Topic: CB650 Starter/Solenoid Problem

[ShermanPain]

For about the last two weeks my starting system has been acting up. It usually starts fine when the bike is cold, but once its warmed up it wont start again. Let it cool of and usually fires right back up. Ive been bump start it when Im out and about but now it wont start when cold. I replaced the rotor and the regulator earlier this year and have been riding with my new one for about 2 months, mostly around town with a few highway rides. When I press the starter button I can hear the solenoid click but the starter doesnt move at all. The battery has 12+ volts with the ignition on and last time I checked I was getting 13+ at about 4000 rpm. Everything else seems to be working fine and the bike ran awesome today.

I dont know too much electrical stuff in general so I will need a bit of advice on where to start.

[ShermanPain]

When I hit the starter button the voltage drops from 12 to around 5.7. measured that at the battery. Im about to take the solenoid off and clean the inside but does this mean the battery is also bad? Fairly new battery and it hasnt given me any problems before

[scunny]

just clean those contacts inside the solenoid and then worry about the battery later.

[Gordon]

When the engine is hot and the starter motor wont turn by pushing the button, get a screwdriver and bridge the terminals on top of the solenoid.  There will be a few sparks, and the more timid you are about it the more sparks there will be so do it with purpose.  If the starter turns then you can rule it out as the culprit and start looking at the other components of the starting system.

[ShermanPain]

I tried it and I must have beeen as timid as a mouse because i melted the end of my screwdriver and there were sparks everywhere. Ill finish my beer and try it again 

[ShermanPain]

Alright, so i tried jumping the solenoid and nothing happened. I took it apart and managed to break those two little copper wires so i ordered a new one. still doesnt work. Battery, starter motor, or something else? On a side note, I just installed a mac 4-1 and a stainless steel brake line, very happy with both!