Motorcycle Repair: 2001 honda 1100 starting, starter solenoid, starter button

Question
Tried to start honda turned over several times then just clicking. I replaced dead battery and when I tried to start, it shut off the lights and made no connection to the starter. Disconnected battery then, reconnected. Same thing happened as before. Where do I go from here?

Answer
Richard, when you press the start button, it automatically cuts off the headlight until you release the button. That allows extra amperage to be directed to the starting circuit. As you noticed, the clicking sounds occur when there is insufficient voltage in the system. With a fresh fully charged battery and no clicks, then usually the starter button and/or solenoid are to blame.

Try jumping across the starter solenoid's two big posts with a screwdriver to see if your starter motor is okay. If that works, then either the starter solenoid isn't getting full voltage to the primary windings or the solenoid is failing. Disconnecting the small wires on the solenoid will allow you to test the voltage from the starter button. If you aren't getting battery voltage to the solenoid, then the starter button may be imploding, which isn't uncommon.

Bill Silver