Motorcycle Repair: Starter, honda goldwing, starter solenoid

Question
Mark,

I think that the button on my Honda Goldwing 1981 GL1100 is going bad but not sure if it is a starter problem or not. When I push the starter button, I here a light click however the starter does not always fire. I sometimes have to push the button 2-3 times before the bike turns over. Let me know. Thanks

Answer
Hi Jeff,

The clicking sound indicates one or more of the following:

Loose battery cable connections (all ends)
Starter button contacts burned or corroded
Starter solenoid contacts burned or corroded
Starter solenoid windings defective
Defective starter motor
Worn or defective starter motor brushes
Defective starter motor clutch
Other

I return tech information files by email. There was no email address with your question as requested and explained in my instructions.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively