Yamaha XJ600N 1999 Starter problems

Hi all,
When I try to start, neutral light green, kill switch off, sidestand
up, clutch in, and press the start switch all I get is clicking
(repeatedly when I hold the starter switch on). The battery is fully
charged and checked. The bike was standing for a couple of months, no
problems previously. The clicking would imply that the relay is ok and
i checked the starter motor seperately and its ok so im guessing there
is a problem with the solenoid but would like some advice if anyone
else has had similar problems.
I will try shorting the solenoid but if the starter is working when
connected directly whats the point? Could the relay be faulty even
though its clicking? and how can i check each point along the system
to isolate the problem? I have a hayes manual to help me but electrics
aren't my strength!
Thanks

 

A clicking solenoid usually indicated that the battery is on its last
legs.

A sulfated battery will charge up to full voltage, and the specific
gravity of the electrolyte will be correct.

But all the pores in the spongy lead plates are plugged up with
sulfate and the battery has no power.

The voltage drops off very quickly when you push the starter button
and you hear the relay clicking.

One way to find out if the battery has good power is to charge it up
and turn the head light on and leave it on for an hour. The battery
voltage shouldn't drop below 12 volts during that time.

However, your problem just might be dirty battery cables and a
corroded terminal at the solenoid control post.

Clean yuor connections good.

 

Sounds like a duff battery, but you say you've checked that. Get SWK (as
ou say electrics aren't your strong point) to run a jumpstart cable
directly from battery to starter motor. If it spins, then you know it's
not the battery or the motor and it's just the connection between relay
and motor.

 

You might try a jump from an auto battery.
If it starts, then you have a bad battery.
(This assumes that the motorcycle battery
is pretty well charged first).

You might also take a look at both ends of
the battery cables to make sure they're really
clean and tightly connected.

 

Thanks all and yes it was a duff battery but all's well that ends
well, Thanks for all your help and advice, as I said electrics are not
my strong point !

 

<VBG>

Heh. Three reponses to the original problem, and all said the same
thing. We told you!

 

CHARGE IT.

My ATV's do that after storage. Gauge says OK, but not enough to turn
it over. ...or you could go to Wal-Mart and buy a new battery. But
keep it charged with a trickle or a solar charger...

 

Did you read the thread so far before posting this?

 

Bad connection or weak battery. Common problem on older bikes.

 

And another idiot shuffles into the limelight.

 

Too bad the Turks didn't catch you trying to sneak into their country.

You definitely deserve to be bastinado-ed

 

Now, now, there's a good little stalker.

 

Why don't you go hang out in the loo at Sutton BR station?

 

No such thing, stalker. Hasn't been that for years. Unsurprising to
see you're as ignorant as ever.....