Motorcycle Repair: electrical ?, trickle charger, butt connectors

Question
HI, I have a 2001 super glide FXD with no problems with it until now. I recently removed a set of saddle bags and reinstalled the rear turn signals with stock hardware at which time the wiring from the tail light to the turn signals had to be cut and spliced with butt connectors. I also installed a new battery about a month ago. The problem is i was returning from work one morning (a 40 mile trip) i noticed that the engine light was on and the odometer was blank, but the bike was running running fine. About 5 miles after i noticed the engine light, the bike started to spit& sputter and loose power, then it died. I tried to restart it but nothing would work, the starter did nothing, lights would not work and the horn would only make a clicking sound. After finally getting it home, i checked all the fuses, all were good ,i checked the battery it showed 11.46 volts, but i still put it on a  trickle charger. The next morning i reinstalled the battery, the lights would work, but when i tried to start it, the starter justed clicked like it had a dead battery. Once again i checked the battery and it showed 12volts. I have no idea what could be the problem, and since recently retiring from the military, i don't have the money to take it to a dealer right now, so i'm hoping it's something simple that i can fix. thanks for any help you can give me...jerry  

Answer
First, I would recheck the wiring that you did to make sure there is no short.
Next, check the battery or have it tested. Just because the battery is now does not mean the battery is not bad. If the wiring is good and the battery is good then you need to check the charging system. After riding the bike you should have more than 11.46 volts. The harley system puts out around 13.5 volts soa the battery should be around 12.5 to 13 after riding.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike