Sounds like mine.
If I leave her overnight, 19/20 times I have to hit the button on the solenoid and make her turn over a couple times. After that the starter switch works fine.
I have not determined the exact length of time I have to leave her 'resting' before she won't fire up with the start button. But overnight seems to be the key...

oh, and BTW.... SWEET ride !!!

 

mdunn and schwangster

What is your battery voltage first thing in the morning?

It sounds like you aren't getting enough power through your handlebar switch to trip the relay.

 

Not sure, but I did splice in extra wire when I added the 16" apes.
I also installed a hi-output headlight about the time it started to this. (2 years ago)
Should check it next time I fire up.

 

Just to make sure I have it correct your problems started after you spliced an extra wire in and added a hi-output headlight?

I think your problem is in one of those two things.

Usually when something on my bike quits it is because of something I fixed.

 

Same

not just on my bike, unfortunately.

I redid the splice last year(orange power wire, if I remember correctly)
As I mentioned, once I turn it over she will aways start up from the switch.
Almost as if she has to shake the cobwebs out.
The starter button on the solenoid has kept me in the game.
This winter I will do the relay fix and see what happens.

 

I would almost have to say dirty start button contacts or weak battery, possibly poor connection on one of the battery connections, either at the battery or at the other end of the battery cables. Check/clean all connections and the start button and also as suggested above, check the battery voltage after it has sat overnight before you go to start it.

 

This is the exact same problem as mine....

Mike

 

My voltage on my battery is 12.7 volts, thats plenty one would think.

mike

 

thanks, D1gger. I'll check all the connections.
Battery was new last year, and still did it.

 

If your battery voltage is that good then I would say you have a connector problem. Once you start the bike it shakes and jiggles all the connectors.

Harley uses connectors that depend on two spikes to penetrate the wire jacket to make connection. It is my theory that after time corrosion builds up between the spikes and the wire and that is where all our problems come from.