Well, I changed the battery (that was fun...) with a new HD battery. Fired it up and put my meter to it. From 1100 RPM to 3000 RPM I measure a constant 14.2 volts. Turned on the passing lamps and the voltage drops to a constant 14.1 volts. I haven't taken it for a test ride yet but so far no check engine light or weird symptoms. I'm really hoping it was a battery that caused the issues.

Watcha think, cHarley?

 

Dude, you said that the battery was original to your 2005 bike. You're talking 6 years old. Batteries don't last forever. I would have checked the battery right off. I'm just surprised that it lasted as long as it did.

 

well i would say you got lucky,as for me NOT

 

I did check the battery first and it measured just shy of 13 volts - thought I said that. But I agree, I got lucky running a 5-year old battery - - in a cold climate. Battery tenders help.