Motorcycle Repair: 1998 Road King Classic - Not starting., jumper wire, ground test

Question
QUESTION: Hi Mike,
I live in South Africa and bought my Road King new in '98. Have loved it and had no problems until now. Just recently I had started the bike and moved it out to the curbside from the garage to clean it. Didn't use any more water than usual and dried it carefully. Then when I tried to start it again, the starter kicked over for a split second before everything (electronic) shut down completely. After that, nothing! I immediately suspected the main circuit breaker or a fuse and checked everything. No problems there. (It also now appears that the battery has failed completely and will no longer take a charge.) I then used another 12V battery I had available and everything (electronic) came on normally. But when I tried to start it, the same result - a cough of the starter for a split second and then everything goes dead for a second and then the electronic ignition sequence begins over. I'm guessing a short of sorts, but I'm really not qualified to speculate. Any ideas?
Many thanks,
Bruce

ANSWER: Check your ground wire at both ends to make sure its tight and let me know
Mike

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

QUESTION: Hi Mike,
Checked the ground wire as suggested and ensured they're tight. Tried again - exactly the same result: Starter tries to turn, stops, all electrics shut down and then come on again - everything, even the "ENG" light and the (I guess) fuel pump.
Back to you.
Thanks,
Bruce

Answer
Ok. Since you know you have good ground test the battery to make sure its good. If the battery doesnt have enough cranking amps then the elcetrics will go dead. If the battery is good, then remove the small wire from the starter and using a jumper wire from the battery and touching the starter where the small wire goes, doesnt he bike turn over?
Mike