2007 Fat Boy. Problem started 2 days ago. Went to start the bike, turned switch to Ignition position - nothing. No horn, no lights, no console lights, no neutral light, and nothing at starter button.

Checked battery cables - nice and snug
Checked all fuses - all good
Checked battery - 12.88 V (fairly new battery)
Swapped battery in key fob
(Yes, gearing in Neutral position)

Accessory position was bringing up time/odometer, etc, which i was able to toggle through, but switching to Ignition position brought nothing but darkness.
After a few minutes of trying and head scratching it came to life as normal and i rode away, confused but ...
The bike cut out on me and left me on the side of the road about 20 minutes later. Same thing, and after a few minutes the power returned and i made it home.

But same issue in my driveway today.

Thoughts on what i should check?
Appreciate any help
Keith

 

Sounds like a faulty relay to me.

 

bad ignition switch or loose wire on it.

 

One possibility is that the main ignition switch has dirty, corroded, and/or pitted contacts in the "On" position.

There are reports that on older Twin Cams with that center console ignition switch, the contacts are causing electrical glitches like yours.

I had a similar thing happen on my 2003 Heritage. I disassembled my ignition switch and found the main contact for the "on" position corroded and a little pitted. I cleaned up the contacts really well, and reassembled the switch with new grease. It's been several years since I experienced that glitch and it hasn't happened since the switch clean up.

Some people just buy a new switch, because there is no "procedure" for disassembling and cleaning of the switch. I took a digital picture at each step of disassembly in case I forgot how it fit back together, I would have a pic to refer to. It all went well, and was easier than I expected...

Here is a picture collage of the various stages of my switch cleaning, just to give you an idea of what's involved should you want to check it out...

 

thanks for the very detailed response. I'll pick up a new ignition relay at my local NAPA tomorrow ($8.00, so low risk experiment), and will check the switch too.

But just started snowing (in the mountains) so my experiments might have to wait a few days.

Thanks again

 

The switch assy is super easy to disassemble and clean and most can probably use a good cleaning and refresh.

 

2001 Heritage had same issue. Cleaned switch contacts and applied dielectric grease. Issue never returned.

 

Thanks for the comments / responses/ advice/ pics about the switch.

The center of the three male spade terminals on the switch was really dirty. Gave it a cleaning and light pass with sandpaper, and presto .... back in action. But i took the switch off and took it apart to inspect/clean it too.

All back together and good now.

If only it would stop snowing!

Keith

 

Looks like you got it done. I had same issue with mine on 2006 heritage.

I agree on the snow comment.

 

Had the same problem on my 01 Heritage, glad to hear you found the fix