Starter solenoid clicking from time to time

[mihkels]

I've got a weird problem that appears quite randomly on my '94 GS500.

Usually the bike works perfectly, but sometimes  when pressing the starter button, the starter solenoid only clicks and doesn't crank the engine. I then have to move the bike in netural for about a meter and the starter works perfectly after that. It's as if it's in wrong position when the clicking happens.

I guess that this isn't normal? If so, then does anyone have any ideas on how to fix it?

Thanks!

[peteGS]

There's three possibilities I can think of.

1 - Starter solenoid is on the way. Probably unlikely if moving the bike reliably fixes it but easiest to test. I'm not sure how they're configured on the 500's but on my 450 you can put a screwdriver across the two terminals to short it and if that fires the starter, it's likely the solenoid is at fault.

2 - Starter motor brushes are worn. Need to remove/dismantle the starter to check this. Fairly simple replacement.

3 - One or more stationary magnets in the starter motor have become dislodged. I had this on my 450, two magnets were no longer stationary. Fixed it by cleaning the inside of the housing completely, must be spotless. Then JB weld the two magnets in place. You will need to put something non-ferrous between them to hold them in position and stop the magnetic forces pulling them out of position. Those are some strong magnets!

Of course there are other possibilities but these are all I can think of right now.