bought a used 2014 that was a rebuild. buyer beware of course but having some concerns and looking for some help. upon delivery the battery was dead. powered up but just clicked when trying to start. was able to jump it and it ran just fine. rode for about 20 minutes. tried to start again but would not. left on the charger for several hours then later in the evening it started just fine however noticed the voltage was jumping between 12-15 while riding. rode for about 30 minutes. upon getting back tried to start again and it did. went ahead and left the trickle charger on overnight. went to start this morning...nothing. powers on but when trying to start it wont do a thing. will not even click. did not get a chance to check the voltage or try to jump as I had to get to work. went ahead and put the charger back on...

anyhoo...thoughts? could this be as simple as the battery? I would think it would at least click or do something...

 

Charge and then load test the battery. I find that they don't really last all that long, maybe 3-4 seasons. Get ready now for all of the replies from guys who are running the factory battery in their '81 shovel.

 

why would you take delivery of a bike with a dead battery? who delivered it? Rebuild as in salvage title?

 

First thing you should check is the battery connections.

 

I will certainly do that after work...but again wouldn't it at least click if it was the battery? I was confused by the fact it turns on and everything, but not a thing happens when I push the start button...

 

it was a third party shipper, purchased from an online auction. reviews and ratings were good so I took a chance. anyway upon delivery I was able to jump it right then and there to verify it ran which it did and ran fine.

anyway I know it was a gamble buying something that way and if I end up screwed its the chance I took and i am okay with that. so hope to not get a ton of messages about how dumb it was as I understand. but in the meantime just trying to see if I can figure it out.

 

You've already wasted more time dicking with it than it's worth. Replace the battery, and go ride.

 

 

Along with making sure that the battery cable ends are clean and then put dielectric grease on the terminals when you install.
My guess is that the seller simply shipped him a bike with a bum battery.