Motorcycle Repair: Slow turn over, jumper cables, starter solenoid

Question
I bought a 1995 Honda 1100 ACE in sept. 08--When I got it it had a T battery (T shaped by the way) At times it would turn over real slow and just stop turning in a matter of a few seconds and if i would let off and try again it always started. I replaced the battery with a new agm no maintenance battery---same thing--still it would always start. This did not happen every time What would be my 1st,2nd and third course of action to remedy this? Thanks for any help

Answer
Bill, when you were trying to run it on a low powered battery, starter motors, solenoids and other circuits tend to get overheated and sometimes damaged.

1st:  Jumper across the starter solenoid posts with a screwdriver or pliers (beware it will arc and spark when you do that) to see if the starter motor spins over freely. If it does, then the solenoid contacts probably are fried and the unit needs replacing.

2nd; Use small jumper cables and use an outside battery source to test the starter motor directly. If it kicks over okay, then the starter motor should be good.

3rd: The starter clutch may be failing and not grabbing the starter clutch hub sufficiently.

4th: Check all of your BIG cables from the battery to solenoid to starter motor for clean tight connections.

5th: Check your charging system! Stator connections on the 1100s are known to get overheated and damaged, which takes down the regulator and rectifier with it.

Bill Silver