Last week a posted a question reference to my bike not starting. All lights came on, and just got a clicking noise, no start.....The answer was to check the wiring from the battery to the starter. I did this. I even checked with a volt meter, at the starter, and its getting 11.65 volts. I took the cover off of the solinoid, and removed the plunger. I lubed the plunger put it back in and the bike started. I let it sit for a couple of hours tried to start it, and only got the clicking noise. I took the wooden end of a hammer and tapped the solinoid, while someone hit the starter and it started right up. Waited awhile then it wouldnt start......Any ideas? Solutions?? Should I just replace the solinoid???

 

Your voltage should be higher than 11.65 for a good battery. You should have upper 12s off the battery. Have your battery load tested. Most autopart places or Sears will do it for free.

 

If the solenoid is clicking but not engaging the starter then the problem is most likely the copper connection at the end of the throw of the solenoid piston which completes the circuit to the motor after the teeth are engaged. I would try a jumper battery first to confirm the problem mentioned in the post above, make sure you have a hot battery first before going any further into it----jack

 

11.65 is a very low state of charge for a 12V battery.

 

If you have to hit the starter to make it start then just get it over with and replace the whole starter ....

 

Get your battery voltage problem fixed first, then move on from there.

Mike

 

Yup voltage first.

 

Around here none of the auto parts stores will check bike batteries. The HD dealership will, tho, at the parts counter.

 

Turned out to be the starter. Had it rebuilt, fixed the problem...thanks for the advise