Total Motorcycle Community Forums

HI
I'm having a problem with my HD 883. When I press the starter switch all I get is a fast clicking sound. I am mechanically deficient and have no idea what to do. I did install a fully charged battery. Does anyone have any suggestions? Even a quick simple fix so I could ride it to a garage. I have no other way to transport it.
Thanks

Check your ground wire?

Typically, that's a battery that doesn't have enough juice to turn the starter. The clicking sound is the solenoid cycling over and over as it is not getting enough amps. When you say you installed a "fully charged battery".... how was it charged? How old is the battery? There's lots of reasons a battery charger could indicate it is finished charging a battery, yet that battery doesn't have enough capacity to start the bike. If standing battery output is anything less than 12.1 volts, the battery is probably shot.

There's a raft load of other reasons a solenoid could be cycling, but a battery that just doesn't have the required output any more is usually the most common. Bike batteries tend to be more fussy and less robust than car batteries. Repeated undercharging will toast them.

Thanks. I just purchased the battery new and is the same type I've been using. The ground wire was mentioned but I have no idea what that is. I admit I have no mechanical skills at all. This is the first time I've had a problem. Maybe I've just been lucky.

YouTube is your friend in these things. Check your battery terminals, ensure they’re tight. Did you charge your battery up prior to installing?