Electrical Failure? HELP!

Hi all! (fairly) new to motorcycling - first Buell.

I have a 2004 Buell Firebolt with around 27K miles. When i purchased five months ago, the owner told me the battery wan't in the best shape.

Two weeks ago, I left the lights on by mistake and killed the battery. I slow-charged it, and the bike ran great- for a few days. After leaving the parking lights on for maybe 10 minutes, the bike started clicking instead of firing. A fast, machine-gun clicking that I've heard before when I try to start the bike.

Charged the battery again, and went for a ride. After ten miles, the v-twin red engine indicator came on, then went off, then went back on again. I turned around and started home. The bike began to hitch - lightly at first, then more and more. The red 'check engine' light kept coming on and going off. I rode like this the last five miles home. The needles on the gauges bounced back and forth as well like they do on startup.

I got home, killed the bike. Tried to start it today, got more clicking, then.. nothing.

I'm sure the battery needs to be replaced- but there's probably more wrong here. What should I check first? What does this problem sound like?

Thanks for the input - if there's another thread with this already active, i apologize.

Since you zapped a weak battery twice, I'd start there. While it is out, check all of your grounds. They are a weak point of our bikes. I'mk not sure what the check engine light is all about, but that is where I'd start

replace the battery then get back to us.

CEL was because of low voltage. When its a constant on you should be a le to get home alright. If its flashing the way it was my personal opinion is to pull over mediately and trailer it home. You may have just fried your stator...

Hi all... just an update.

I replaced the battery and she fired right up.

I let the bike idle to warm it up, then checked the voltage of battery. I'm getting between 14.29-14.31 continuously at around 1800-2000 rpm. According to other posts on forums, that sounds like I'm in the green.

I appreciate you all for your help and suggestions- I'm going to take it for a ride and cross my fingers. Anything else you all would recommend?

Thanks again!

if the new battery doesnt hold a charge; check the voltage regulator. 03-07 had some bad regulator connectors; 08+ were updated with new ones