For the third time in 5k miles my 04 1200c has been towed. Was riding today with a mixed bike group from West St. Louis to a bar/restaurant in Grafton, IL when the negative battery cable broke from the circular lead that is attached to the ground bolt on the transmission housing. No blackening, no burning, just fu#*in' broke. Has anyone else had this happen? About time to research Missouri's version of the "lemon law." Don't like seeing the ricers pinging on when I'm beside the road waiting for a truck. At least the ricers continue moving! Lucille's #ss is in the doghouse!

Lefty
04 1200c "Lucille"
taxes paid

Sorry to hear about your bad luck, Lefty. What other problems have you had?

Sorry to hear that Lefty...my last problem(2-3wks ago) was the neg. terminal cable BROKE off at the battery housing. Right where I screw the neg cable into the battery.
It's 3yrs old..but still in strong shape...vibrations I guess. I had to hold my right hand down at that point to "hold" the terminal tight so I could get my ass home.. Made it too.Was only holding on with my left hand and using my cruise control..but I got her home...Good Luck Bro'

Hi Lefty.
Been there, done that. My 2000 XLC, had the same problem, when me and my brother was on our way, to Sweedish Bikemeet, last year.
The problem with the original wire, is the black plastic hose on the outside.
It allows water to come in, but not out! Mine was corrodet in connection between the wire and the cabelshoe, coffed like HE... and everything electric was blinking. Throw the hose as far as you can, and make your own wire. Idid, and no more problems!

Stein

My ground strap broke once two years ago. Replaced it and haven't had a problem since.

:smoke Been negotiating w/the dealer from whom I got "Lucille" regarding the repeatedly breaking (3 times!) battery cable. They're buying it back for nearly what I paid for it (accessories and all) and selling me any bike they have in stock for MSRP + shipping. Sorry to report I'm selling out, new bike will be either a low rider or fat boy, riding demos tomorrow to decide.

Lefty
04 1200c
"Lucille" (ret.)

Lefty, no need to feel sorry, just enjoy your new ride! Gotta say, kudos to your dealer for bein' straight witcha!

Kim

GOOD LUCK, LEFTY,and have a nice ride. It does not matter what you ride, as long it`s a Harley!

:smoke Rode several bikes at the dealer yesterday. My replacement for Lucille is going to be a chopper blue and brilliant siver EFI Fatboy. I already miss Lucille, but she just wasn't reliable, left me beside the road one too many times.

Lefty
05 Fatboy "Joline"

23,000 mi and I've never been left by the roadside. The NIGHTFIGHTER has never left me stranded. I've been fortunate that the only things that have ever blown were my speedo (once) and my tach (twice).

:smoke My dealer says that Milwaukee is aware of numerous battery cables breaking on 04 sportsters at the point where the ground attaches to the transmission housing. He claims a service bulletin is forthcoming that suggests a "star" type washer replace the one installed at the factory. I don't have any idea whether this is true or not. . . . just thought I'd mention it.

And, I brought "Jolene" (misspelled previously) home today, a chopper blue and brilliant silver Fatboy. Yep, she's a geezer glide for sure.

Now, I'm looking for an old Sporty to amuse myself with. . . .

Lefty the Geezer