Motorcycle Repair: starter relay, yamaha v star 650, yamaha v star

Question
Hi Mike (if this actually gets to you),
I have an '05 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic. After research, I think the starter relay may be bad, but wanted to check with someone of more experience first.
I know the battery's good. When I try to start it, there's that classic rapid clicking that I remember from the old days w/cars. I held my finger to the relay (or what some call the solenoid) and can feel the clicking.
I tried pushing the bike in neutral, then in gear, to  try to shift things in a different position. Didn't work. I tried crossing the posts on the relay, and the starter tried to turn over, but only a couple of half-hearted half second attempts. After that, nothing but sparks.
Additional info. When I put the battery back in this spring, it had a hard time starting, the relay did a bit of clicking, but it caught, and I ran it for about 15 minutes. It started again, no problem, about an hour later. That was a few weeks ago, now, nothing.
Thank you for any help you can offer. Though I've a feeling I'll be springing for a new relay anyway.
Rick

Answer
If a relay clicks, that means it is working. If a solenoid clicks, that means it is not working properly. The starter relay is usually located under the seat in the area of the battery and is usually shaped like a small black square. The solenoid is an integral part of the starter and is usually piggybacked on top of it. I suspect it is the solenoid and not the relay that is causing the problem and you will need to remove it and/or the starter to get it repaired.