I did a search, and have some ideas, but would like some additional advice and information. My wifes 01 Sportster 1200 custom died on her at a stop sign last Thursday. Checked battery, it was over 4 years old decided it was probably time to get new one anyways, checked voltage out of bike after a charge and it was at 11.3. Got new battery installed and bike fired right up, drove it for 4 miles, shut it down fired up again.. . all is good. She has driven it all week and this morning getting ready to leave for work she gets just a click click click from the bike. Now I have not been able to test it or check it over yet, but what is my first check point? First thought is that there might be a short? Could it be the voltage regulator?

Any ideas, and suggestions would be great as I will be looking into this tonight and hopefully it will not take all weekend! Again it is a new battery, and I have not been home to hear or see it.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

I had the same problem last year - it was a relay - but I have a 2008 EFI so it could be something else as you have a carb.

 

First thing is to charge it back up and start the bike with a multi meter on the battery, a little over idle (2000 rpm) you should have 14.5 volts.
If you don't it could be a connection/ground problem, stator problem or regulator problem.
If you do have 14.5 volts or so it could be a connection/ground problem or a bad battery.
Connection/ground problem would be most likley IMHO.

 

Connection as meaning the connection at the battery? I assume meaning tight, which I know they are as that is usually a problem. I will have to check the grounding issue!

 

Also check connection at frame ground.

 

just purchased a 2001 1200c. same thing happening. replaced battery, ok for one week, about 200 miles, then just clicks. check battery connections, ground at frame, fuses, all ok. was told to ohm stator, then check voltage regulator, any check for regulator ??

 

i always live by the rule of K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid. if the batt is new. then it is somthing drawing the power. check your termanal for being loose, follow batt (-) cable to the engine case, make sure its not loose, i believe undernieth the engine case connected to the frame is a bolt with a main ground strap. i have found this bolt loose on two sporty's including mine. if there is any loose connections on the groundside it will drain the batt. harley vibrate, i like to check conections and engine mount bolt when i check the air in my tires. you would be surprized what you find.... lock tight can be your friend

 

I also had a problem with the relay terminals - they had to replace 2 terminals and a relay - they told me the terminals had shaken loose - and this is a 2008 - I have the part#`s if you need.

 

I checked the voltage on Saturday with the bike running and after a full charged battery. Voltage never went up. Ordered new voltage regulator after full check of connections, grounds,etc. Got regulator yesterday, installed and the volts on the battery climbs and gets to about 14.3

I think that should take care of my issues!?

Thanks Hotlap for advice!!