Motorcycle Starter Problem?

Question

Hi Guys

I've got a Suzuki Bandit that has recently stopped starting from the starter motor, i can bump start it and it then runs fine until I need to start it again. The starter turns but not very quickly (am able to do this in gear so I guess Bandits have a throwout starter clutch or something similar).

I've changed the battery, can hear the solenoid clicking sound that appears fine and have tried another starter motor which makes no difference (although it was a second hand motor so might have had the same fault). Has anyone had a similar problem? Bad earth maybe (if so where do you start)?

Cheers

Answer 1

Most likely the starter relay terminals need cleaning. Not sure where they are on a Bandit (usually behind the LHS side panel on most bikes) but follow the thick positive lead from the battery and it will go straight to it.

The starter circuit is simple so if you think logically it should be easy to find the problem.

The idea is that power passes from the battery +'ve terminal, to one terminal on the starter relay (marked B). The other terminal on the starter relay (marked M) is connected to the starter motor and of course the starter motor earths through the engine. When you press the starter button the relay energises and connects the 2 terminals sending battery voltage straight to the starter motor.

Logically there can only be 4 possibilitys (the chances of 2 duff starter motors is low). Dirty battery terminals, clean them up with a bit of fine sandpaper even if they already look clean, corroded starter relay terminals, a faulty starter relay (test by shorting the 2 termainls with a screwdriver, be prepared for a few sparks) or a poor starter motor earth.

Answer 2

Touch both of the large terminals of the starter solenoid (the battery positive cable goes to it) at the same time with a large screwdriver (careful of sparks).
If everything works - change the starter solenoid.
If no - could be a weak battery or wires not making a good connection.
Charge the battery, or jump it with a good battery.
Clean the battery terminals (wire brush / fine sand paper), the positive and negative cables, including where the negative cable touches the engine or frame.

Answer 3

make sure you have tight clean connections then try a new starter

Answer 4

dirty terminals can cause havok. clean em off and u should be ok. i 2nd what spanner said.