You guys are the best.
Dave and mornhm - yes, I sure did discharge the entire battery two weeks ago, and it is the original battery. Although this is an '06, I bought it used this year with 1100 miles on it and have put the other 5500 on it since July. I like to ride.
So if I have screwed up the original battery, maybe it's time for a new one.
Alittlebird - yes, as a child we had a Beetle that my dad had to roll down a hill every morning to pop start.
It really does work with the bike too. I didn't have to push the start button, just let out the clutch and gave it some throttle (I think...it's been two weeks...trying to remember what I did)
At any rate, Thump is in the shop now. I stopped for gas yesterday and had no noise out of the starter at all. I wiggled the handlebars and then the starter worked perfectly. Maybe a short? I don't know if the two problems are related....in any case, I threw myself at the mercy of the repair dudes, who are excellent. *counting money in wallet*
Thanks again for all the good tips.
Be safe everyone.
Amy