Motorcycle Repair: starter problems, nighthawk 650, starter solenoid

Question
Bill here I am again I have the 1984 650 nighthawk and when I push the starter button it just clicks eventually it will catch and start. The battery is good and cranks with force when it does crank but this clicking is disturbing me because I am going to take the bike on a vacation out west what do you think might be the problem thanks Jim

Answer
James, when the starter just clicks, generally it is a solenoid problem, if you are sure that the battery is fully charged and passes a load test. Clicking in the solenoid is usually due to some corrosion that has built up on the two big battery posts internally. I would verify that all large cable connections are clean and tight.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb650sc-84-nighthawk-650-us_model7227/partslist/F++17...  #9

If you are hearing some clicking that is not at the starter solenoid, but rather in the engine cases, then the starter clutch could be weakening.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb650sc-84-nighthawk-650-us_model7227/partslist/E++11...  #6 are the three springs that can collapse over time and cause the starter clutch to skip and slip during engagement.

Bill Silver