Motorcycle Repair: 1992 Yamaha Seca 2, yamaha xj 600, stator coil

Question
I have a 1992 yamaha xj 600 seca 2, when I try to start it the starter solenoid clicks and the starter makes noise but the engine doesn't turn over. I removed and tested the starter and it operates normal. Also what does the negative wire that comes off of the starter solenoid attach to? thanks for your help/

Answer
Hi Jake.

How old and what is the condition of the battery?  Have you checked it with a hygrometer to determine if all of the cells are good and holding a charge?

What you are describing sounds a lot like a bad battery or a failure of the charging system.  If the bike is at, near or beyond 50,000 miles, then the stator coil is the big suspect.  See if the bike is charging properly, once you get it started again.

In the mean time, check that battery and make sure that it has a full charge.  If it is 2 or more years old, then replace it.  If the cells are low, then fill them to the correct levels with filtrated water and charge the battery.

Start with that and see what happens.

That wire that comes off the solenoid goes to the starter motor.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON