When trying to start the bike (1989 1200 sportster) sometimes there is no connection, sometime a clicking sound, and sometime it engages.

Clean n titen all ign connections. But a clymer shop manual. Batt cud b oldtoo. Do a complete inspection on cycle. Its bin neglected toolong

You will need to check and make sure the battery is charged and in good condition. Then check that all of your electrical connections are clean and secure, no corrosion. Thanks Rod

Sounds like you have either a dead battery or loose connection causing the starter to click but not fully engage. Assuming you have a good battery (it should read 12+ volts). Clean and tight the connections to the battery? Sometimes the ground wire to the frame may need tightened. Once you try these things, one at a time, checking to see if the bike will start. let me know what you get.

check oil!, use hd oil it is great oil for v twins

Check your battery connections and make sure they are tight where the positive cable attatches to the starter and the negative cable attatches to ground. Sportsters are notorius for this type of problem when the cables are loose.

It sounds like a bad relay or solenoid on the starter. Look on the end of the starter and you'll see a single small wire plugged onto the end of the starter. Pull this wire off and connect a test light or volt meter to the wire. Turn the ignition switch on and press the button. The test light should light up or a meter should show battery voltage every time you press the button. Press the button a dozen or so times. If the light does NOT light up or no voltage, replace the relay that is clicking when you press the button. If the test light DOES light up or you do see voltage, it's the solenoid on the starter. If you don't have a test light or meter, simply replace the relay that you feel clicking and try that. I hate to tell people to "parts swap" as that's not being a mechanic but I'm pretty sure that you just want to get the bike back going as quickly as possible. It's up to you if you want to gamble and simply replace the relay.

Good Luck
Steve

If you're hearing a clicking from the engine casing after changing the battery and the bike still won't start, chances are there may be a problem with your starter motor.

Either it's not contacting well enough to the battery (Faulty Wiring or Loose Connection), may be having trouble engaging/dis-engaging the starter gear, or it's just cactus and needs repair/replacing.

If you haven't tried push starting the bike, I'd suggest trying that first. Sometimes that can dis-lodge the starter gear if it's stuck, but it might require maintenance to ensure it doesn't happen again.

If you're un-aware of how to perform a rolling start, put the bike on a downward slope, or get a friend who can help push. Put the bike in first gear with the clutch in, and the ignition 'on' and roll the bike forward to a bit more than a brisk walking pace. Lift your weight from the seat and drop it down again quickly. As you drop down, release the clutch to engage first gear and hopefully the bike should spring into life. (Beware not to hold the throttle open, or stop moving too quickly, as this can cause an the bike to spring forwards or dropping of the bike as it stops suddenly)

If this fails, you may need to have the Started Motor removed to be looked at, as it may need replacing or repair by a professional.

Hope that helps!

celanoid/starter may be stuck, try putting it in a high gear and rock to and fro

Charge up the battery, check the battery connections, sounds like a discharged battery

I think the only problem you have is a loose or corroded connection somewhere. Check your module plug connectors for corrosion (green junk). Check wires to coil, kill switch and other connections for loose or frayed wires or connectors.I doubt that you have a bad electrical component since it starts sometimes but it is possible. Let us know what you find.