Motorcycle Repair: Wont start Honda CME 450 1982, solinoid, starter button

Question
I charged the battery and reinstalled it. I turn on the ignition and I get lights. I push the start button and all I get is tick tick tick.

Any help would be most helpful!

Thanks!

Answer
Diane,
 That sound is the solinoid which is a low voltage switch which makes the high current connection from your battery to your starter motor and kicks out the starter gear, all when you press the starter button.  The most probable reason for the starter motor not turning is that you have poor contact at the battery terminals from corrosion or loosness. Remove them, clean with a wire brush an retighten.  The other possibility is the battery is not preforming well under load.  Your battery can show 12 volts on a mutimeter yet not be able to supply the proper current.  In this case you will need to replace the battery.

Hope this helps, Mike