Hello I am new to this forum; I have a 2006 sportster 1200C. I have a problem with the electrical, I personally think it is the ignition switch because I put the key in and turn it on to the “on” position and try the start button it will not turn over instead it just makes a quick sound like the starter engages to the flywheel and then retracts because it loses power and stops. After this happens all functions are off even while the key is on the “on” position, the master mileage, trip mileage, all lights are off.
I then turn the key “off” pull the key out of the ignition and put it back in and try and turn it on, each time I do this no functions are on. So I give it a while and put the key back on to the “on” position and all systems are on and ready to go but instead of pushing the start button I turn it off and pull the key out of the ignition. When I did this the speedo would jump from “0” mph to below “0” mph in a twitching manor. I then put the key back in the ignition and turn it in the “on” position and the twitching of the speedo stops. I then turn the ignition off and pull the key out and the twitching happens again. I don’t know what’s going on. Like I said above I think it’s the ignition switch failing.

I hate diagnosing electrical problems. It's like playing "Whack a Mole" with a gremlin.

Before you start changing out parts willy-nilly, see if you can narrow down the search. For all we know at this time is that you have a bad case of bundle chafing, and just wiggling the bike around makes a connection.

I'm a wuss on these matters, and life is too short. I call my mechanic, and in my most knowledgeable and authoritative voice say, "It won't go."

For example, I had a Sportster during the 1980s. One day it just up and died. Turns out it was one of those "magic cubes" under the seat. Four dollar part and it went back to the shop on a trailor.

Fact is that I would have never looked there.

Thank you for the info, I will try that and see what happens.

I wish I had a better answer for you. Sometimes I think the real benefit of "modern" technology would be for our onboard CPU and an LED diagnostic message code would light up on our bikes everytime we start them. Something like, "Left Turn Signal Failure" or "Warning Beer Goggles Engaged."

I have a digital clock on my Sportster, however the entire lower end could be about to fly apart and I wouldn't have a clue. And remember, I'm the schmuck who blow up an entire GoldWing motor.

I remember reading about a four cylinder GM car engine that had been modified to run without any wires at all. Everything was solid circuit. That was 20 years ago and why the idea never caught on baffles me.

In a week I wouldn't be surprised if you write back telling us you found the problem(s)--and it was a part costing about ten bucks to replace.