Help !! Do I need a Starter Motor ?
 

Think I have a duff starter motor, but not sure - what do you think ??

Bike is a 99 curvy with 25 k on the clock. When I got it a couple of months ago, it started fine as far as I can recall. Lately if it has been standing a day or so, when I thumb the starter from cold, it really struggles to turn over the engine, and the starter seems to drop out after a few turns rather than keep turning. Lights dim,as though the battery is low on charge and after a couple of times it doesnt seem to have the power to turn at all (like a flat battery). If I leave it for a while (few minutes) it turns slowly but fires and starts (even with no choke), then runs fine. If the engine was warm after that it would start stright away with no problem.

Had the battery off and on the 20V Dc setting on a multimeter, was reading about 15.5, so plenty charge there ?

After a run out today, got home, and few minutes later went to start the bike again --> but nothing except a rapid clicking from somewhere seat area RHS ... So :

1) I assume that the rapid clicking is the starter relay / solenoid? (are they the same thing?)
2) I assume therefore that the starter motor is the culprit ?
3) Before I replace it completely, are there simple things which could cause the symptoms described above? Earth contacts? live contacts ? Brushes inside ?

Not much of an electrician, so all help gratefully received !!!!

Chris :(

Hey chris, did change the oil ? Also i love the jacket :)

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Re: Help !! Do I need a Starter Motor ?
 

hi Josh

yes changed the oil, made no difference !! I think that it had the right grade in anyway (but no harm in being sure!)

Glad you like the jacket :D hope you didn't get too wet on the way home !!

Re: Help !! Do I need a Starter Motor ?
 

sounds like week battery, you can show correct voltage but it is not able to crank the engine

Re: Help !! Do I need a Starter Motor ?
 

Starter solenoid i'm 100 % sure off it as i just resolved the same problem
, if you have a set of jump leads put black to negative on battery put the other end on the starter motor at a bolt then red to positive on battery with the other end of the red jump lead put it straight to the starter motor where the cable connects , if the bike fires up no probs then it'll be the solenoid .

Re: Help !! Do I need a Starter Motor ?
 

this.
Two batteries did this in a row and both been weak batteries

Re: Help !! Do I need a Starter Motor ?
 

Took a chance on the battery - new one fitted, starts like a dream
.. thanks for your help chaps !