Died and wouldn't restart

[ZRaider]

I am new to the motorcycle world. I just purchased a 2004 FLSTC Heritage Classic. I am still getting comfortable with it. I stalled it because I forgot to down shift at a stop. Went to restart it and there wasn't any power. The speedometer barely lit up when I turned it to accessories and wouldn't light up when I turned it to ignition. Pushed it home and let it sit for about an hour, turned the ignition on and it had plenty of power again. Do you think it is a bad battery? Why after sitting for a period of time would it have power again? Did something need to cool down?

Thanks in advance.

[nipplesurfer]

First thing I would do (if you haven't already) is pick up a service manual and electrical diagnostic manual.

Second, there is a sticky in the electrical system section on performing diagnostic testing on the electrical system- read it over and post again if you need clarification.

It sounds to me like you may gave a switch (probably ignition) that is loose or giving up, when it gets warm it may be breaking contact.

It may be that the only purpose for your life is to serve as a warning to others.

[ZRaider]

I bought it at a HD dealership and the service records showed that they had done an electrical inspection of the bike before they resold it. The same place sold the bike new and had been servicing it through the years. I got a copy of all of the service records and I didn't see anything on them.

I looked at the diagnostic trouble codes and none came up. I was riding it for about 20 minutes at low speeds before the problem occurred.

[GotGold]

Your battery may be on its way out have it tested. Also, if you have an alarm change the battery in your key fob.

[chasarms]

If the bike was running perfectly fine and you stalled it, I think I would suspect the battery first. I have the same bike. It takes about 90 seconds to take the seat off and take the battery out. I would think that any auto parts store could test it.

If the battery is fine, then it's obviously something in your charging system, Or, as mentioned, a short somewhere.

[ZRaider]

Took the battery in and had it tested. It was good but the positive terminal was really chewed up. Cleaned them and the cables. Tightened them down good and then went for a ride around the neighborhood.

Afterwards, I parked and let it run for about five minutes, so I could see if it got hot enough to weaken a connection. Shut it off and then back on and it still had power. Hopefully the problem was just the battery connection.

[RANGER73]

Weak fob battery, old bike battery or bike battery connections.