Motorcycle Repair: 2002 Softail Duece ignition, fuse switch, starter problems

Question
Hi Mike,

I have a 2002 Duece which has developed a reoccuring ignition problem. A couple of months after purchase of the bike it would take 2 or 3 tries with the starter button for the bike to fire, then 3 or 4 tries ect. until enventually the bike would not start at all. The HD dealership ended up replacing the micro relay Fuse? switch?. This solved the problem tempoarily until the same sequence of starter problems surfaced again. Again the relay was replaced, chalked up to defective part(against my disbelief ). Again the bike started fine for a period of a couple months before the same problem has surfaced again. I purchased the $5.00 relay myself so I can at least get the bike started.  (Where is this relay located?). More importantly any ideas as to the deeper problem here. Since my bike is no longer under warrenty the HD guys would need a boatload of money to try & diagnose the problem . Any head stars would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Mark  

Answer
Do a couple of things for me. (1) when you hit the starter does the bike turn over? (2) if it does, remove a spark plug. leave it on the sparkplug wire and holding it against the head turn the motor over. Are you getting a spark?
(3) using a test light and with the key on check both posts on the coil. Is either one hot?
Mike