My bike won't start...

[echo3]

and I seriously could cry!!!
It was fine when I put it on the battery tender in December, now the lights come on, but when I try to start it, it makes a loud very fast clicking noise.
The needles on the gauges fly up and down, but that is it.
I really feel sick.
Nick is in Fort Dix so he can not help. I hate to even tell him about it, he'll want to fix it, and he has way too much on his plate right now!
Anybody have any clue what it could be???
http://bestsmileys.com/crying/14.gif

[Diamond Lil]

Erin,
I he doesn't respond here, you should PM Max.
I'm so sorry.

[Springer]

You've got a bad electrical connection and the odds are its a connection at the battery. The two cables that go to the battery should be cleaned and then you can try it again.

[J. R. Weems]

Erin~ I would first just charge the battery again. It has been REALLY cold down this way. It might be just as simple as a new battery. When ever I run into a battery that will not keep the charge, I replace it. Hope it is that simple? :)
Springer is right as well. I would CLEAN first- he responded while I was typing. :)

[echo3]

Thank you all, I will check those things out! My son will love to help!
J.R., The battery tender says the battery is charged. :confused: So maybe it is what you suggested Springer.
Lil, I will pm Max if it is not the above. He is the V-Rod King!! ;)

Oh, I forgot to mention it is parked in the garage under the house, so it stays relatively warm, although I do occasionally let the fire go out down there,
so it does get cold down there sometimes, but not too bad.

[Diamond Lil]

Thank you all, I will check those things out! My son will love to help!
J.R., The battery tender says the battery is charged. :confused: So maybe it is what you suggested Springer.
Lil, I will pm Max if it is not the above. He is the V-Rod King!! ;)

Oh, I forgot to mention it is parked in the garage under the house, so it stays relatively warm, although I do occasionally let the fire go out down there,
so it does get cold down there sometimes, but not too bad.

That is right. Just ask the MoCo. :D

[echo3]

I'll be sure to ask Willie G. next time we hang!!!

<img src="http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/572/daytona7_046.JPG" />

<img src="http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/572/Daytona_9_120.JPG" />

[pegdragger]

V-rods are notorious for killing batteries, or so I've heard. I've never had any problems with mine, but I will go check it tomorrow morning now that you've posted this. I have both bikes on tenders as well.

[echo3]

I hope that is all it is Michael, and I hope yours starts right up! Does anyone know a good place to get one? I assume the dealers will be super expensive.

[pegdragger]

I would definitely check all of your connections before getting a new battery. These things vibrate like crazy, especially if you abuse it like I do. I have had a bunch of hose clamps and srews vibrate loose. I have a pretty good coolant leak as of when I put it away. Hoping it is something loose, but afraid it might be a water pump gasket.

[echo3]

Tomorrow Shamus and I will do as Springer suggested and clean the two cables that go to the battery....now I just have to remember how to get that darn airbox cover off...LOL!

[pegdragger]

Lift the seat. At the front of where the seat was, there is a little twisty bolt type object. Twist that, and lift up. If you lift too high you will chip the paint on the underside of the speedo. Trust me.

[echo3]

Thanks Mike, and thanks for the warning! I haven't looked in there since I put the new pipes on and had to put a power commander in there before Daytona last year. Wow, that was almost a whole year ago now!
Anyone here going to Daytona this year??

[Kodatech]

I am gonna have to agree with springer on this one...keep us updated!

[echo3]

I will, thanks! :)

[Heavens Thunder]

I will be in Daytonna Erin and take alot of pictures and share them with friends. Yes do as Springer said and clean battery cables and reconect and tighten. Yes great reminder to put a clean lint free cloth in front of are cover not to scratch it while removing it. Wish you luck on it starting very soon !

[LunaTique]

:( Sorry To hear your having electrical problems Erin. I hope it turns out to be as simple as a loose wire.

No to Daytona I do not like crowds

[Vrod-Brad]

Erin,

Often it's the solenoid connections near the oil dipstick on '03's or as springer said battery connections or battery is about done.

How old is the battery?

[Diamond Lil]

Erin, if you do have to change the battery, VrodDrew wrote up a great how to and later I posted photographs of the process over at the other place. It is doable, but more complex than one might anticipate.

[EZE RIDER]

It's is a good idea to check the battery connections no matter what but if the headlight is normal intensity then Brads solenoid idea makes sense. It's not the original battery is it? That would make it a 7 or 8 year old battery and most likely ready to be changed.

[echo3]

Thanks for all your responses. I did a search on 'the other site' and they did mention the solenoid thing that Brad mentioned as a possible cause.
I don't know how old the battery is, I bought the bike used a couple of years ago and have put about 17,000 miles on it since then. The battery could very well be original.
Thanks for that Lil. I will look for your pictures, did you do yours yourself?
I checked prices and a battery through Harley dealers is $100. I don't know if that is good or not.
The nice thing is my dealership, Baers, has what they call a 'Baer card' that can be purchased each year. It entitles you to 20% off everything in the store, including parts, as long as they are H-D.
Believe me, I have taken advantage of that discount!!

[EZE RIDER]

If your 20% off makes the battery $80 then it's not a bad deal. If 20% off makes it $100 then it's not the best deal but not the end of the world.

[Diamond Lil]

I changed it once on both an '03 and '04. The photos are from the '03.

[echo3]

If your 20% off makes the battery $80 then it's not a bad deal. If 20% off makes it $100 then it's not the best deal but not the end of the world.

It would be $80 Ed. I have a HOG meeting tonight so I'll see if they have any in stock.
You're one smart cookie Lil, now a motorcycle mechanic too!! :rolleyes:;)

[EZE RIDER]

Cool, keep us posted.

[Diamond Lil]

It would be $80 Ed. I have a HOG meeting tonight so I'll see if they have any in stock.
You're one smart cookie Lil, now a chicken and intimidated by the idea motorcycle mechanic too!! :rolleyes:;)

Fixed that for you Erin. :)

[echo3]

I don't buy that Lil! http://bestsmileys.com/cars/10.gif

[Diamond Lil]

It's true!

[Vrod-Brad]

Erin,

If it is the battery - just go with the OEM as I was a smart arse a couple of years back and decided to go with a Yuasa battery.

It crapped out on me a month later at a Dunkin Donuts in front of a dozen airbikers that were kind enough to give me a push start.

Never again!

:)

A solenoid was only #29 at HD and never had that issue again either...

[Diamond Lil]

...
It crapped out on me a month later at a Dunkin Donuts in front of a dozen airbikers that were kind enough to give me a push start....

Are you over that yet?

[echo3]

I asked about it at my HOG meeting. Two of the owner/mechanics said it does sound like the battery is shot.
They told me I can bring it in and they will test it for me. Sounds like it is probably smart to get a new one anyway!
Don't want airheads laughing at me!!!:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Vrod-Brad]

Are you over that yet?

Nope! :hide

[Diamond Lil]

Nope! :hide

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/532/consoling2.gif

[echo3]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/532/consoling2.gif

I love that one ^^^^Lil!!!

[Vrod-Brad]

Echo Lady...any status on this?

[echo3]

V-Rod Man...I took the battery to the dealership and they tested it. They said it only had 6 volts. So, it was the battery. I was going to buy one that day, but they suggested waiting to riding season so I don't waste the warranty.
Thanks for your concern Brad!! ;)

[Heavens Thunder]

So how long is the warranty ? You will need the battery in a month or so and don't want them to run out of them. Is that a gel battery ?

[Vrod-Brad]

So how long is the warranty ? You will need the battery in a month or so and don't want them to run out of them. Is that a gel battery ?
HT,

She's not worried, she'll just yank it out of the 'Ol man's new ride and be gone....:rofl:

[echo3]

Or....I'll just take his ride!! :ride:

[Heavens Thunder]

Yes, I believe that in it Brad. Now I understand Erin you want to help Nick keep his Battery Charged !