Make sure the battery terminals are tight. There is a known problem. See this thread.

http://www.vulcanforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19144

 

Also make sure all the connections at the relay under the left side cover are clean and tight (connectors, screws...). Don't forget the chassis ground too.

I had weird problems, including everything suddenly quitting until I went through and tightened everything. Also, if you get sort of a grunting, buzzing noise when you hit the starter but the engine doesn't seem to turn over, that is a sign of a weak battery or otherwise low voltage to the starter; the relay/solenoid will make a weird, low buzz when there isn't enough juice to engage the starter and get things spinning. Put a volt meter on the battery. It should be reading a tiny bit more than 12v at rest and better than 13v when the engine is running and charging. I believe it shouldn't draw down much below 10v when you're cranking. If it really drops (8,7V), it's probably a bad battery.

How old is the battery? If it's original, it's certainly toast by now. If you do change it, do yourself a favor and wrap it in duct tape in such a way to make a lift handle - the battery is a pain to get out otherwise.

 

Thanks for your help. I took out the battery, filled with distilled water and put back in, tight connections. Starts up on first try now.
Don't know the age of the battery, but Phoenix summers (and Spring and Fall) are not kind.

Any suggestions where to get a good deal on a new battery? Cycle Gear, Auto Parts store, online?

thanks again, great to be back on the road