So, the way it started out was:

I would put the key in my 2002 883c and turn it to "ACC" and get all of the normal lights, but when I would switch it to "IGN" everything would cut out.

I bought a new ignition switch (A fiasco in itself) and currently have it on with wire nuts (Don't want to make anything too permanent until I get everything figured out). The switch seems to have fixed that issue, but when I got to try and start it, this happens:


Thoughts as to what is up? (besides the gas tank being off) It sounds starter-ish to me, but I am a novice at best right now. Looking to learn a little something. Thanks!!

 

The clicking sound typically indicates not enough power (amps) to the starter. Usual first suspects are a low battery or battery cable connections that aren't tight.

 

Low battery is my guess. Throw a set of jumper cables on it ( don't start the car) and give it a go again. I bet she fires right up.

 

pull the battery and give it a full charge. while its charging check your cable ends for corrosion and clean if necessary. check the negative ground on the bike...make sure its clean and tight. reinstall fully charged battery with cables that are tight. personally if it were me...how old is the battery? while i had it out and charged, id get it load tested to make sure battery is good.
good luck

 

petro...one more thing, if you dont have a factory service manual, get one. will help a lot if your gonna do your own repairs. may have saved you from buying an ignition switch if you replaced it for the clicking and the problem is the battery. again, hope you get it figured out

 

Sounds like a weak battery to me or a loose ground.

 

+1. I have had this problem and mine turned out be a loose ground cable connection on my engine.

 

Low voltage.

 

First check would be as cHarley states above, check the connections to the battery and make sure they are clean and tight. If that's not it, then it sounds like the battery doesn't have enough cranking amps. Per ohms law, voltage and amps are proportional so you could possibly confirm this suspicion by measuring the voltage. I believe there are more than a few threads on here about how to check a battery voltage. Refer to those threads. However, if you live North of Georgia and your battery is more than a 5 years old I'd replace it regardless. If your South of Georgia and it's 3-5 years old, I'd consider replacing it regardless of the voltage measurement.

Disclaimer: my opinion isn't derived from experience in motorcycle mechanics. I'm and electrical engineer with 20yrs experience in DC power plant design and maintenance. It's a different perspective.

 

I was going to throw in my .02 but it looks like everyone else here has it pretty much covered!