Motorcycle Repair: starter,solenoid,650 nighthawk, starter solenoid, bill silver

Question
I turn key on hit start, the solenoid just clicks once. Bike does not turn over.Battery has full charge. Before this started, bike would start fine cold, would turn over really slow when hot and not start.When bike cools off it would start again.

         Thanks Jeff

Answer
Jeff, there is a big difference between the battery being "fully charged" voltage-wise and having cranking amps to back it up.

Have the battery load-tested to see if it has full cranking amps.

Once you get it started, check the charging system output, which should run up towards 13.5 volts. Troubleshooting tips at www.electrosport.com.

You didn't say which 650 Nighthawk you have... SOHC or DOHC. They both have completely different charging systems in them. If you have the first generation SOHC bike (79-82), the rotor may be dying. If you have a 650SC (83-84) the field coil for the charging system is a known issue.

You could have some issues with the solenoid/connections, but generally it is the battery or charging system causing all the hot start problems.

Bill Silver