bad starter relay?

[jiggersplat]

i have an odd problem.  i suspect the starter relay.  someone tell me i'm right.  here are the symptoms:

bike doesn't start

i hear the relay click so that tells me all the safety switches (clutch/neutral/sidestand) are working correctly.

if i jumper the starter directly to the battery, the starter cranks

starter relay, yes?

[Kerry]

I'm pretty sure you're right, but just to check....did you go through the photo-laden post in the bike won't start!!! thread?  It walks through a fairly conclusive starter relay testing method from the Clymer manual.

[vroomvroomvroom]

Mine does a similar thing from time to time.  Especially when the engine is hot.  I will go to start it and just get a repeated click from the starter.  I then rock the engine back or forth a little in gear and she starts right up.  I am not sure if it is an electrical issue inside the starter or what.  All I know is that it has been doing this on and off for a few years now and it starts every time I move the engine a little by pushing in gear.  

If you are having the same problem I am, it is not the relay.  But, most likely the contacts inside the starter.

So, next time you experience it.  Give her a push in gear and try again.  If it starts, then you know it is not the relay (well most likely not).