Motorcycle Repair: 97 fatboy starter does not engage, battery cables, jackshaft

Question
QUESTION: New Battery, primary cover off, starter pinion gear bumps ring gear but does not engage. HELP.......

ANSWER: Without the primary cover on the starter will bind. Needs the bearing inside the primary. If it is still doing it, check both ends of the battery cables to make sure they are clean and tight. After that if its still having the problem you need to pull the starter and test it
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Should have read, new battery, primary CHAINCASE cover off,starter pinion gear bumps ring gear but will not engage,

Answer
Even though you have a new battery you can bad cables, so, did you check them? Like I said before, the jackshaft needs the bearing in the primary cover to work correctly, or it might bind and not work. You can install the primary cover and remove the derby cover and watch the jackshaft. If its still doing it you will have to remove the starter and test it, like I said.
Mike