96 FLHTCI starter problem

I purchased my bike about 2 years ago and everything was fine for a few months then I stated to experience a starting problem where I would hit the starter button but nothing would happen except it appeared to have a direct short. All of the guages would flicker off when the started button was pressed. Some times after several attempts the starter would engage and the bike would start. I changed the starter relay several times to no avail. Now I am required to use a jumper wire from a 12 volt source directly to the starter solanoid. It then starts everytime using this method. No other electrical problems have been encountered.
Sure could use some pointers.
zebra9er