Motorcycle Repair: 2005 yamaha Roadstar, starter button, wire connections

Question
  QUESTION: After a long ride, I stopped to fill my tank with gas and the bike won't start. When I turn the key it seems like it will for a second and then makes this electrical buzzing sound. I notice that the caps on the battery are coming up and liquid is seeping out.


ANSWER: Maria,
Here is a couple things for you to try.  With the bike running, and using a volt meter, check the voltage to the battery, it should read 12.5 to 13.5 volts....next, is to rev your bike to 3000 rpms and check your meter again....voltage should be about the same...If you are over 14  volts, your bike may be overcharging and "cooking" your battery...If everything is in spec, then install a new battery and see if that solves your problem...ok?

The battery is fine. Where do we go from here?

Answer
Maria,
 Run your bike until you feel it is at a temp that will make it act up.  Test through the solenoid circuit to make sure it is functional...battery voltage 12-14 volts on the supply side of the solenoid...battery voltage on the activation wire when the start button is depressed. and battery voltage at the output post of the solenoid with the starter button depressed....if all is good then make sure you have that same 12-14 volts at the starter ...if you have good voltage at the starter then I would assume that you have a bad starter that is getting hot and failing to work until it cools down....remove it and have it tested.  The fault has to be one of the three issues and you have told me that the battery is fine, so that leaves two remaining
 Also remember to check your ground wire connections

Let me know..lol

D