wont Start
So I just bought my first Harley which is a 2005 Sportster with about 20000 miles on it. When I picked it up the seller was able to start it right up. After I purchased it I got it home started it and took it for a very short ride down the street(got to 3rd gear). When I brought it back to my house I tried to start it again but it never turned over. Common sense tells me it is the battery but I wanted to see if anyone might be able to shed some light and let me know if I might be missing something.
Symptoms: Turn key and hit start button and I can hear it tick and it sound like the starter is functioning but I am thinking there might not be enough juice to crack it. Lights come on and horn works. Thoughts?
Thank you!
Symptoms: Turn key and hit start button and I can hear it tick and it sound like the starter is functioning but I am thinking there might not be enough juice to crack it. Lights come on and horn works. Thoughts?
Thank you!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: almost heaven wv
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From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
I suggest you take off your battery connections and clean them and reconnect and tighten down solid. Also check where the main cables go (starter solenoid & ground to the chassis or starter casing) and consider removing them and cleaning any rust or oxidation, and tighten down solid.
If that doesn't do it for you take the battery to a auto parts store and have them load test the battery. If the battery is good, but low on voltage you may have an issue in the recharging system. You can test for output when it's running. Could be rotor, stator or voltage regulator.
Hopefully it's only the battery connections which is real common issue.
The most important advice I can give you is to get the official HD service manual for your bike. Even if you don't intend on doing your own mechanical work the manual is very important to have.
And welcome to the forum. After 5 posts you can put up pictures.
If that doesn't do it for you take the battery to a auto parts store and have them load test the battery. If the battery is good, but low on voltage you may have an issue in the recharging system. You can test for output when it's running. Could be rotor, stator or voltage regulator.
Hopefully it's only the battery connections which is real common issue.
The most important advice I can give you is to get the official HD service manual for your bike. Even if you don't intend on doing your own mechanical work the manual is very important to have.
And welcome to the forum. After 5 posts you can put up pictures.
Last edited by JohnnyC; Mar 18, 2013 at 05:46 PM.
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