kawasaki won't start

[wanna ride]

I have an 86 Kawasaki Concours 1000 cc. I put it on charger after winter and the bike started ok ( electric start ). Second time around I had bike on the auto charger to the higher amp setting, the charger kicked off with its internal circuit breaker when I was turning over the bike. Now with the battery fully charged and no charger connected , or with charger connected the bike only clicks at what I beleive is the solanoid ( has positive battery cable on one side of nut fastener type stud and the other big wire ( same size as battery cable ) goes to what I believe is the starter , then there's a square type wire connect on center of 2 studs. When I hit starter button all I get is clack clack clack from the solonoid, I feel it clacking with my hand on it. I've rocked the bike forward to turn motor piston position putting bike in 1rst andf rolling bike forward , I thought maybe the starter was jammed but no difference.
Any one have any ideas on this if it is starter or solanoid? Is there any way of testing the solanoid ?

[vtxjosh]

Originally Posted by wanna ride

I have an 86 Kawasaki Concours 1000 cc. I put it on charger after winter and the bike started ok ( electric start ). Second time around I had bike on the auto charger to the higher amp setting, the charger kicked off with its internal circuit breaker when I was turning over the bike. Now with the battery fully charged and no charger connected , or with charger connected the bike only clicks at what I beleive is the solanoid ( has positive battery cable on one side of nut fastener type stud and the other big wire ( same size as battery cable ) goes to what I believe is the starter , then there's a square type wire connect on center of 2 studs. When I hit starter button all I get is clack clack clack from the solonoid, I feel it clacking with my hand on it. I've rocked the bike forward to turn motor piston position putting bike in 1rst andf rolling bike forward , I thought maybe the starter was jammed but no difference.
Any one have any ideas on this if it is starter or solanoid? Is there any way of testing the solanoid ?

I'm sure this is a dumb question, but did you check your battery connection? I bet you popped a fuse somewhere, if not maybe time to replace that solenoid. Good luck!

[03fxst]

Since the solenoid is clicking, it is working properly. You either have a weak battery, a poor connection between the battery, solenoid, or starter. Or the starter is fried.

Don

[Bosotrose]

Originally Posted by wanna ride

I have an 86 Kawasaki Concours 1000 cc. I put it on charger after winter and the bike started ok ( electric start ). Second time around I had bike on the auto charger to the higher amp setting, the charger kicked off with its internal circuit breaker when I was turning over the bike. Now with the battery fully charged and no charger connected , or with charger connected the bike only clicks at what I beleive is the solanoid ( has positive battery cable on one side of nut fastener type stud and the other big wire ( same size as battery cable ) goes to what I believe is the starter , then there's a square type wire connect on center of 2 studs. When I hit starter button all I get is clack clack clack from the solonoid, I feel it clacking with my hand on it. I've rocked the bike forward to turn motor piston position putting bike in 1rst andf rolling bike forward , I thought maybe the starter was jammed but no difference.
Any one have any ideas on this if it is starter or solanoid? Is there any way of testing the solanoid ?

The battery might be real old. Once they are gone, they are g-o-n-e. Try a new one.

[wanna ride]

All connections are good , I just put new battery last year, I'm also thinking possibly the starter. Is there anyway of testing the solanoid and or the starter, without pulling the starter off?

[03fxst]

Originally Posted by wanna ride

All connections are good , I just put new battery last year, I'm also thinking possibly the starter. Is there anyway of testing the solanoid and or the starter, without pulling the starter off?

There are two posts on the solenoid. One will be hot all the time. When you turn the key, the solenoid will click, and the second post will become hot. Use a test light for this. Also test the post on the starter. If you are getting 12v at the starter when the key is turned to start, then the starter is shot.

Don

[wanna ride]

Rechecked the battery again , it was down to 8 volts, I got my marine battery for a boost and it started right up. Looks like the 1 yr old battery has a dead cell or two. Good thing I got the WG for backup.
Thanks guys for insite.