I bought a used 2001 929 4 years ago (stock bike, 4,500 miles). No problems other then regular maintenance until about 4 months ago, when it refused to start. I have a brand new fully charged battery, so don't think it's the problem. There were no accidents, it just stopped starting. I charged the battery several times, and each time I turn the ignition key, the lights turn on for a second and then everything dies. The bike will start if I jump it, but as soon as the cables are removed it dies again. I am ignorant of most things mechanical, but was hoping someone might be able to diagnose my problem and offer a simple solution. I have checked all of the cables/connections at the battery and they are fine. I tried to read through the shop manual, but it's over my head. Anyone got any suggestions for where to start to determine what's wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

it sounds like either your stator or your regulator rectifier. Since you are not mechanically inclined, I would take it to the shop.

 

+1 to the regulator rectifier.