1997 Heritge Softtail Classsic, it will not start. I have lights on the dash but not headlights. I have looked at the ignition switch and it looks ok, not sure what else to check.
Is this a good question?
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If you left the bike sit in the shed through the winter, and it refused to start (i.e. crank the engine) when you took it out of the shed, the problem is most likely with the battery.
Easy (though not really cheap) fix: replace the battery.
The reason this happens is that vehicle batteries self-discharge when you don't use the vehicle for some time. Being a lead-acid battery, once it's discharged beyond a certain point and left discharged for some time, the battery will be as good as dead: it will no longer accept charge and has to be replaced.
A battery that's a few years old is more likely to suffer this type of failure when left sitting in the shed during the winter. A recently replaced battery might survive but will suffer anyway. If you leave the bike in the shed during winter, you should recharge the battery once a month or use a maintenance charger that will keep the battery in good condition automatically - when spring comes and the riding season starts, your bike will, too.
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Not this I had just stopped to drop something off and would not restart. I've had it out 5 or 6 time already.
@k_t_tigger Try turning the headlight on and then push the start button. Does the headlight stay on bright, or drop a bit (would be normal) or does it go (nearly) out?
Any sounds from the engine (clunk!) when you push the starter button?
@k_t_tigger I added the troubleshooting points to @flyingdutchman (hope you don't mind) answer. Those 5 points are the once I would focus on as well. Let us know if you need help with that.
@oldturkey03 you're welcome. :)
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2 Comments
What happens when you attempt to start the ignition?
by EasyIFI
The dash lights are on the engine does not turn over at all, will not even bump start. I've had it out 5 or 6 time already this season with no issue.
by Katie