Motorcycle Repair: SR 250, motor carbon brushes, starter solenoid

Question
I have had the bike for a few days, the 1st it was fine.  The second day it stalled and stuggled to idle in lower gears, the 3rd day it struggled to start, 4th had to push start it and now it chuggs when pushed but cuts off about 2 seconds later.  When i push the ignition it clicks and very slowly ticks over if at all.  I bought the bike cheap to learn about bikes and to enjoy riding it but both are not coming easy.  I know the battery is not dead  but thats about it.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Answer
Hi Paul,

Get the service manual for your MC. It has illustrated procedures, specs, and important things to know.

The clicking sound described is the starter solenoid working. Clicking is caused by one or more of the following:

1) under charged battery
2) defective battery
3) Worn starter motor carbon brushes
4) Loose battery leads (check both ends of cables, from battery to starter motor)
5) Starter motor clutch defective
6) seized starter motor
7) seized engine

I suggest checking the battery leads first.

Test battery voltage with a multimeter. Check specific gravity of individual cells using a hydrometer. Don't assume battery is good because it is new or has been charged. You must test the battery. Recharge the battery with a max 1 amp battery charger. Try starting again with a fully charged battery.

If battery checks okay after performing the above, remove the starter motor and check the brushes. Replace brushes if necessary.

These are the most common causes of the clicking sounds.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively