Motorcycle Repair: 1995 VT 1100C2 Shadow (ACE), starter solenoid, bench test

Question
Want start...has a good battery...when I hit the starter button the starter want turn over I just hear a clicking sound. What do you think the problem might be.

Answer
Hi Greg.
 Are you sure that the battery is good?  Just because it shows 12 volts static does not always mean that the battery is good.  It has to hold a full amperage charge as well.  If the battery has one or more bad cells, then there will be issues like this.

In addition, you should check the wiring to the starter motor as well as the starter motor itself and the starter solenoid.  If the wiring has a short or the starter motor has bad contact or dirty brushes, then it could cause symptoms just like this.

To see if it is the solenoid, jump the leads and see if the starter motor turns over properly.  If it does not, then it is likely the battery or wiring/contacts.  If it does turn over normally, then the solenoid is suspect and you should refer to the repair manual for bench test proceedures to make sure that the solenoid is in fact bad.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON