Forum

[MickB]

I've done all the checks and all seems to be ok but still nothing. Had to call out the breakdown in the end and he is of the opinion that there is a break in the wiring somewhere, probably caused by the wiring being pulled to tight when the new frame was fitted last year. She is now on her way back to Harley Davidson, Nantes for inspection and repair. Thankfully it is still under guarantee but I am going to have to fight to get the recovery fees back (€135.00!) because, would you believe Harley Davidson, Nantes still don't have a recovery vehicle! Wonder what they do when a brand new Harley breaks down under warranty...? Once again, thanks for all the suggestions, very much appreciated. Mick.

[Chris [Stockport]]

Hope they get to the bottom of it nice and soon. Let us know how you go on.

ATB,

Chris

[Leon Novello]

I thought things like this only happened to Norm.

[Norm]

Nah Leon, my problems with this stuff is getting less by the day, the shed door is down, no more bikes coming in and I only have to get sorted the ones sitting here and even then I have adopted a policy that I can't be bothered working on these bikes if the owners don't come over and give a hand

[MickB]

Just got the bike back today and all is well. I could tell you it was a faulty wiring loom, trapped wire, short circuit etc. but I'm afraid I've got to hold my hands up to this one... There's a thin red wire that comes from the live battery terminal and stretches across the front of the battery before disappearing into the wiring loom. There is a small connector on the wire and because it was so tight across the battery I decided to lengthen the wire. I used two 'crimp butt' connectors and guess what had failed? You're right, two 'crimp butt connectors. Rather an expensive lesson. As my old dad used to say, if a job's worth doing.... On a happier note they discovered that the rear light assembly was about to drop off so that was welded up at the same time. Just got to go and tell the wife who's fault it was now so if you don't see any posts from me for a while , you'll know what's happened. Mick.

[Gwilly]

Jaffa said have you got live to the first fuse (main fuse) in the box...

What did you test with your multimeter?... Always check what you touched last....

Glad its sorted but as you say its an expensive way to learn.. As an apprentice i would have got my ear clipped but we are not allowed to administer such incentives these days...

Lucky for you, haha...

[MickB]

Don't worry, still going to get my ear clipped..

[Alan R]

Hi MICK B--------- yes, naughty you indeed (LoL)...especially as you never mentioned that you had "modified" the wiring, so we were all assuming that the bike was standard...OK, all sorted now and the news about that rear light assy. repair has saved you a potential sunny day's ride being ruined as well.......SO, just 'er indoors now to placate and you're home and dry.........................Hello ??.......Hello ??........................MICK ??........................Anyone there ?? .........................................OO-er, it's all gone strangely quite in the Vendée district !!!!!!

[MickB]

Yes, sorry about that, I should have mentioned it. I did check the connectors by gently pulling them and they seemed to be fine - wrong.. I bought a cheap manual multi-meter a couple of years ago ago with instructions in five languages printed on a postage stamp but when I came to use it the other day I couldn't understand it. So coupled with my non existent knowledge of vehicle wiring systems it was pretty easy to cock up any proper diagnosis. Lesson learnt, leave the electrics to someone who knows what there doing. PS I didn't realise how cold it gets in the shed at night...

[MadMike]

Mick the reason that HD Nantes don't have a recovery truck is..........Harleys don't break down. I had 2, an Electra Glide and a Road King, and in a combined 30 years of ownership they never, ever let me down. Much maligned but, like Enfields, usually by those who have never had the pleasure of ownership.