thanks - didn't think Loctite was a good idea. but wasn't sure if this is a common problem that they come loose often

 

Might be a good idea to go around & check the other fasteners on the bike too.

 

Disconnect the ground wire from the engine case when removing the battery. Torque the connection at battery negative to 70 in./lbs, with the cable pointing downward. Slide the battery back in while fishing the negative cable back through the frame and reconnect it to ground, attach and torque the positive cable to 70 in./lbs as well. It's a pain to do it this way, but because of the way the battery is positioned, and the short cable on the negative terminal, the connection will turn ccw every time unless you give yourself some slack.

 

I would start with checking/replacing both of your relays, cleaning all of of your fuses, and cleaning/tightening your battery connections. I bought my 08 Nighty second hand, and after I started having some problems I checked the fuseblock and it looked like a chinchilla from all of the corrosion. Performing the above fixed the problem for me. Clean all of the fuse blades, blow out the fuseblock with air and wf-40. Use generous dielectric grease in the block as you put them back in.

 

Yours too? Same bike, same find. What caused it I wonder?

 

Don't think of it as a stupid mistake, take it as a lesson learned!