If there are only 2 large ones ,their battery to solenoid and solenoid to starter then the other smaller one is for the solenoid.
you already said you removed the relay and it didnt do it?

 

Correct. I pulled the relay out, and it didnt do it. Then I pulled that nut and connector in the last pic, and it didnt do it. I hooked it back up, and its doing it again. I thought about replacing the switch, but I cant figure out how to get the wires out of the housing. I was messing with it while I had it apart to replace the idle cable. This F&$?! issue is consuming my life right now.

 

you really need a manual ,the needle nose pliers is removing the solenoid wire

 

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Ok, thanks for all your help. I'll revisit once I get my hands on a manual.

 

thats because that nut is what powers the starter. it wont turn disconnected. If it stops by pulling the relay the trouble is upstream of the relay. it probably wont do it if you nip the green/tan wire at the relay. that will prove its toward the frame wiring or the handelbar wiring.
If you want to ride, nip the green/tan wire , ground the relay side and go.
Now if its gone trouble is in the TSM if it still does it, trouble is in the wiring or the handelbar switch

 

but I cant figure out how to get the wires out of the housing. I was messing with it while I had it apart to replace the idle cable. This F&$?! issue is consuming my life right now.

put everything back together and remove the screws from the switch housing and see if it does it now. If it was fine before you did the cables, then something got pinched.

 

You're never going to believe this, but here goes:

This issue is fixed.

I replaced the battery, cleaned all of the connections real well. GOOD TO GO.

Took it out for a spin, no issues!!!

09 Nightster for sale. PM if interested LOL.

 

Glad you got it fixed, as they say everything happens for a reason.
More then likely you would have found the broken throttle cable when it snapped, if not for the starter issue.

 

Doubtful it was just the battery, still going with a pinched wire at the handelbars
If you want that manual pm me