How to Test Your Motorcycle's Starter Solenoid // Revival Cycles Tech Talk # 52

[@jamescoulton5138]

When you rolled / slid on over , I knew I was subscribing

[@v2vortex]

Thanks for the help... I explained the no start to my sister about her bike not turning over .. she thought it was engine, i said electrical..... I now have to test the battery,starter and solenoid.

[@johnmiddleton726]

As a follow up to my previous posts, I was finally able to finger it out. I had seen another YT post by a fellow named Yamaha Bruin Starter. After watching it a couple of times, it finally clicked. Rather than try to explain, watch the video-I had the same issue. After purchasing a new selenoid from ebay, I now have POWER! YAY!

[@ttpike]

Dude, I didn't even need to listen to the video to give you a Thumbs Up. The entrance says it all!

[@JasonWolek]

ijust wnt thank you for showing me exactly whati needed to know to confirm what i thoughtwaswrong with my bike i just bought. i was sceptical weather or not the starter silinoid was the problem and couldnt figure out how to make sure but your video did just that for me with the same tools i had on hand which made it that much easier. so i want to thank you so much for your help. ill try to keep you up to date on wearther the new relay works or not. i hope thats all it is. thanks again

[@jerryfarmer5989]

I got a good gremlin. '78 Suzuki GS750E. Was working perfect then pow. New battery solenoid clicks. Changed it to another one same thing. Power is going to the starter when the wire is off the terminal, then no light with it on. Pulled starter and it's good.

[@PJBiziak]

Didn't mention how loose grounds or other connections can stop a bike from starting. That's the gremlin that will keep you fooled all day.

[@fedora296]

thank you man. great video. well explained and simple for me to understand. I am having issues with my Honda Sabre 1100. I have to chock it for it to start. however the first time starts right up. then if I have to turn it off or the bike is not in a flat even surface It will not start even if if at running temperature. just with the chock. I am thinking it maybe the carb that needs some cleaning

[@chappyostermans1608]

Thank you so much, for keeping it simple. Now I understand. Respectfully Chappy

[@TysonTheRand]

Awesome video man, super easy to follow and understand 😄

[@ivanjulian2532]

Great video. Great presentation. New subscriber, with much love from Australia.

[@fonc7294]

Well explained everything is easy when you know how thanks for the information.

[@willieboy8798]

your helping people get started, fix, prevent and save a few bucks save some lives on broke machines get going! i dont have a problem with a donation!.....

[@johndoherty8681]

Hi can you help at all do I need a solenoid on my bike , as I have removed the starter motor as it is bad , and I don’t have a electric start hooked up so I kick start it only so would I need on as I have rectifier or and stator coil to run lights thanks

[@gergoszekeres2919]

Hi, I have a Yamaha R125 and I changed the blinkers on it the other day and the start button stopped working, it is possible that I shorted something when I clipped the wires while I was installing the new blinkers. How can I fix this? Or atleast find what did I short? Thanks !! :)

[@slewfoot6608]

Thank you for the tips!🎉

[@user-by5ud2hf1p]

What else can it be if I replaced the starter selenoid? I’m getting the same click sound when I try to start my 09 R1

[@GnRKauai]

Great video, thank you. I was hearing the click and problems starting my Yamaha 2012 FZ6R. I got out my multimeter, checked voltage to solonoid and the inbound bolt showed good battery voltage read. What was odd is there appears to be power on the outbound bolt even when they key is NOT turned on…Wtf

[@godrick2010]

Great video you really helped me out with the issue I had thanks again

[@spoiler42ify]

Thanks for the video. Liked! Can you just specify where you put the light at 4:12? How can I tell which lead coming in which lead going out? Coming in I assume is the wire from the battery ? And by elimination the other lead is the one you put the test light on for the power going out?

[@andrewgunter1947]

Here's one for you: 2017 Honda Rebel 500, 10,000 miles. Started having starter issues. Wouldn't crank unless I gave it a little gas. Replaced battery, plugs, air filter, and cleaned fuel injection. It was time for all of that anyway. Working well but I could tell something was still up. Bike sat for three days, which did not used to be a problem. Tried to start and nothing, not even a noise from the starter. Let it sit for a couplw of minutes and tried again. By the fourth or fifth try it cranked. Road it around. Parked it came back in an hour cranked right up. Purrs like a kitten. But I know this there is something up. What in the heck could this be? Any guidance would be appreciated.

[@HalfdeadRider]

Clean up your switchgear internally, probably so dirty it sometimes doesn't make contact to provide the signal to set off the starter solenoid.

[@genejacquesullivan1159]

excellent instructional vid- thanks for posting

[@drlest717]

Thanks, that helps me!

[@1965simonfellows]

Super helpful. Thanks your kindness.

[@innovruptly1769]

What is the voltage range for the trigger circuit? I have 11.75V with starter switch, but solenoid does not charge the coil. However, using a different ground of 12+V, the trigger activated the circuit. What does 12V +- 10% mean? Well, I noticed that with the battery on charger for good measure, the trigger sometimes got 12+V but no cigar. The 12+V was not sustained, so I assume the coil did not get enough 12V to activate. On to the starter switch. Can;t say that there was much dirt in the housing, pretty clean BUT I noticed the copper contacts of the circuit board had some oxidation. Cleaned with brasso and then emery papered the starter button contact under the spring. A little lithium grease on the starter button contact (nowhere else). NOW, the trigger circuit gets sustained 12+V and the solenoid fires the starter motor. Groovy!

[@samthevideokeman757]

Nice explanation bro ! Count me in as your NEW SUBSCRIBER

[@nimph7655]

I have a 99 Suzuki intruder 1400 and I’m pretty positive the starter solonoid is good because I can arc it to jump start the bike but when I turn the switch on and press the button is might click once or twice then it won’t make anymore noise I’m curious on if y’all think it’s the solonoid, the start switch or maybe even the relay itself

[@T.K.9]

I am legit in that situation right now. Went to the shop on my motorcycle to buy some food. Went back to the parking lot, she tried to start the engine briefly. And then failed. Then the next starter button press, no response. All lights and dash were on. The darkest "Oh no" for me at the time. But no more clicking, no more whirring sound of the starter no crank up. Just dead in the water. In this case in the parking lot. Tested to put the bike on gear and pushing it, no issues and she does try to start with bump start. So I went to tinker, got a new battery, still no bueno. Check all the fuses even swapping the built in spare's to the existing fuse, all good. Stand kill switch good, handle bar kill switch etc. no bueno. Now waiting for a solenoid to arrive tomorrow and replace and test. As my bike got an odd looking solenoid, like a tiny metal box (Yamaha MT line). With 4 pins which connects to a connector, there is no access to the pins once they are connected to the connector. There is just no way of testing it. I just hope its not the starter.

[@memestrosity7522]

try to short circuit the solenoid to check if your starter works

[@markusht]

Was it the solenoid?

[@FarReach01]

2022 klx 300r. Out of nowhere on the trail bike wouldnt start. Power comes on, audible electrical noise coming from relay switch, and can feel it vibrate trying to do something if you touch it. Full battery, all connections are good. Thinking something internal with the switch went bad?

[@samras831]

Hi, I have questions would like to ask. I have a 2013 V Star 950. it won't start when the engine is hot, it's acting like a low battery when pressing the start switch but it starts fine with a cold engine. Any answer? Thanks upfront

[@FarringtonDS]

nice clean presentation - many thanks, I now have a job to do! Subscribed...

[@WILLY52368]

Lets say I do exactly that but instead when I hit my starter button I'm only getting the clicks, what would you recommend then?

[@abr1mil]

Cristal clear thank you holmes! I was tired of the Indian guys crazy tests 😂

[@divineself2804]

Thank you for this video it was great it help me turn my bike on.

[@Bikerguy5845]

These are very informative videos but could you please inform me how to hook up a stock Yamaha virago ignition switch to the m unit???

[@spmince]

I have come across a strange problem with the starter solenoid on a 50cc Gy6 that I am working on. Had a dead short to ground and found it was the solenoid coil windings. OHMS test checked fine (3-4 ohms) but the bike will not start with the solenoid plugged in. Still trying to understand why.

[@chrisa1963]

How do you know which wire on the Starter Solenoid is your trigger wire? My Starter Solenoid has 4 spade connections on it.

[@petekraemer6613]

My battery`s good, and I tried a new one as well. I get clicks only. It jumps off from the car with no problem and charges. However, still no cranking from the battery, so I wonder why those extra amps will crank it.

[@tywill9144]

What you find out?

[@CptSlow89]

I have problem on starting it on hot days, and I think its starter motor. Starting when its cold is perfectly fine, even 9/10 when its hot.

[@mod6523]

Hello, my bike starts for several second the cut off. Do you have any experience with that

[@karamjeetchahal5906]

Hi I replaced my 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 cc carburetor and new battery but it’s didn’t start and it keeping a clicking noise when we start try to start it. What do you think is the reason for it

[@johnmiddleton726]

OK-please bear with me on this. I’m totally baffled. When I replaced the starter solenoid on my 03 Yamaha XVS 1100, I was tightening the bolt for the positive cable and accidentally touched the frame with my wrench, there was a big spark. Since I’m getting NO power even to the main fuse, (fuse goo) could I have short red it out? A real head scratcher. Thanks

[@andrewnel2458]

Hey. What is a good cheap starter bike?

[@lynskyrd]

good vid- thanks for doing this.

[@bocorico]

I got a klx 250 and after the battery died i replaced it and now has spark and new keihin 34 pwk but the bike cranks but doesn't want to wake up pls help

[@Glassofhenny]

My motorcycle starts when jumped. But if I turn it off when full charged it will not turn on again. What can it be besides the battery

[@Alex-uz6bk]

This is probably a dumb question but, have you tried testing the starter solenoid?

[@adams13f]

What if it has power till you start Turing it over then after a few minutes it doesn't want to turn over?

[@brianbuxton5256]

Would the starter solenoid stop the engine when started. I had trouble starting then when it did i got 50meters up the road and it cut out??. Please help. Cheers

[@RevivalCycles]

It will not. Once the solenoid supplies voltage to the starter it's job is done It will not/cannot kill your engine after that.

[@brianbuxton5256]

Mind did the same. It was the kick stand switch

[@petechildren5112]

I have a question I have a Kawasaki Ninja 250R when I put the key in and I push the button it's cranking but the motor does not turn on what does this mean

[@EdgarHernandez-it6yl]

You video save my life

[@Shipster1912]

Hi man! I replaced my solenoid as it seemed like the most obvious step but my bike still won’t start. I know my starter motor is okay as I jumped the solenoid and it fired up perfectly. What else could this be?

[@noahway13]

I have the same problem. Did you find solution? I can short the solenoid and bike tries to turn over, otherwise it doesn't even click. And I have lights, etc. I mean it DOES turn over, but won't start for other reasons.

[@Jbando556]

@@noahway13 you figure it out having same problem but I’m not getting lights or anything

[@noahway13]

@@Jbando556 I am lost about what happened, I changed so much, but it could actually be clutch not dis engaging

[@Alex-uz6bk]

@@noahway13 Put the bike in neutral, turn on the ignition, turn the kill switch to on/run, hit the start button, and test to see if the starter solenoid is receiving the 12v from the starter button that it needs to activate. If it's not getting it there's probably a problem with wiring/connections.

[@renedelafuente123]

I have a 2012 Yamaha wr450f and doesn't Crank at all, nothing. I was thinking of touching the solenoid with a screwdriver to see if it at least cranks. Would doing this mess up the starter or something else? Don't have a voltmeter or test light at the moment. Thanks for the video any feedback appreciated

[@jamus232]

Not as long as your touching the right connections

[@jakob31448]

I know this video is old now. But… on my crf450x when you hit the start switch you hear the points making contact. No blown fuse. Power going into the relay. So I tried probing the starter directly putting 12volts to the power terminal on the starter and grounding it to the body. And nothing happened. I presume this means the starter is well and truly dead. Thoughts on this???

[@cole-ih3vp]

Did you replace the starter yet? What solved the problem

[@Tilewarriorsofamerica]

Great info

[@IrishBog]

Sometimes my bike doesn't start when warm. If I wait overnight it'll start fine. Battery level is always good around 13.05V But if I connect a portable starter pack to it... it usually starts... or if I jump start it. Could that be a faulty solenoid? Why does the extra ooomp of the portable 12V starter battery get it going ???

[@RevivalCycles]

If your bike cranks (turns over) like normal when trying to start it then your starter/starter solenoid are working as they should and it could be a completely different problem altogether. If your bike doesn't crank (turn over) at all when you press the start button or cranks slowly then yes, it could be many things, including anything from a dying battery to a bad solenoid to a starter to loose cables. Check the battery voltage drop when cranking and if it's great then check all of your battery cable connections and your solenoid. If the battery tests bad then you will need to figure out why it went bad... the fun never ends...

[@madeinjapan3485]

Great video, am having the following problem though key on full charge on battery press starter button nothing no crank or anything. Test light in back of pigtail wire while plugged in which there are 2 one yellow and red other blue no power nothing pressing button or otherwise. Unplug the pig tail wires test light on the red and yellow wire power now present pressing the starter button light dims and almost goes out on test light. Plug the wires back in no power again, bridging the solenoid with a screwdriver turns the bike over so the solenoid and starter motor are good yes?? Scratching my head on this one, what's the problem here is the relay still bad or is something going on with the starter switch?

[@Harnas31]

My bet is on reg/rectifier.

[@madeinjapan3485]

@@Harnas31 reg/rec used in a motorcycles starter circuit? don't think so. Reg/rec converts alternating current into direct current to keep ur battery tip top. So how's it used in the ignition sequence start up of a bike???🤣😆

[@Harnas31]

well, it may be faulty. It is part of motorbike wiring so is worth checking as well.

[@ivicafranic1297]

Ty

[@jackshotgunfisler4825]

My bike is just turned over 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan drifter just turn over what should I look for in that song

[@jeffreyharbin5211]

I can get my bike to run when jumping the solenoid with a wrench but using the button I get no clicks nothing, I replaced the igntion switch twice and swapped in two new solenoids, and installed a new start button combination switch and still nothing, no clicks or anything.. I tested with a multimeter and what I found only confuses me more now... I have power at the battery between the terminals, I have power between the battery terminal and the starter post on the solenoid, but I have zero power going from the battery terminal to the battery post on the solenoid I'm so stumped someone please help!!

[@juniorz9245]

You guys are pros

[@BigDadOfSteel]

My fury only clicks right now and starts in second gear after a push start.

[@unleavenedkaraiteplus3412]

I don't get the it. No tester needed if it's cranking.

[@robertmeek2990]

Good advice

[@n0xxm3rcyxx]

I turn the key, and put the start switch on then hit the starter and all I hear is humming nothing happens. And I just fully charged the battery

[@LandinMarsMafia]

I like this guy. I:ll sub.

[@johnmiddleton726]

I watched your video and hopefully you can help. I have a Yamaha XVS 1100 Custom (03) and I’m on my second starter solenoid. Power going in-nothing out. The main fuse also indicates no power.😖😖☹️ Maybe if you could provide an email address, I could go into more detail. Thanks.

[@RevivalCycles]

Shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we’ll help you to figure what’s wrong.

[@BK1.Steevie]

So I have a 2006 Suzuki gs500 when I got to press the start button my light goes off and no start no clicking sound would that mean my starter solenoid is bad

[@BK1.Steevie]

Update: Changed my starter solenoid still same problem anyone got an idea what it can be

[@LandinMarsMafia]

Could be your handle at switch.bad connection inside maybe. Also could be a good battery but the cranking amps in the battery are shot. Never had this problem. But heard of it.

[@pokerbaarcode]

What happens if you hear a click and then the bike just dies if urn the key on and off the screen doesn’t even pop up until after a bit

[@h3li064]

Your battery died

[@huntermericle9553]

Mine has power but as soon as I try to start it, it continuously clicks then the screen shuts off but turns back on after a second. I’d assume starter but just didn’t know

[@dylansupple5957]

Hey I'm having the same problem did you ever get to the bottom of it ?

[@huntermericle9553]

@ yes it was my regulator rectifier. I had nursed a bad battery. Bought a new battery and it still did that but then it turns out it was my rectifier. I would watch a video on how to test a regulator rectifer before doing anything tbh. I made a 1 week $60 job into a $300 1 month job because of that

[@alexgomez-rc5nt]

What if bike turns on without a battery

[@v2vortex]

You have a magical bike😅

[@aricroy4258]

were you high when you made this comment

[@alexgomez-rc5nt]

@@aricroy4258 I was lol just humor

[@fear-hercine5708]

I have a 2021 R3 I turned off on me one day I hit the kill switch at a gas station to put air in my tires it was trying to turn on with the key off and the kill switch off any ideas I tried 2 new batteries on it and it won’t start and it KEEPS DRAINING the batteries

[@twan7005]

Did you manage to fix it bro and how?

[@Ceez542]

Did you get it fixed?

[@therealald583]

I have 82 Honda 450 it keeps blowing fuse to ignition I replaced regulator and still same thing? HELP!!!

[@noahway13]

A Honda what? I have a cm 250, same year. Wiring is giving me fits.

[@JJ-xo7zv]

Do you actually mean starter relay?

[@RevivalCycles]

The electrical component we are testing and going over in this video is a starter solenoid. A relay is an electromagnetic switch. A solenoid is an electromagnetic actuator.

[@theelifeofjacob]

When I hit the starter button, all I get is a click

[@FlipFlopandFly]

I have the same problem.

[@syrsknight]

Me too but i get only 1 click then nothing

[@RockNDrums650]

Yeah, on my KLR 650. The bike is getting power. I've used an external big battery. When I press the starter, all I'm getting is a click

[@jamescoulton5138]

I need a sissy bar foe an 82 450 Suzuki

[@darrellyas892]

Am like to join you for your company

[@skln9]

Thank you for this video it's really helpful 🫡