Motorcycle Repair: 05 Harley XL1200C wont start, harley sportster, time in pennsylvania


Question
3 weeks ago I bought an 05 Harley Sportster 1200C.  It has 4800 miles on it and just had its maintenance at the dealer when I bought it.  I haven't started it the last 3 weeks because of the weather, so it has been sitting in my garage for that time (in Pennsylvania).  When I tried to start it yesterday, it wouldn't turn over.  I just clicks and the lights start to dim.  I'm guessing the battery just needs jumped or charged since it's been sitting idle.  But i can't figure out how to get to the negative on the battery, and I'm not the most mechanically inclined person.  Is there any way I can charge or jump the bike without taking it out?  Is the charge even the problem?  Thanks!  

Answer
Yeah you got a low battery.  Get a "Battery Tender Junior" from Drag Specialties for 29.95.  Take the left side cover off by pulling the top corners.  IT will flip down and hang there.  Take the red plastic cover off the positive battery terminal and connect your charger pos. clamp.  Connect your negative charger clamp to the ground post on the back of the primary cover just below and to the left of the battery, or any good ground.  (You can't get at the negative terminal of the battery without removing it.)  Use a trickle charger at no more than 1 or 2 amps. until battery voltage is 12.8 to 13 volts.  DO NOT jump it, charge it up.