Motorcycle Repair: 94 Softail Starter switch, starter relay, wire harness

Question
My bike sometimes will turn over. Other times I only get a single clicking sound. I took off the switch housing and it seemed there was a crimp in the wire harness. I put back together and it started right up for about 20 times. Now is doing it again. At one time there was a green wire off just above the starter. I put it back on and she started right up. I am thinking I need anew handlebar wiring harness for the start kill switch. Any ideas?

Answer
The clicking sound you hear is probably the solenoid on the starter engaging or the starter relay energising, which usually means that all switches and wiring on the handlebars are working and power is getting all the way to the relay or the starter itself. However, it is possible that a broken wire inside the harness is causing the problem... sometimes you can check this by wiggling the wiring harness while pushing the start button.

A faint "click" coming from somewhere under the seat is the starter relay, if it is working but the starter does not turn over you will need to check the starter itself and the wires going to it. One of those wires is a very thick cable that goes to the positive side of the battery, make sure it is tight at both ends.

A louder, mechanical sounding "click" coming from the starter is the solenoid engaging (which means the relay is working, too)but for some reason it won't turn the starter over. This is usually due to one of two problems - the battery is too weak and needs to be charged, or the contacts inside the solenoid are worn out and need to be replaced.