• I have a 1980 xl 1000 have a new starter and new solenoid my problem is that the solenoid is not engaging the starter

 

How good is that battery?
That has to be TOP notch first before you can go any further.
Get a new battery, CHARGE IT TILL FULL........THEN see what ya got!
Put a tender on that battery so it STAYS charged..........

 

Tell us exactly what happens when you press the start button.

 

Can not be of any help without more information. Did it start before ya got yer hands on it? Did you bench test part to verify they were bad? Ya replaced the starter motor and the solenoid BUT what about the starter relay?