Not starting

I bought a new starter solenoid because the old one wasn't working, and tried to start it but nothing happened. All I heard was a little click in near the TCI and Fuse box. However, when I had the old solenoid in I could make the engine turn over by putting the positive battery cable onto where the red wire attaches to the solenoid, pretty much hotwiring it? Now that doesn't even work.

I do have aftermarket clip-ons and I heard that the starter is grounded through the bars, but it still should be able to turn over when I try to start it without the keys.

Note that my ignition coils dont work and there is no spark to the plugs, but the engine will still turnover. could this be a problem with the TCI or fuse box? Or is it something bigger?

Thanks,
Jakub

 

If the starter doesn't turn when you put a negative jumper cable to the crankcase and a positive jumper cable to the contact under the rubber boot on the side of the starter, then the starter is bad or (if there are sparks and it tries to move) then the engine is blocked/frozen.

Figure that part out, then we can talk about safety interlocks, TCI's, and such.

 

I took it apart to check the brushes and they are fine. I tested the starter and it wouldnt turn. But a couple weeks ago the engine turned over fine and now it doesnt even do that and the only thing i replaced was the starter solenoid and the handlebars.

 

Brushes are fine... what length are you reading? Did you ohm out the commutator segments?
Starter won't turn off of the bike could be the commutator shorted or needing to be cleaned off.
I've also recently seen a planetary gear set so worn that they would jam. You need to test all of the parts, measure everything and we'll go from there.

 

Brushes are 11.5mm, and the commutator gives out a reading of 2.9-3.0 ohms for all the segments.

 

I'm not clear on whether you tried directly applying power to the starter as I suggested in my previous post? Did you?

If you did and it did not turn or try to turn, then your starter is bad and will need to be repaired or replaced before you can make any further tests.

 

I'm with SQL, jump the starter out of the bike or in it but disconnected from the electrical system and jump it. If it works, your problem is elsewhere, if it doesn't work, you need to rebuild the starter.
Your brush length sounds ok but I dont' have my book handy to check the commutator specs. I'll let you know when I find my book.

 

Found my Haynes, it says 0.014 ohms between segments is correct. Hmmm.... 2~3 ohms you read... do you recall what your meter reads when you touch to two leads together? If it is 2~3 ohms then you are seeing the test lead resistance and your commutator is ok. If not, your resistances are too high. You might want to clean them up (WARNING: DO NOT USE SANDPAPER!!) using a pink pencil eraser or glass paper (not sure what that is, I've never seen it).

 

Thank you for the help, however I decided that I'm going to part it out and buy a newer motorcycle which will already be running.

Thanks,
Jakub

 

Sorry to hear that, saw the thread in the For Sale forum.
Sigh, can't win them all...
Good luck with your future endevours!