Motorcycle Repair: 1980 sportster, starter solenoid, head scratcher

Question
QUESTION: I am having a problem with the starting system. When I push the start button I hear a click at the solenoid. If I keep pushing the start button once in a while the solenoid will grab and turn the motor over. I can jump the solenoid with a screwdriver and it turns the motor over fine. The solenoid is almost brand new. I was thinking it might be  the starter relay. I do not know where it is located and do you think this might be it?
Many thanks!
Bronson

ANSWER: At the starter solenoid, when you push the starter button, are you getting power at the small post when it clicks
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I checked with voltmeter and nothing when I push switch. I have 12 volts at large post direct from battery. The clicking is not coming from the solenoid itself but above it near battery. Thanks again Mike.
I am also having another problem with the bike which to me is a head scratcher. When I ride the bike around 14 miles, then come to an idle it will not idle and pops when I try to give it gas, once I get the rpms up to around 1500 and above it runs fine. Tested the computer module and it putd out 5 volts as per manuel, but I tested the ignition sensor and it is only putting out 3 volts not 5 Any ideas?
Bronson

ANSWER: You need to replace your starter solenoid. Its bad.

Pull your spark plugs and let me know what color they are. Also, what carb are you running?
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I replaced the solenoid last night with a new one. Did not fix the problem. Still doing the exact same thing

On he other problem the plugs look mud brown. Stock carb that has been cleaned and rebuilt. The thing is how can it be the carb if it runs fine for almost 20 minutes then all of a sudden won' idle? It seems to maybe have something to do with the timing not retarding maybe? I checked the advance timing at 2000 rpm and it was spot on.
Thanks again

Answer
You still dont have any power going to the stater solenoid from the starter relay? I messed up and told you the wrong thing to change. You should have changed the relay not the solenoid. Sorry.

I wanted to know what color the plugs were to see if they were fouling. A bad coil or a bad plug wire can cause that. What ignition are you running? Is it stock?
Mike