bike suddenly not starting... could it be the starter motor?

[gerpena]

i try to start my bike and all i hear is a clicking sound in the
starter solenoid. i cant figure out what the problem is but here is
what i have tried:

1. i recharged the battery

2. checked the solenoid fuse and the fuse box under the handle bar
(they are fine)

3. checked if the solenoid was generating 12 V when i attempted to
start the bike (it is)

Zoo Tech suggested i should bang on my starter motor as that may help it
start. i am about to try this right now.

any other suggestions?

[Mag7C]

Picture didn't load for me.

But I've had that same thing happen. Is it like a "tick tick tick" coming from somewhere below the seat?

If you can't figure out whether the battery needs replacing, just replace it anyway. Batteries aren't too expensive.

My problem was the little starter motor was burnt out. I don't know the technical name. It's a cylinder shaped thing with a gear poking out the top that spins when you push the start button to get the engine going. Even though I don't remember what it's called I was able to replace it myself and the bike started up like new. Cost $90 just for the part though.

However, I'd take the bike to a shop and have them listen to it and give you an opinion before you start tearing it apart.

[gerpena]

here is the updated link...

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/31/ ... 19781l.jpg


how do i get it to the bike shop if it wont start? how do you jump start a bike?

[Gadjet]

you have one of two problems.

Your starter solenoid is fried.

Your starter relay is fried.

As to how to get it to the dealership if it won't start:

first, you can try bumpstarting it if you are close to/on a hill

second, you can load it onto a trailer or the back of a truck.

[Mag7C]

here is the updated link...

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/31/ ... 19781l.jpg


how do i get it to the bike shop if it wont start? how do you jump start a bike?

Yup that's the same area I was hearing it from.

To get started, put the bike in 2nd and roll down a hill or have a friend push you. Get up to jogging speed, pop the clutch, give it throttle and it should sputter to life.

[mydlyfkryzis]

If the starter solenoid is clicking, it may still be o.k.

Use a voltmeter and see if 12V is on both sides of the solenoid (the fatest cables) when it clicks. It may be a loose connection on the battery, on the solenoid wiring or the starter itself.

Do a little troubleshooting before changing parts.

Clean the battery terminals, make sure the solenoid terminals are tight and conducts electricity.

There is more than one fuse. Check all of them.

[bikeguy joe]

I concur with mydlyfkryzis...

[gerpena]

Use a voltmeter and see if 12V is on both sides of the solenoid (the fatest cables) when it clicks.

There is more than one fuse. Check all of them.

I did as you suggested and it seems like the solenoid is fine. i hooked up my meter and when i tried to start i saw the reading across the meter was around 12 volts.

i also checked out the fuses under my handle bar and they are ok.

any other suggestions?

[ZooTech]

any other suggestions?

Try rapping on the starter motor with a small hammer or wrench (not too hard, don't cave in the motor casing or anything!). The starter motor went bad in my Aerostar last year and a had to bang on it with the tire iron to free it up and get it to start. If you rap on it and it starts, you'll know that a new start motor is forthcoming.

[nitrus]

If the starter motor clicks, you've got power to it.. the problem is most likely on the ground side of the circuit.. Check your grounds.