Motorcycle Repair: Starting, starter solenoid, cycle salvage

Question
I own a 1989 suzuki 600 katana that I paid $300.00 for, and it runs!  Or it ran.  My problem is when I hook up the battery, the starter immediately cranks and continues to crank until I unhook the battery.  The bike starts but the starter stays engaged.  I am confused. My brother in law says replace the starter and two friends suggest the starter relay. I am on a budget, so the cheapest fix would be helpful.  What do you suggest?

Answer
Hi Sean.

The starter motor will NEVER stick on the engaged position on it's own.  It has no parts that would contact each other in the electrical circuit.

The starter relay (solenoid) is an unlikely culprit as well,but worth checking. You should also check the starter switch, to see if the contact is stuck, as well as the wiring from power to the switch and from the switch to the starter solenoid.  There could be a hot short that is engaging the starter solenoid and the starter motor.

If the switch is bad, then a new replacement switch will be the answer.  A used one can work as well.  Those can normally be found at just about any cycle salvage yard.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON